2.1 Identify disorders that impact on individuals

This guide will help you answer 2.1 Identify disorders that impact on individuals.

People in health and social care settings experience a wide range of disorders. These can affect physical health, mental wellbeing, or social functioning. Knowing about these conditions helps care workers to provide better support. It also makes daily interactions safer and more respectful.

A disorder is a disturbance of normal physical or mental health. It can impact how someone feels, thinks, and manages daily life. Some disorders are visible, like physical disabilities. Others, such as mental health conditions, might not be obvious but can have a deep effect.

In this guide, we will cover different types of disorders that you might encounter. Examples are provided for each main group. This will help you to identify these conditions and understand their impact.

Physical Disorders

Physical disorders are health problems that affect the body’s systems or organs. These can be present from birth or develop over time.

Examples of Physical Disorders

Diabetes
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that impacts how the body controls blood sugar levels. There are two main types: Type 1 and Type 2.

• Type 1 diabetes: Usually diagnosed in childhood. The immune system attacks insulin-making cells.
• Type 2 diabetes: Often linked to lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise.
  Effects: Frequent thirst, tiredness, slow healing wounds.

Asthma
Asthma is a condition affecting the airways in the lungs. Airways become inflamed and narrow.

• Triggers: Dust, pollen, exercise, cold air.
  Effects: Wheezing, coughing, breathlessness.

Arthritis
Arthritis affects joints in the body. The most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear on joints.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Immune system attacks joints.
  Effects: Pain, swelling, reduced movement.

Epilepsy
This is a neurological disorder marked by repeated seizures.

• Triggers: Flashing lights, stress, certain sounds.
  Effects: Loss of awareness, jerking movements, confusion.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS attacks the nerves in the brain and spinal cord.

• Symptoms: Muscle weakness, vision problems, difficulties with coordination.

Impact on Individuals

People living with physical disorders often experience:

• Pain or discomfort
• Less mobility
• Fatigue
• Need for medication or ongoing treatment
• Emotional stress

These conditions can make daily activities challenging. They may require help with personal care, moving around, or managing medication.

Mental Health Disorders

Mental health disorders affect thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. Many people experience these at some point. Some conditions last only a short time; others are ongoing.

Examples of Mental Health Disorders

Depression
Depression is more than feeling sad. It is a lasting low mood affecting everyday life.
Symptoms:

• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Difficulty sleeping
• Poor appetite or overeating
• Feeling hopeless

Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety is feeling worried or fearful. Anxiety disorders are when these feelings are constant or overwhelming.
Common types:

• Generalised anxiety disorder: Ongoing worry about different things.
• Panic disorder: Sudden attacks of intense fear.
  Symptoms:
• Racing heart
• Sweating
• Avoiding certain situations

Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia affects thinking and perception. People may see or hear things that aren’t real (hallucinations) or believe unusual things (delusions).
Effects:

• Confused thoughts
• Withdrawal from social contact
• Problems with daily living

Bipolar Disorder
This condition causes extreme mood swings, from deep depression to high energy (mania).
Effects:

• Disrupted relationships
• Difficulties at work
• Risky behaviour during manic phases

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD involves unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions), such as constant hand washing.

Impact on Individuals

Mental health disorders can affect:

• Relationships
• Ability to work or study
• Self-esteem
• Physical health (if self-care is neglected)
• Risk of self-harm or substance misuse

People may face stigma or feel isolated. Understanding brings empathy and helps provide the right support.

Learning Disabilities

A learning disability is a reduced ability to understand new or complex information and learn new skills. It starts before adulthood and lasts throughout life.

Examples of Learning Disabilities

Down’s Syndrome
A genetic condition causing learning difficulties, distinct physical features, and delayed development.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ASD affects social communication and behaviour. Symptoms vary widely. Some people may not speak at all. Others can communicate well but struggle with social cues.

Dyslexia
Dyslexia affects reading and writing skills. People with dyslexia may read slowly or mix up words and letters.

Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
Dyspraxia affects movement and coordination. Daily tasks like tying shoelaces or using cutlery can be difficult.

Impact on Individuals

People with learning disabilities may need support with:

• Understanding information
• Communication
• Developing life skills
• Accessing education and employment

Barriers include lack of accessible information or unsuitable environments. Providing patience and clear communication is key.

Sensory Impairments

Sensory impairments mean the loss or reduction of a sense, such as sight or hearing. These can be full (total loss) or partial (partial loss).

Examples of Sensory Impairments

Visual Impairment
This ranges from partial sight loss to total blindness.

Hearing Impairment
This can be mild, moderate, severe, or profound deafness.

Dual Sensory Loss (Deafblindness)
A combination of sight and hearing loss.

Impact on Individuals

Sensory impairments can make communication and daily tasks harder. People may struggle with:

• Reading labels or instructions
• Hearing alarms or conversations
• Moving safely around obstacles

Adaptations, such as braille, hearing aids, sign language, and specialist equipment, can make activities easier. It’s helpful to ask what support someone prefers.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

These are conditions that start in childhood. They affect brain development and influence how a person thinks, communicates, or behaves.

Examples of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD causes problems with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
Signs:

• Short attention span
• Fidgeting
• Acting without thinking

Tourette Syndrome
Characterised by tics, which are sudden movements or sounds made repeatedly.

Impact on Individuals

Neurodevelopmental disorders affect school, work, and relationships. People may need help to manage behaviour, control impulses, or keep to routines. Understanding and encouragement help build confidence.

Degenerative Disorders

Degenerative disorders worsen over time. They can affect the body, the brain, or both.

Examples of Degenerative Disorders

Alzheimer’s Disease
A common type of dementia that causes memory loss and confusion.

• Symptoms: Forgetting names, getting lost, repeating questions.

Parkinson’s Disease
A neurological disorder affecting movement.

• Symptoms: Tremors, stiff muscles, slow movement.

Motor Neurone Disease (MND)
This condition attacks nerves in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness and wasting.

Impact on Individuals

Degenerative disorders may cause:

• Memory issues
• Loss of physical function
• Difficulty communicating
• Increased dependence on carers

People can lose confidence and feel frustrated. Kindness and practical support are vital.

Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders involve the harmful use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances.

Examples of Substance Use Disorders

Alcohol Use Disorder
Dependence or addiction to alcohol.

Drug Use Disorder
Problems caused by using illegal or prescription drugs.

Impact on Individuals

Substance use can affect:

• Mental and physical health
• Relationships
• Housing or employment
• Legal issues

There may be stigma or shame. Supporting recovery with respect helps people regain control.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders involve unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and habits about food and body image.

Examples of Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa
Extreme restriction of food and low body weight.

Bulimia Nervosa
Periods of binge eating followed by purging (vomiting or using laxatives).

Binge Eating Disorder
Regularly eating large amounts of food in a short time.

Impact on Individuals

Eating disorders can cause:

• Physical problems (heart, kidney, digestion)
• Emotional distress
• Isolation

Recovery requires specialist support and understanding from carers.

Infectious Disorders

These are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Some are short-term; others become long-term conditions.

Examples of Infectious Disorders

HIV/AIDS
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) weakens the immune system. If not treated, it can develop into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Tuberculosis (TB)
A bacterial infection, mainly affecting the lungs.

Hepatitis B and C
Viral infections affecting the liver.

Impact on Individuals

These disorders can affect:

• Physical health
• Day-to-day activities
• Social relationships
• Access to work or support

Stigma can be a problem. Education and open communication reduce fear and encourage inclusion.

Autoimmune Disorders

In autoimmune disorders, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.

Examples of Autoimmune Disorders

Lupus
A long-term condition causing inflammation in joints, skin, and organs.

Coeliac Disease
An intolerance to gluten causes damage to the small intestine.

Impact on Individuals

Symptoms vary but often include:

• Pain
• Fatigue
• Swelling
• Digestive problems

Diet changes, medication, and ongoing care help manage symptoms.

Final Thoughts

Disorders can be physical, mental, developmental, sensory, or related to lifestyle and infection. Each disorder impacts people in its own way. Effects can include pain, reduced participation in normal activities, loneliness, or discrimination.

Having knowledge of these disorders helps you to:

• Recognise different conditions
• Provide appropriate care
• Communicate clearly and empathetically
• Offer practical solutions
• Support inclusion

Each individual is unique. Always listen and respect the wishes of the person you are supporting. A supportive environment encourages better health outcomes and a better quality of life.