OVERVIEW

What does mental disorder mean?

A mental disorder, also known as a psychiatric disorder, refers to abnormal and detrimental symptoms from both psychological and social perspectives, namely:

• Significant dysfunction in an individual's cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior from a psychological standpoint;
• Manifestations of emotional distress and substantial impairment in social, occupational/educational, or other important areas of functioning;
• These symptoms cannot be well explained by sociocultural factors.

Are there many people with mental disorders?

Not many.

Large-scale epidemiological surveys in China indicate that the 12-month prevalence of mental disorders among Chinese individuals is 9.3%, while the lifetime prevalence of any mental disorder is 16.6%.

What types of mental disorders are there?

Mental disorders can be classified into the following 21 major categories:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
• Bipolar and related disorders, such as bipolar affective disorder and cyclothymic disorder.
• Depressive disorders, such as major depressive disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
• Anxiety disorders, such as separation anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
• Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), hoarding disorder, and body dysmorphic disorder.
• Trauma- and stressor-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and adjustment disorder.
• Dissociative disorders, such as dissociative identity disorder and depersonalization/derealization disorder.
• Somatic symptom and related disorders, such as somatic symptom disorder and illness anxiety disorder.
• Feeding and eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
• Elimination disorders, such as enuresis and encopresis.
• Sleep-wake disorders, such as insomnia disorder and hypersomnolence disorder.
• Sexual dysfunctions, such as delayed ejaculation, erectile disorder, and female orgasmic disorder.
• Gender dysphoria.
• Disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder, kleptomania, and pyromania.
• Substance-related and addictive disorders, such as substance use disorder and alcohol use disorder.
• Neurocognitive disorders, such as delirium and mild neurocognitive disorder.
• Personality disorders, such as paranoid personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder.
• Paraphilic disorders, such as voyeuristic disorder, exhibitionistic disorder, pedophilic disorder, and transvestic disorder.
• Other mental disorders.
• Medication-induced movement disorders and other adverse effects.

SYMPTOMS

What symptoms may occur with psychological disorders?

According to disease classification standards, symptoms of psychological disorders can generally be divided into the following four categories:

• Neurotic psychological conflicts, such as compulsions and anxiety.
• Psychotic symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations, significant psychomotor agitation (e.g., rapid speech and reduced sleep in mania) or retardation (e.g., slow speech and sluggish movement in depressive states), purposeless or meaningless behavior (e.g., aimless wandering), and markedly incomprehensible speech disorganization.
• Deficiency-based and irreversible symptoms, such as dementia and severe memory impairment.
• Characteristics of personality disorders, such as excessive suspicion or jealousy, overemphasis on others' evaluations, etc.
  Additionally, symptoms that do not fit the above categories may be classified as:
• Uncertain symptoms, including hysteria, transient psychomotor agitation, and other atypical or mild psychiatric symptoms.
  When symptoms do not meet the criteria for psychiatric symptoms but still cause psychological distress, they are classified as:
• Psychophysiological disorders, such as eating disorders, sleep disorders, sexual dysfunction, etc.

CAUSES

What Causes Psychological Disorders?

There is no single answer. It is generally believed to result from a combination of social, biological, behavioral, and emotional-cognitive factors.

• Social Influences: Includes the impact of sociocultural factors, interpersonal relationships, family upbringing, and more. For example, studies show that healthy relationships can protect individuals from various psychological disorders, such as substance abuse and depression.
• Biological Influences: Includes genetic predisposition and acquired physiological changes. For instance, individuals with close relatives diagnosed with schizophrenia are more likely to develop psychological disorders. Additionally, the risk of dementia increases with age.
• Behavioral Influences: Refers to learned conditioned responses affecting the individual. A classic example is "learned helplessness," where repeated failure leads to giving up, potentially resulting in depression.
• Emotional and Cognitive Influences: Emotional reactions affect neural activity, while cognition interacts with emotions, creating a vicious cycle. For example, excessive worry about failing an exam increases anxiety, which in turn intensifies the worry. Both contribute to the development of psychological disorders.

Are Psychological Disorders Hereditary?

Possibly.

Many psychological disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, have been linked to genetic factors. However, genetics alone do not determine whether someone develops a disorder. A supportive upbringing, strong social networks, and a resilient personality can reduce the risk.

DIAGNOSIS

How is the severity of psychological disorders determined?

It is primarily assessed based on the individual's subjective level of distress and the degree of impairment in social functioning.

• Subjective distress refers to the level of psychological suffering perceived by the individual—the higher the distress, the more severe the symptom. For example, individuals with mild depression experience lower levels of subjective distress compared to those with severe depression.
  Subjective distress is often closely related to the frequency, intensity, and duration of symptoms, as well as whether the behavior causes distress to others. For instance, individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often seek treatment due to frequent handwashing, repetitive checking, or behaviors that others find intolerable.
• Impairment in social functioning refers to the inability to carry out daily life, work/study, or interpersonal relationships normally—the greater the impairment, the more severe the disorder. For example, individuals with severe depressive disorder may experience symptoms like auditory hallucinations, psychomotor retardation, or difficulty speaking, severely affecting all aspects of daily life.

Are psychological disorders the same as psychological distress?

No. Psychological disorders represent severe psychological distress. When psychological distress leads to significant abnormal and detrimental symptoms that meet diagnostic criteria, it is considered a psychological disorder.

For example, everyone experiences sadness occasionally, but when this sadness persists and interferes with daily life, it may be diagnosed as a depressive disorder.

Are psychological disorders and mental disorders the same?

Yes. Both terms are translations of the English phrase "Mental Disorder."

TREATMENT

What are the treatment methods for psychological disorders?

There are three main categories: psychopharmacological treatment, physical therapy, and psychotherapy.

• Psychopharmacological treatment. As the name suggests, it involves the use of psychiatric medications, with common drugs primarily targeting neurotransmitters.
• Physical therapy, also known as non-pharmacological somatic treatment, mainly involves electrical stimulation of specific brain regions. Common methods include electroconvulsive therapy (without shock) and transcranial magnetic stimulation.
• Psychotherapy includes many approaches, which can be categorized by format into individual psychotherapy, couples and family therapy, and group therapy. Common treatment methods include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, and more.

Can psychological disorders be cured?

It depends.

Most psychological disorders can be cured, meaning they can be alleviated or eliminated to restore social functioning. However, some disorders, such as pedophilic disorder or voyeuristic disorder, still pose treatment challenges, with no effective methods currently available.

Can psychological disorders go untreated?

Generally not.

A diagnosis of a psychological disorder indicates significant psychological distress or severe impairment in social functioning. Without treatment, the condition may worsen, potentially leading to outcomes like suicide.

Is medication necessary for psychological disorders?

Not necessarily.

In addition to medication, physical therapies (e.g., electroconvulsive therapy) and psychotherapy are also common treatments. In fact, most psychological disorders are suitable for psychotherapy.

Can psychological disorders be self-managed?

Possible, but difficult.

Psychological disorders often arise from multiple factors, including stressful events (e.g., sudden breakup), emotional and cognitive patterns (e.g., perfectionism), social environmental influences (e.g., lack of effective interpersonal support), and physiological or genetic factors (e.g., family history of mental disorders).

When an individual develops a psychological disorder (as opposed to subclinical distress), it indicates significant psychological suffering or severe social dysfunction. At this stage, self-management is challenging due to limited personal capacity and the complexity of contributing factors. Therefore, seeking external support through family, hospitals, or psychological institutions is a more reliable approach.

DIET & LIFESTYLE

What are common psychological disorders?

According to hospital statistics, common psychological disorders mainly include the following 7 types:

• Depressive disorders;
• Anxiety disorders;
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD);
• Schizophrenia;
• Bipolar disorder;
• Insomnia disorders;
• Dementia.

Are psychological disorders illnesses?

Yes.

Psychological disorders are diseases related to mental health, involving defects or loss of control in individual psychological functioning, leading to psychological distress or functional impairment.

Are psychological disorders the same as everyday psychological issues?

No.

Psychological disorders refer to significant psychological problems that cause severe mental distress or social dysfunction. Everyday psychological issues may be manifestations of psychological disorders, such as the post-traumatic stress reaction of Xianglin Sao, who lost her son and eventually went mad and died.

However, many times, what we call psychological issues refer to individual personality or behavior that doesn't align with one's own understanding but is merely "normal oddities" in the general population, such as someone who is introverted but not abnormal.

Are women more prone to psychological disorders?

No.

There are many types of psychological disorders. Some disorders may have higher prevalence rates in women, such as bulimia nervosa and depression, while others are more common in men, such as voyeuristic disorder and substance use disorders. Many disorders show no significant gender difference in prevalence.

Are children more likely to develop psychological disorders?

Not necessarily.

On one hand, children are indeed more susceptible to certain psychological disorders, such as stuttering, conduct disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

On the other hand, for many other psychological disorders, children do not have higher prevalence rates than adults. While children are in a more vulnerable developmental stage, they also have better adaptability and growth potential.

What are common psychological disorders in children?

The most prevalent psychological disorders in children include the following 3 types:

• Conduct disorder;
• Depressive or anxiety disorders;
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Do older adults experience psychological disorders?

Yes.

Older adults may suffer from psychological disorders commonly associated with aging, such as neurocognitive disorders (commonly referred to as dementia), as well as other disorders like depressive disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia.

What are common psychological disorders in older adults?

Research shows that the most common psychological disorders in older adults are anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Additionally, neurocognitive disorders and insomnia disorders are also relatively common.

Do parental arguments increase the risk of psychological disorders in children?

Yes.

Studies indicate that childhood family environments significantly impact a child's current and future mental health. Parental conflicts can worsen family relationships, leading to feelings of neglect, self-blame, or helplessness in children.

Arguments not only affect a child's emotional state and daily functioning but may also lead to maladaptive emotional and behavioral patterns, such as poor emotional regulation, insecure attachment styles, or learned helplessness, increasing the risk of psychological disorders later in life.

Are more people experiencing psychological disorders now?

Yes.

Research shows that the incidence of psychological disorders has been increasing over time, with a notable rise following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. Additionally, studies find a positive correlation between psychological disorder prevalence and GDP per capita, meaning that as China's GDP grows, so does the rate of psychological disorders.

What should I do if a friend has a psychological disorder?

First, respect and protect your friend's privacy.

Second, depending on the severity of their condition, you can:

• If the disorder doesn't affect daily life, treat them normally.
• If it impacts their daily functioning but they haven't sought treatment, be understanding and encourage them to seek professional help.
• If they're already receiving treatment, support their progress and adapt to any emotional or behavioral changes.

Do people from unhappy families always develop psychological disorders?

Not necessarily.

Psychological disorders are influenced by multiple factors, including personal cognition, life experiences, and sociocultural environment. While unhappy family environments increase the risk, they don't guarantee disorders will develop.

Can my psychological disorder affect my children?

Possibly.

Genetically, disorders like schizophrenia, major depression, and OCD have hereditary components. Psychologically, parental disorders may influence parenting styles, such as overemphasis on cleanliness by parents with OCD or anxiety transmission by anxious parents.

However, proper treatment and therapy can mitigate these risks and provide a healthier upbringing.

Do overly obedient children develop more psychological disorders?

Possibly.

Excessive obedience may lead to maladaptive emotional expression or insecure attachment, increasing disorder risks. However, outcomes depend on multiple factors, including genetics and life experiences.

Why do I have a psychological disorder despite living well?

Mental health isn't solely determined by living conditions. Factors like personal cognition, social environment, and genetics also play roles. A good life meets basic needs but doesn't ensure psychological growth or resilience.

Is stuttering a physical or psychological disorder?

Both.

In children, stuttering may stem from neurological issues or childhood-onset fluency disorder. In adults, it's often linked to neurological or physical conditions.

Do all criminals have psychological disorders?

No.

Crimes may result from psychological abnormalities, but many are committed by individuals without disorders.

What should I do if I suspect a psychological disorder?

• Seek professional psychiatric evaluation.
• Pursue treatment (medication, therapy) if diagnosed.
• For milder issues, consider counseling or self-help.

How to cope with shame about having a psychological disorder?

• Identify specific fears (e.g., stigma, self-doubt).
• Challenge misconceptions with factual information.
• Gradually confide in trusted individuals.
• Accept your pace—disclosure isn't mandatory.

Are people with disorders mentally weak?

No.

Disorders arise from complex interactions of biology, environment, and psychology. Mental "strength" doesn't guarantee immunity and may even contribute to conditions like OCD or depression.

Do children from good families never develop disorders?

No.

While stable families reduce risks, genetics and external experiences also play significant roles.

Can psychological disorders be treated without medication?

Sometimes.

Mild cases may respond to therapy alone, but severe disorders (e.g., schizophrenia) typically require medication.

Will childhood disorders resolve untreated?

Unlikely.

Untreated disorders often worsen, causing lasting harm to development and increasing adult disorder risks. Early intervention is crucial for conditions like autism or intellectual disabilities.

Are psychological disorders just "bad moods"?

No.

They involve complex symptoms like perceptual disturbances, cognitive impairments, and physiological changes, not just emotional states.

PREVENTION

How to Prevent Psychological Disorders?

It can be approached from four aspects: physical, social, behavioral, emotional, and cognitive:

• Physically, maintain a balanced diet, regular routine, and frequent exercise to keep the body in a healthy and balanced state.
• Socially, build good interpersonal relationships and maintain communication and interaction with the social environment.
• Behaviorally, strive for a harmonious and healthy growth environment and quality education, cultivating well-adapted behavioral habits.
• Emotionally and cognitively, focus on expressing and managing emotions, while enhancing self-awareness and self-reflection.

How to Assess Whether You Have a Psychological Disorder?

The following methods can be used:

• Self-assessment. The main characteristics of psychological disorders are psychological distress and/or impaired social functioning. If your life is normal, with no psychological distress or issues in work/study, social interactions, etc., you likely do not have a psychological disorder and need not worry excessively.
• Psychological testing. Use systematic psychological assessment tools, such as intelligence tests (e.g., the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale), personality tests (e.g., the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory), projective tests (e.g., the Thematic Apperception Test), or self-report scales (e.g., the 90-item Symptom Checklist, SCL-90). Note that these tools cannot replace professional diagnosis.
• Professional diagnosis. Seek evaluation from a psychiatrist or psychologist for an accurate diagnosis.