Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is a developmental disorder noted by one or more of the following symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While everyone will have these behaviors from time to time, people with ADHD experience these behaviors frequently and in various situations. This condition can cause problems in daily life, such as at school, work, or home. ADHD is one of the most common disorders diagnosed in children and can continue into teen years and adulthood.
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According to NIMH, “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave”. In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association reclassified the following conditions as part of the autistic spectrum: autistic disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental order. Autism is considered a spectrum because people with autism experience a wide range of symptoms to various degrees, including social communication differences, restrictive or repetitive behaviors, or sensory differences.
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Bipolar Disorder, formerly called manic-depressive illness, is a mental illness that causes shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and activity levels. While everyone experiences ‘ups and downs’, people with bipolar disorder experience periods of manic episodes consisting of extremely elated, irritated, or energized behavior, and depressive episodes consisting of very sad, indifferent, or hopeless behavior.
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Depression, also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is different than feeling sad or low. According to NIMH, depression “can cause severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working.” This condition can affect anyone regardless of age, race, gender, and so on.
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An eating disorder is marked by extremes. It is present when a person experiences severe disturbances in eating behavior, such as extreme reduction of food intake or overeating, or feelings of extreme distress or concern about body weight or shape. Anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder (BED), are different examples of eating disorders.
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions), repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both. Repetitive behaviors, such as handwashing, counting, checking, or cleaning, are often performed to ease stress, and can increase anxiety if not performed. These behaviors provide only temporary relief and can have a negative impact on day-to-day life. OCD symptoms can develop at any time, but usually emerge between late childhood and young adulthood.
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Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress. These episodes can happen without warning, without a known fear or ‘trigger’.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical or emotional harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, and military combat. While many people may have trauma from these events, people with PTSD have symptoms that last for an extended period and negatively impact their daily life. They may feel stressed or fear for their life even after the danger has passed.
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Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that impacts how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It may result in hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. According to NIMH, “people with schizophrenia may seem as though they have lost touch with reality,” which can be distressing to them and their loved ones. Diagnosis often happens between the ages of 16 and 30, after an episode of psychosis.
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According to NIMH, social anxiety disorder is a condition characterized by “symptoms of anxiety or fear in situations where they may be scrutinized, evaluated, or judged by others”. These situations include speaking in public, dating, asking for help, talking to cashiers, eating in public, or using a public restroom. People with this condition may feel dread in the weeks of an upcoming event or avoid social interactions. While anyone may feel nervous about public speaking or social interactions, feelings of fear and anxiety can impact the day-to-day life of someone with social anxiety. Social anxiety disorder may appear as extreme shyness or avoidance during childhood and adolescence and can continue into adulthood.
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