Psychological Disorders: What Types, Symptoms and Treatment?

Expert answer:

The main types of psychological disorders are depression, panic syndrome, psychosis, generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Depression

Depression is the most frequent psychological disorder. Its main symptoms include deep and lasting sadness, disinterest for things in general, even those that you like or give pleasure, apathy, discouragement, lack of energy, pessimism, negative thoughts, among others.

The treatment of this psychological disorder is done with antidepressant medications, psychotherapy and changes in lifestyle.

Panic Syndrome

Panic syndrome is a type of psychological disorder that is characterized by acute bouts of anxiety. You have the feeling that something will happen to you at any moment, which triggers the attacks.

Signs and symptoms of a panic attack may be manifested by increased heart rate (some people even think they will have a heart attack), shortness of breath, shortness of breath, increased sweating, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, dizziness , fear of dying or a catastrophe is about to happen, despair, fainting, among other physical and psychological symptoms.

A panic attack occurs suddenly, usually lasting longer. 15 to 30 minutes.

Treatment of panic syndrome includes the use of antidepressants and anxiolytics, as well as psychotherapy. The most commonly used therapy method for treating this psychological disorder is behavioral therapy.

Learn more at: What is Panic Syndrome?

Psychoses

Psychoses are psychological disorders that have as characteristics the loss of contact with reality, such as schizophrenia, for example. Symptoms may include delusions, hallucinations, bizarre attitudes and behaviors, amnesia, mental confusion, among others.

Individuals with this kind of mental disorder lose their sense of reality, making incorrect conclusions about the world around them, even if their ideas are against all evidence. In addition, the person does not recognize their delusions and hallucinations, which shows the installed psychosis.

The treatment of psychoses varies according to the severity of the case, and may include the use of medications, psychotherapy, counseling and family therapy and hospitalization.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder is among the most common types of psychological disorder, alongside depression. THE anxiety and the worry felt by these people are intense and difficult to control. However, it is an excessive anxiety that does not match the reality, which causes an intense emotional suffering.

This psychological disorder can manifest itself through physical and emotional symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, excessive perspiration, fear, anxiety, irritability, among others.

The treatment of generalized anxiety disorder is done with the combination of anti-anxiety drugs and antidepressants along with psychotherapy.

It may also be of interest to you: What are the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder?

Post-Traumatic Stress

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychological disorder triggered by Extremely traumatic and violent events in which the life of the person or others was at risk.

Because it is a type of anxiety disorder, its symptoms are the same as occur in this disorder, as described above.

However, the big difference is that the symptoms of post-traumatic stress tend to manifest in situations that make the patient reminisce or relive the trauma.

The treatment is difficult and includes psychiatric medications, mainly antidepressants and anxiolytics, and psychotherapy.

The diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders is the responsibility of the psychiatrist.

Learn more at: What are the types of mental disorders?