1.1 Describe the following types of mental ill health according to the psychiatric (DSM/ICD) classification system: • mood disorders, • personality disorders, • anxiety disorders, • psychotic disorders, • substance-related disorders, • eating disorders, • cognitive disorders

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Describe the following types of mental ill health according to the psychiatric (DSM/ICD) classification system: • mood disorders, • personality disorders, • anxiety disorders, • psychotic disorders, • substance-related disorders, • eating disorders, • cognitive disorders.

Understanding different types of mental ill health is essential for those working in care settings. The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and ICD (International Classification of Diseases) systems help define these conditions.

Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are characterised by disturbances in a person’s mood, affecting their daily activities and interactions.

Depression

• Symptoms: Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
• Impact: Can lead to challenges in performing daily tasks.

Bipolar Disorder

• Symptoms: Episodes of depression and mania, including high energy levels, reduced need for sleep, and impulsive behaviour.
• Impact: The mood swings can disrupt personal and professional life.

Personality Disorders

These affect how a person thinks, perceives, and relates to others.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

• Symptoms: Intense emotions, fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, and impulsive acts.
• Impact: Can make building and maintaining relationships difficult.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

• Symptoms: Disregard for others’ rights, deceit, irritability, and lack of remorse.
• Impact: Often leads to conflicts with legal and social norms.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders involve excessive fear or worry.

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

• Symptoms: Persistent and excessive worry, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating.
• Impact: Affects the person’s ability to perform everyday activities.

Panic Disorder

• Symptoms: Recurrent panic attacks, intense fear, palpitations, sweating, and trembling.
• Impact: Avoidance of certain situations due to fear of future attacks.

Psychotic Disorders

These disorders involve distorted thinking and awareness.

Schizophrenia

• Symptoms: Hallucinations, delusions, disorganised thinking, and lack of emotion.
• Impact: Can affect how one functions in daily life, from work to personal care.

Delusional Disorder

• Symptoms: Strong belief in things that are not real or true, without hallucinations.
• Impact: Beliefs can interfere with personal relationships or work.

Substance-Related Disorders

Substance use disorders involve the harmful use of substances such as drugs or alcohol.

Alcohol Use Disorder

• Symptoms: Inability to control alcohol consumption, craving, and withdrawal symptoms.
• Impact: Leads to health problems and can affect social and occupational functioning.

Drug Use Disorder

• Symptoms: Compulsive use of drugs, neglect of duties, legal issues related to substances.
• Impact: Similar impacts to alcohol use disorder but may vary based on the substance.

Eating Disorders

These disorders involve abnormal eating habits that negatively impact health.

Anorexia Nervosa

• Symptoms: Extreme restriction of food, intense fear of gaining weight, distorted body image.
• Impact: Serious health effects due to malnutrition and weight loss.

Bulimia Nervosa

• Symptoms: Binge eating followed by purging, such as vomiting, leading to feelings of shame.
• Impact: Affects physical health including digestive issues and electrolyte imbalances.

Cognitive Disorders

Cognitive disorders affect memory, learning, and problem-solving skills.

Dementia

• Symptoms: Memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with communication and thinking.
• Impact: Often progressive, affecting ability to perform daily functions.

Alzheimer’s Disease

• Symptoms: A type of dementia that includes memory decline and cognitive deterioration.
• Impact: Leads to significant impairments in daily life and requires increasing care.

Final Thoughts

Understanding these classifications can help you recognise the signs and needs of individuals experiencing mental ill health. Recognising symptoms early can lead to timely support and improved outcomes. Working in a care setting requires awareness of these disorders to provide empathetic and effective care.