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Mental Disorders
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Mental Health Behavior

Mental Disorders

Mental disorders affect thinking, feeling, mood, and behavior, and can range from brief episodes to chronic conditions that impact daily functioning.

Overview

What are mental disorders?

Mental disorders (or mental illnesses) are conditions that affect your thinking, feeling, mood, and behavior. They may happen over a short period of time or come and go. Some can be chronic (long‑lasting). They can affect your ability to relate to others and function each day.

Types of Mental Disorders

What are some types of mental disorders?

There are many different types of mental disorders. Some common ones include:

  • Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive‑compulsive disorder, and phobias
  • Depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • Post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia

Causes & Risk Factors

What causes mental disorders?

There is no single cause for mental illness. A number of factors can contribute to risk for mental illness, such as:

  • Your genes and family history
  • Your life experiences, such as stress or a history of abuse, especially if they happen in childhood
  • Biological factors such as chemical imbalances in the brain
  • A traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Prenatal (before birth) exposure to viruses, toxic chemicals, or other substances such as alcohol and drugs.
  • Use of alcohol or recreational drugs
  • Having a serious medical condition like cancer
  • Having few friends, and feeling lonely or isolated

Mental disorders are not caused by character flaws. They have nothing to do with being lazy or weak.

Risk Population

Who is at risk for mental disorders?

Mental disorders are common. Many Americans will be diagnosed with a mental disorder at some time in their life.

Diagnosis

How are mental disorders diagnosed?

The steps to getting a diagnosis include:

  • A medical history
  • A physical exam and possibly lab tests, if your provider thinks that other medical conditions could be causing your symptoms
  • A psychological evaluation. You will answer questions about your thinking, feelings, and behaviors.

Treatment & Management

What are the treatments for mental disorders?

Treatment depends on which mental disorder you have and how serious it is. You and your provider will work on a treatment plan just for you. It usually involves some type of therapy. You may also take medicines. Some people also need social support and education on managing their condition.

In some cases, you may need more intensive treatment. You may need to go to a psychiatric hospital. This could be because your mental illness is severe, or because you are at risk of hurting yourself or someone else. In the hospital, you will get counseling, group discussions, and activities with mental health professionals and other patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

In many jurisdictions, including the United States, federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) protect individuals from discrimination based on mental health conditions in employment and insurance contexts. Employers generally cannot ask about medical history during the hiring process, and insurers cannot deny coverage solely due to a mental health diagnosis. However, specific policies vary by location and provider, so it is advisable to consult with a legal or medical professional for guidance on your specific situation.
Most psychiatric medications, such as SSRIs for depression or anxiety, do not provide immediate relief. It often takes two to four weeks to notice initial improvements, and up to eight weeks to see the full therapeutic effect. It is crucial to continue taking the medication as prescribed during this waiting period and to communicate any lack of progress or side effects to your prescriber, who may adjust the dosage or switch medications if necessary.
Yes, many individuals with mental disorders maintain high levels of functioning, a concept often referred to as "high-functioning" mental illness. Symptoms may be managed effectively through therapy, medication, or coping strategies, allowing the person to meet professional and social obligations. However, this does not mean the condition is not serious; the internal distress or effort required to maintain this appearance can be significant, and seeking treatment is still important to prevent future deterioration.
Emergency care is needed if you or someone else experiences thoughts of suicide or self-harm, sudden and severe withdrawal from social activities, inability to perform basic daily tasks like eating or bathing, or acute psychotic symptoms such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there. In these situations, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately, as these signs indicate a risk of serious harm that requires immediate professional intervention.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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