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Mental Health Diagnosis A mental health diagnosis is a way of classifying a person's symptoms and their impact on daily life. The diagnostic manual used by professionals is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), provides criteria for determining symptoms, feelings and behaviors that have to be present for a certain period of time to qualify for a diagnosis. Signs and symptoms If you or someone else you know is showing symptoms of mental illness, it is important to consult an expert as soon as possible. Behavioral disorders can affect the way people feel and think, as well as how they behave. This can make it difficult to function at work or home. Early treatment can help reduce symptoms and decrease the chance of developing long-term issues. If symptoms are severe, they may disrupt normal life functions and result in serious harm. Signs of trouble include abrupt or extreme changes in sleep, appetite or energy levels; mood swings that range from depression to irritable; withdrawal from social activities and withdrawal; lack of interest in activities that were previously enjoyable; difficulty thinking; and a failure to complete simple tasks, such as remembering or focus. The symptoms of mental illness can differ depending on the individual and the diagnosis. Depression and anxiety are the most common disorders, however bipolar disorder as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and personality disorders also exist. If you suffer from one or more of these conditions and are at risk of harming yourself or others, seek immediate assistance. In addition to the physical exam your doctor or health care provider will ask you about your symptoms and how they impact on your daily activities. They'll also check for physical conditions which could trigger the same symptoms, like thyroid disease, alcohol or substance abuse. You may be asked to complete questionnaires or other forms in order to explain your symptoms. Many mental illnesses originate from biological causes, such as changes and imbalances in brain chemical balance. They are caused by neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that allow the body and brain to communicate are not functioning correctly. The environment, for instance trauma and exposure to chemicals or drugs during pregnancy, could be a factor. Behavioral therapy can improve or treat mental health issues. These treatments include talk therapy, group or family therapy and support groups. Certain individuals who require more intensive treatment may benefit from residential programs that provide days or nighttime sessions. Mental health problems aren't curable but treatment can reduce or eliminate the symptoms and increase the capacity of an individual to function. Diagnosis A diagnosis of mental illness is often an emotional experience. It can also be a relief to put a name on something that has been bothering you. It will aid you and your doctor to determine what treatment may be beneficial. Even though they may have severe symptoms, many people with mental illnesses are able to lead normal lives. Some individuals require more intense treatment like hospitalization and medications. In the United States, a person is considered to be suffering from serious mental illness (SMI) when they exhibit symptoms that substantially interfere with one or more of their major activities and are not easily controlled with medications. This definition is based upon several factors, such as how much the disorder impacts everyday life. The majority of mental health issues don't have physical symptoms however, they may influence your thoughts, emotions and behaviour. The symptoms can be temporary, or they may last for a long duration. Some mental diseases can be treated using psychotherapy, which involves speaking with a therapist or counselor. There are many kinds of psychotherapy, but the most commonly used is called cognitive behavioral therapy. This kind of therapy assists you to change your thought process and behavior, which could reduce symptoms. Other treatments include dialectic behavior therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy, that focus on your relationships. Psychoanalysis is a form of psychotherapy that addresses the psychological issues and defenses. Alternative therapies like massage, yoga, and meditation can help with certain mental health issues. Talk to assessing mental health before taking supplements or herbal remedies. They can interfere with certain medications. The use of brain stimulation therapies, such as electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation can also help improve certain mental health issues. These treatments help change the way nerves and cells in your brain process chemicals and improve their performance. There is no way to avoid the majority of mental health problems. However, you can take steps to protect yourself by staying away from things that make you feel uncomfortable and adopting healthy habits like getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. You can aid someone you love who suffers from mental illness by encouraging them to adhere to their treatment plan, and by being there for them when they require you. Treatment Mental health issues can be treated in a variety of ways. These include medication, talk therapy and other techniques. Some methods work better than others for a specific group of people. It may take a while to find what works best for you. The first step is to get an appointment with a mental health professional. They will interview you, use questionnaires and assess your symptoms. They will also look at the effects of your symptoms on your life. If your doctor thinks that you are suffering from a mental disorder they will refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist. Psychologists, psychiatrists and psychiatrists are specially trained to treat mental illness. They can diagnose mental illnesses using the diagnostic manual of the American Psychiatric Association. Psychologists and psychiatrists are licensed to practice in your state and have been through a rigorous training process. Although there isn't a single root of mental illness experts have identified a few factors that increase your chances of developing an illness. These include your genes (your family history of mental illness), stressful life events, trauma or abuse and some aspects of culture or society. Most likely, you will be treated using psychological methods that are commonly referred to as talking therapies. These therapies can be utilized individually or in groups. They are designed to help people understand their emotions and change their behavior and thoughts. These treatments can lessen the anxiety caused by your symptoms and even reduce the symptoms themselves. They can be performed in the community or in the hospital setting. Some examples of psychological treatments include cognitive behavioural therapies, eye movement desensitization, and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) as well as mindfulness, interpersonal and group therapy. Some people need more intensive treatment than others. For instance, people suffering from severe depression or bipolar disorder may need to be admitted to a psychiatric facility for longer-term care. It can be scary to think about this, but you should remember that it will be an environment that is safe and where the treatment is tailored to your specific needs. A diagnosis of mental illness can be challenging for the person living with it, their friends and family. It is important to remember there are steps you can take to manage your illness and live a full, fulfilling life regardless of your mental illness. Prevention Like physical ailments mental disorders can have a variety of causes. Both genetics and the environment can play a role. Traumatic life events, basic brain circuits, and processes all play a part. Many people suffering from mental illness don't seek help, despite the fact that there is effective prevention and treatments. Some people aren't able to access care and suffer from stigma and discrimination. Psychiatry is the medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of emotional, behavioral and mental disorders. Psychiatrists have completed medical training and are educated in the assessment of mental disorders. They are able to evaluate and prescribe psychological and laboratory tests, speak with patients and review the history of their families to get an entire picture of the patient's mental health. They can also identify mental disorders by using the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychological Association. Preventive psychiatry aims to improve health, decrease the risk of developing mental health problems, and treat mental illness among those who already suffer from the disease. Its strategies fall into three categories: universal preventive targeted and indicated. Universal preventive interventions target the entire population without specific risk factors, such as vaccines for infants and prenatal care. Preventive interventions that are selective are targeted at those who have an increased risk of developing mental illness, such as those with an ancestry of psychiatric disorders or substance use disorder. The prevention that is indicated is targeted to those who are identified as being at risk of developing a particular mental disorder, like depression or suicide. Think about having an open and honest discussion about the symptoms of someone you know who is suffering from mental illness. You might not be able to make them seek professional assistance, but you can provide encouragement and help. If you are concerned that your loved one has attempted self-harm, dial 911 or go to the emergency room immediately. Helping them be aware of the condition and the ways to treat it is a crucial step. You can also help your loved ones to attend a support group or locate a qualified therapist. Making sure you have a clear diagnosis is the first step to better mental health.