Mental and behavioral disorders range in severity from mild to some of the most debilitating conditions a person can experience.As a consequence of this variability, it is difficult to devise a definition of mental disorders that applies to all conditions.However, it is commonly agreed that a mental disorder results in maladaptive behavior in at least one area of a person’s life, such as interpersonal relationships, school, or work.Usually it also results in emotional distress such as nervousness or depression.To illustrate, an individual with an anxiety disorder not only may feel subjectively tense and worried, but his/her social activities, job, or physical health might also be adversely affected by the condition.
However, it is not always necessary for both elements to be present for a disorder to exist.For example, a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might experience little or no subjective emotional distress, but his/her behavior can be quite disruptive to learning in school and maintaining friendships.Conversely, a person may experience chronic depression, but still manage to maintain employment and satisfactory family relationships.Regardless of how the condition is manifested, effective treatment is usually available.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV (DSM-IV) published by the American Psychiatric Association is a compendium of recognized mental diagnoses.Some of the major categories of mental disorders are: schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders; mood disorders; anxiety disorders; drug and alcohol disorders; and personality disorders.An overview of common conditions may be found at www.nimh.nih.gov.
Psychologists are experts in the diagnosis of mental disorders, often employing psychological tests as part of a comprehensive assessment.Treatment may entail psychotherapy, medication, and involvement by family members in therapy.Psychologists treat disorders with cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and family therapy (see www.helping.apa.org).Medication is often helpful (see www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/medmenu.cfm) and, in Louisiana, may also be prescribed and monitored by specially trained medical psychologists as part of comprehensive treatment.In addition to primary mental health care, the expertise of psychologists is also applied to the amelioration and management of many physical disorders (e.g., chronic pain) and in the promotion of healthy behaviors and attitudes (e.g., cardiac rehabilitation).
Although the stigma associated with psychological treatment has diminished greatly over the years, some people remain reluctant to seek help.The financial and personal burdens of untreated mental disorders in this country are enormous.LPA is committed to comprehensive health care for all Louisiana residents that includes access to services of a professional psychologist.
