Recovery Model

Mental Illness Information

There are many mental illnesses. The numerous diagnostic categories of these illnesses have their own distinctive symptoms and require specific treatments.

Professionals have often described mental illnesses in clusters. The following example lists a few of these clusters, some possible symptoms and some specific types within each cluster.

Schizophrenia - Delusions, hallucinations, thought disturbances, disturbances of affect

• Paranoid
• Disorganized
• Catatonic
• Undifferentiated

Anxiety Disorders - Frequent and intense anxiety, apprehension and worry; intense fear or discomfort; development of avoidance rituals to avoid anxiety

• Panic Disorder
• Agoraphobia
• Phobia(s)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Mood Disorders -

• Depression: Sad, gloomy, dejected
• Mania: Elevated, expansive or irritable mood
• Bi-Polar: Depression and Mania
• Major Depressive Disorder(s)
• Bi-Polar Disorder(s)
• Cyclothymic Disorder

These are only brief examples. There are other mental illnesses, and more possible symptoms relating to each diagnosis.