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Psychiatric disorders

Synonyms

  • Adjustment disorder, agoraphobia, antipsychotics, anxiety, anxiety disorders, autism, behavioral therapy, body dysmorphic disorder, brain disease, brain disorder, CBT, conversion disorder, cognitive behavioral therapy, dissociative disorders, GAD, generalized anxiety disorder, identify disorder, Kanner's syndrome, neurological disease, neurological disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, OCD, mental illness, personality disorders, phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychiatric, psychiatrist, psychosocial treatment, psychotherapy, psychotic, psychosis, psychosomatic disorder, PTSD, SAD, schizophrenia, serotonin, social anxiety disorder, somatization disorder, somatoform disorder.

Background

  • Psychiatric disorders, also called psychological disorders, are illnesses of the brain that cause disruptions in a patient's thinking, feeling, moods, and ability to relate to others. Psychiatric disorders are classified into different groups, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, developmental disorders, somatoform disorders, dissociative disorders, personality disorders, and psychotic disorders.
  • Psychiatric disorders can occur in patients of all ages, genders, races, and ethnic backgrounds. The exact cause of psychiatric disorders remains unknown. Researchers believe a combination of factors, including genetics and environmental stimuli (such as traumatic events), may lead to the development of mental illnesses.
  • Although there are currently no cures for psychiatric illnesses, treatment, including psychotherapy and medications, may help manage symptoms and prevent relapses. Patients generally receive a combination of therapy and medications to treat their conditions.
  • Patients should take medications exactly as prescribed. This means patients should not change their dosages or stop taking their medications without first consulting their healthcare providers. Even though newer medications have fewer side effects and an increasing number of psychiatric patients are following their treatment plans, treatment adherence is still a problem among patients with psychiatric illnesses. Some patients, especially schizophrenics, may fail to take their medications because they do not believe they have a problem.
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Anxiety Disorders

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Mood Disorders

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Adjustment Disorders

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Developmental Disorders

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Somatoform Disorders

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Dissociative Disorders

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Personality Disorders

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Psychotic Disorders

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Complications

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Tips For Friends and Family Members

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Integrative Therapies

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Prevention

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Author Information

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Bibliography

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The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.