Doc_B's definitions

Neurosis

A mild form of mental illness, in which subjective experiences of emotional distress are common but contact with reality has not been lost. Examples include anxiety disorders, depression and eating disorders. It is also called psychoneurosis.

Neurosis can in many ways be distinguished from the more severe psychotic mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and manic depression (bipolar).

by Doc_B April 14, 2015

Bipolar disorder

Also known as manic depression (dated), bipolar affective disorder is a severe, debilitating psychiatric illness characterised by alternating periods of elevated mood and energy levels (mania or, if milder, hypomania) and lowered mood and energy levels (depression). It runs on a continuum from subsyndrominal to extremely severe but is generally regarded as one of the more serious mental illnesses, esp. in its classic form (type I). During severe manic or depressive episodes (particularly the former), psychosis may emerge, often making it indistinguishable to schizophrenia. Often trivialised in popular culture and trivialised as "just mood swings", it is, in actual fact, one of the most severe psychological conditions and hell on Earth for those who genuinely suffer from this devastating disease, as well as for those around them.

Bipolar disorder is a cruel affliction.

by Doc_B April 13, 2015

Anxiety disorder

A type of mental illness in which anxiety is the main feature. Examples include panic disorder, specific phobias, agorophobia, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder.

He has an anxiety disorder.

by Doc_B April 14, 2015

Psychosis

A severe mental disturbance in which the individual loses touch with reality, often experiencing delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations (e.g., hearing voices that do not exist).

Mike's psychosis was triggered by smoking too much weed.

by Doc_B April 14, 2015

Mood disorder

A mood or affective disorder is a major type of mental illness in which emotions are significantly disturbed. Examples include clinical depression and the more severe bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a severe mood disorder that in its most extreme form has much more in common with schizophrenia than depression.

by Doc_B April 14, 2015

Insomnia

A common health problem characterised by difficulty in either falling or staying asleep. It can occur on its own (primary) or as a result of another medical disorder, such as depression (secondary).

Insomnia can be debilitating.

by Doc_B April 16, 2015

Schizophrenia

A severe and chronic mental disorder characterised by many serious psychological symptoms, not least psychosis (delusions, hallucinations, paranoia), fragmented thought processes, grossly disorganised speech and behaviour and social withdrawal.

He was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia upon being sectioned under the mental health act.

by Doc_B April 13, 2015