Which of the following is often called common cold of psychological disorders?

Now more than ever, mental illness is at the forefront of the public health discussion. Recent research shows that mental illness is more common—and much more severe—than previously believed. No longer are people being told to “toughen up” or “just don’t think about it.” Instead, they’re being treated with the same urgency and level of care that a physical injury would get. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 1 in every 5 Americans is currently living with a mental illness. 

Of those, the three most common diagnoses are anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These three conditions make up around 30 percent of all diagnoses of mental illness in America. While they share many of the same qualities, they’re also significantly different from one another.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are characterized by underlying feelings of extreme fear or worry. Contained within this group of conditions are generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety and other phobia-based anxieties. 

“The most common symptoms are usually the same across all types of anxiety disorders,” said Lauren Willis, EdS. LAC, LCADC, Inspira Health Program Supervisor of the Behavioral Health Addiction Resource Team. “These include difficulty concentrating due to excessive worrying, feeling weak and tired and having a prolonged sense of nervousness or fear.”

In order to diagnose any mental illness, a mental health professional will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5) to identify a specific type of anxiety disorder, and then work with the patient to begin forming a treatment plan. Common types of treatment include psychotherapy, medications and other complementary health approaches, which include various stress and relaxation techniques. 

Depression

One of the most misunderstood mental illnesses, depression affects over 17 million American adults every year. In the past, people with depression were sometimes written off as simply being sad or “in a rut;” however, scientists now understand that depressive episodes have much longer-lasting effects than simply having a poor day. 

To be diagnosed with depression, an individual must have experienced what doctors refer to as a “depressive episode” that lasts for more than two weeks. A depressive episode can be exhibited through feelings of hopelessness, a general lack of energy and thoughts of death and suicide. 

“For a small number of people, they may only experience one depressive episode over the course of their life,” said Willis.  “But for everyone else, there is a strong chance that these episodes will be recurring.”

Depression can be treated with therapy, medicine or a combination of both. Recent advancements in medicine and therapy techniques have made depression treatable to a very high degree, although there is still no cure. 

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder, most commonly known as PTSD, affects women at significantly higher rates than it does men. PTSD is caused by being exposed to trauma which is a treatable condition. There are effective regimens, and many people are able to successfully manage their symptoms. 

“The telltale symptoms of PTSD, however, are the same between both men and women,” said Willis. “These symptoms include experiencing vivid flashbacks of the traumatizing event, avoidance of situations or places that may remind the individual of the event or having trouble recalling the experience altogether.”

Symptoms of PTSD typically take around three months to surface after the triggering event occurs. According to the National Center for PTSD, between 7 and 8 percent of the population experiences PTSD at some point in their lives.

Inspira Health offers comprehensive behavioral health services for children, adolescents and adults, learn more. To make an appointment, call 1-800-INSPIRA or request an appointment online.

Millions of Americans live with mental health issues. Thankfully, the conversation is shifting from taboo to a more public and healthy approach. Mental health is defined as your psychological and emotional well-being. According to mentalhealth.gov, this can be affected by many biological factors such as genetics, brain chemistry; life experiences such as trauma and abuse; or a family history of mental health problems.

The National Alliance of Mental Health reports that one in five adults in America experiences a mental illness in their lifetime. Right now, nearly 10 million Americans are living with a serious mental disorder. The most common are anxiety disorders major depression and bipolar disorder.

Below is more information on these disorders and how ACCESS can help. Remember you are not alone, and medical experts are here to support you.

Anxiety disorders
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, this disorder is highly treatable, but only around 37 percent of those affected actually receive treatment. It is common to be diagnosed with both anxiety and depression. Symptoms can include excessive worrying, feeling agitated, restlessness, fatigue, tense muscles, difficulty sleeping, and panic attacks. A diagnosis for anxiety can only be made by a medical professional and includes a physical exam.

Major depressive disorder
Major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability for Americans aged 15 to 44. This disorder is more prevalent in women than men. include depressed mood, diminished interest or pleasure, change in weight, appetite and sleep patterns, fatigue, and a feeling of worthlessness. This can only be diagnosed with a consultation with a medical provider.

Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorders affect men and women equally. The median age for diagnosed bipolar disorder is around 25 years old, but it can develop later in life as well. Those who suffer from bipolar disorder experience manic episodes where their moods and behaviors are drastically different than normal. These changes can include unusual energy, activity or sleep patterns. Diagnosis for bipolar disorder may include a physical exam, a psychiatric evaluation, and charting of your mood over time.

How We Can Help

If you are experiencing problems that prevent you from feeling your best, or you are struggling with the effects of trauma, ACCESS medical and behavioral health providers can help. We treat depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions, as well as help patients dealing with trauma.  We can also help you identify those behaviors that are limiting you, build your confidence and support you in reaching your goals for overall health and wellness. 

What is the common cold of psychological disorders?

Which of the following is called the common cold of mental disorders quizlet?

Which of the following is the most commonly diagnosed psychological disorder in the United States?

Which of the following is the most prevalent psychological disorder in the general population?