13 Symptoms and warning signs of a psychological disorder

Psychological disorders, also known as mental health conditions or mental illnesses, may affect how someone thinks, feels, and behaves.

 

They may affect your thinking, emotions, and behavior, sometimes affecting your relationships and daily-life functioning. These disorders may be temporary or lifelong.

 

Mental illnesses are common. The National Alliance on Mental Illness evaluates that 1 in 5 adults in the United States go through a psychological disorder each year.

 

50% of psychological disorders begins by age 14, and 3/4 begin by age 24.

 

Symptoms of a psychological disorder may vary from one disorder to another. Although mental health conditions can be challenging to live with, they can be treated. Talk therapy, medications, and self-care strategies can all play a role in supporting people with psychological disorders to function better.

 

In this article, we will discuss 13 symptoms and warning signs of psychological disorder or mental illness.

What are the symptoms of a psychological disorder?

Some of these symptoms may not be caused by a serious problem. Some can even be a normal part of life. If they do not seem to be going away after about 2 weeks, it is necessary to seek help.

 

Behavioral signs of mental ill health

Behavioral signs of mental ill health may include:

 

Feeling worried or anxious

Most people get stressed or worried from time to time. Anxiety could be a sign of a psychological disorder if worry is constant and interferes with your day-to-day functioning. It leads someone to avoid some situations.

 

Physical symptoms of anxiety disorder may include headache, sweating, heart palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, restlessness,  trembling, feeling dizzy, or diarrhea.

 

Feeling unhappy or depressed

Feeling depressed commonly include feeling sad, numb or irritable, lacking in energy and motivation or being teary all the time. It also includes losing interest in activities once you enjoyed or in a hobby.

 

Emotional outbursts

Every person has different moods at different times, but dramatic and sudden changes in mood, like anger or extreme distress, can be a behavioral sign of mental ill health .

 

Sleep problems

Changes to sleep patterns of a person could be a symptom of a psychological disorder. This includes sleeping too much or insomnia. Some people usually sleep all day and stay awake all night.

 

Changes in weight or appetite

For some people, taking food more or less than usual, sudden weight gain or rapid weight loss can be a symptom of a psychiatric disorder.

 

Being withdrawn or more quiet than usual

Withdrawing from life, particularly if this is a major change from your  personality, could indicate a psychological disorder. If a loved one or a friend is isolating themselves and refusing to join social activities, he may need help.

 

Substance abuse

Using substances to manage, such as drugs or alcohol, can be a sign of psychological problems. Using substances also causes mental illness.

 

Feeling worthless or guilty

Thoughts like  ‘I’m worthless’,  ‘It’s my fault’, or ‘I’m a failure’, are all possible symptoms of a psychiatric disorder. Your loved one or friend may need help if they are often blaming or criticizing themselves for the things not in their control.

 

Suicidal thoughts

If someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts, this may be symptom of a psychological disorder.  With some psychological issues, a person can express a wish to kill or hurt himself. They may think about various ways to harm or die themselves . Some people also think about harming other people.

 

Feeling excessively high

Your friend or family member might seem overwhelmed, panicked, or extremely happy. They often spend large amounts of money that they are unable to afford or make impulsive decisions.

 

Neglect and performing less well

You sometimes notice that a relative or a friend seems less talented than they used to be. They might not be fulfilling their responsibilities or performing well at work or school. They might have stopped taking care of personal hygiene or caring about their appearance. They may have difficulty with focusing on a task or remembering things.

High risk behavior

If a friend or relative starts participating in risky activities — such as committing crime, substance abuse, unprotected sex, dangerous driving — this could indicate a psychological problem . Seek help straight away.

 

Strange or bizarre thoughts

A person might have a psychological problem if they think that:

• they have a extraordinary power

• another person is controlling their thoughts or actions

• people are out to get them (with no appropriate reason why this would be true)

• they may hear or things that others can’t

 

Physical symptoms of mental illness

Our minds and bodies are interlinked, so it is not surprising that poor mental health can affect your body in a negative way. Physical symptoms of mental illness such as depression may include fatigue, headaches, and digestive problems, and anxiety can cause an upset stomach.

 

Other symptoms can include restlessness, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating.

 

Sometimes symptoms of a psychological disorder may appear as physical problems, such as back pain, headaches, stomach pain, or other unexplained pains and aches.

 

Causes of Psychological Disorder

In general mental illnesses are thought to be caused by a number of genetic and environmental factors. Causes of psychological disorder may include:

 

Genetics

Mental health problems are more common in people whose relatives also have a mental illness. Some genes can increase your risk of developing a psychological issue, and your life circumstances may trigger it.

 

Environmental exposures before birth

Exposure to inflammatory conditions, environmental stressors, drugs or alcohol, toxins, while in the womb can sometimes be linked to a mental illness.

 

Brain chemistry

Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring chemicals in the brain that carry signals to other parts of the brain and body. When the neural networks involving neurotransmitters are impaired, function of the nerve system and nerve receptors change, which leads to depression and other emotional disorders.

 

Prevention of Mental Illness

There is no sure way for the prevention of mental illness. However, if you have a psychological disorder, taking steps to control stress, to boost low self-esteem and increase your resilience may help keep your symptoms under control. Following steps help to prevent mental illness:

 

Pay attention to warning signs

Work with your therapist or doctor to learn what may trigger your symptoms. Make a plan so that you better know what to do if some symptoms return. Contact your doctor if you notice any variations in symptoms or how you feel. Consider involving friends or family members to watch for warning signs.

 

Get routine medical care

Don’t skip visits or neglect checkups to your primary care provider, specifically if you are feeling down. You may be experiencing side effects of medicines or may face a health issue that needs to be treated .

 

Get help when you need it

Mental illness can be harder to treat if you wait til the symptoms get bad. Long-term treatment also helps prevent a lapse of symptoms.

 

Take good care of yourself

Healthy eating, good quality sleep, and regular physical activity are important. You should try to maintain a regular schedule. Talk to your primary healthcare provider if you face trouble sleeping or if you have questions about physical activity and diet.

 

Summary

Psychological disorders, which affect around 20% of people in the U.S., impact how you feel, think, and behave. They may make it difficult to function at work, home, or school.

 

But there are a lot of treatments to cure these disorders . Getting a diagnosis is the first step toward managing a mental health condition. Talk to your primary care provider if you or your child show any signs or symptoms of a psychological disorder.