Psychiatric disorder

Psychiatric disorder is a mental or behavioral pattern or anomaly that causes either suffering or an impaired ability to function in ordinary life (disability), and which is not developmentally or socially normative. Mental disorders are generally defined by a combination of how a person feels, acts, thinks or perceives. This may be associated with particular regions or functions of the brain or rest of the nervous system, often in a social context.

Classification

The classification of mental disorders is also known as psychiatric nosology or psychiatric taxonomy. It represents a key aspect of psychiatry and other mental health professions and is an important issue for people who may be diagnosed. There are currently two widely established systems for classifying mental disorders—International Classification of Diseases (ICD) by World Health Organization (WHO) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

Causes

The causes of mental disorders are often unclear. Theories may incorporate findings from a range of fields. Mental disorders are usually defined by a combination of how a person behaves, feels, perceives, or thinks.

Treatment

Treatment of mental disorders can involve a number of different therapies, including psychotherapy, psychiatric medication, case management, and other supports in the community, as well as peer support.

See also

• List of mental disorders
• Mental health
• Psychiatry

References

Psychiatric disorder Resources
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