Mental Health Conditions: Definitions & Key Symptoms
Depression (Major Depressive Disorder):
A mood disorder involving persistent sadness, loss of interest, and changes in thinking, energy, and functioning. Symptoms must last at least two weeks and impair daily life.
Common Symptoms:
Persistent sadness, emptiness, or tearfulness
Loss of interest in activities
Fatigue or low energy
Sleep changes (insomnia or oversleeping)
Appetite or weight changes
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Thoughts of death or suicide
Anxiety Disorders
- A group of conditions involving excessive fear, worry, or nervousness that is difficult to control and interferes with daily functioning.
- Common Symptoms:
- Restlessness, tension, or feeling “on edge”
- Excessive worry that is hard to control
- Rapid heart rate
- Shortness of breath or hyperventilation
- Trouble concentrating
- Sleep disturbance
- Avoidance of anxiety-triggering situations
Panic Attacks/Panic Disorder
- A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear with severe physical symptoms.
- Symptoms (peak within minutes):
- Sense of impending doom or danger
- Rapid, pounding heart
- Sweating, trembling
- Shortness of breath or choking sensation
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or faintness
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Numbness or tingling
- Feelings of detachment from reality (derealization/depersonalization)
Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
- A chronic condition involving compulsive use of a substance despite harmful consequences. Includes alcohol, opioids, stimulants, cannabis, and others.
- Core Symptoms:
- Using more than intended
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down
- Cravings
- Failure to meet responsibilities
- Continued use despite problems
- Giving up activities because of use
- Using in risky situations
- Tolerance (needing more for the same effect)
- Withdrawal symptoms when stopping
Bipolar Disorders
- Bipolar I Disorder
- A mood disorder defined by at least one full manic episode, which may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or depressive episodes.
- Manic Episode Symptoms:
- Abnormally elevated or irritable mood
- Increased energy or activity
- Decreased need for sleep
- Rapid or pressured speech
- Racing thoughts
- Impulsivity or poor judgment
- Grandiosity
- Possible psychosis (hallucinations or delusions)
- Possible psychosis (hallucinations or delusions)
- Bipolar II Disorder
- A mood disorder involving at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode, without any full manic episodes.
- Hypomanic Episode Symptoms:
- Elevated or irritable mood
- Increased energy
- Decreased need for sleep
- Increased talkativeness
- Increased productivity or goal-directed activity
- Impulsivity