by Lee Skavydis

Created on: November 07, 2010

When people think of mental illness, they typically think of disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar.

But what many people fail to remember, or are not informed, is that common illnesses such as depression are also classed as "mental disorders".

Taking into account that symptoms of mental illnesses really depend on the type of disorder, they will vary.

Some signs do stick out more than others, such as becoming reclusive, not socializing and having trouble focusing on simple tasks.

If a person is easily irritated, angered or even anxious and afraid, these are signs to be taken seriously!

It can be difficult to persuade a person to get help, and there really is not much you can do for them unless they pose a risk to themselves or others, in which case you should contact the mental health authorities.

Signs of psychosis, which is a term to describe a person that has, in a sense, lost touch with reality, are hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and a person who has a kind of psychosis may display manic behavior, in which they may act very energetically and enthusiastically for a period of time.

They may also take part in dangerous activities that risk their lives or financial status and spend little time resting.

Mental disorders associated with psychosis can be:

Clinical depression

Schizophrenia

Bipolar Disorder

A schizophrenic sufferer may believe that their thoughts are coming from outside sources and are directly communicating to them. They could start to think that broadcasts on a radio or television are giving them specific messages.

People who have psychosis will probably display a good deal of confusion and paranoia, especially if they are having such delusions, and may become very afraid of them, confining themselves to a certain place almost on a permanent basis, checking their surroundings for any kind of "device" that is "tracking" them, etc.

Eventually, they may start to believe their delusions.

Depression may involve the person suffering a loss of joy in activities they once were enthusiastic about, show signs of weight loss due to not eating properly, loss of usual energy and may have trouble motivating themselves to do simple tasks.

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is quite common among children and is genetic, often affecting their siblings, too!

A child with ADHD may be hyperactive in their behaviour and they may not pay attention to even the most simplest of things.

Symptoms can include restlessness, talking more than usual, distracted easily and difficulty in following instructions.

ADHD affects, approximately, five percent of children worldwide and it is known for symptoms to continue into adulthood.

Males are more affected than females

Whatever suspicious symptoms a person displays of mental disorders, it is important that a diagnosis is made as soon as possible so the sufferer can start to make their way to recovery or adjust their lives to accommodate their illness so they can live as normal lives as possible!

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