Difference Between Mental Illness and Mental Disorder

Although some people think that a mental disorder and a mental illness are the same thing, there are some crucial differences between the two. The terms “mental disorder” and “mental illness” generate great controversy and their definitions have given rise to debates. The word “mental disorder” is more general than “mental illness” and is used to direct to a generic alteration of health and psychological well-being, whether or not it is the result of a known somatic alteration. While the term “disease” is often used to refer to pathological processes in which there is an organic cause. In this Psychologyorg article, we will explain the difference between mental illness and mental disorder.

Mental Disorder Definition

A mental disorder refers to a condition that significantly affects a person’s thoughts, emotions, behavior, and overall mental well-being. It is characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognitive or emotional processes that leads to distress, impaired functioning, or an increased risk of suffering or harm.

Mental disorders can manifest in various forms, and they may vary in terms of their causes, symptoms, and severity. Some common types of mental disorders include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, neurocognitive disorders (such as Alzheimer’s disease), substance use disorders, and eating disorders, among others.

These disorders are typically diagnosed based on specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is a widely accepted classification system used by mental health professionals.

It’s important to note that mental disorders are not simply a result of personal weakness or character flaws. They are recognized as legitimate medical conditions that can have a significant impact on a person’s life and well-being. Proper diagnosis by qualified mental health professionals is crucial in understanding and treating mental disorders effectively.

Treatment for mental disorders often involves a combination of approaches, including psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support services. The goal is to alleviate symptoms, improve functioning, enhance the quality of life, and promote overall well-being for individuals with mental disorders.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a mental disorder, it is important to seek professional help and support. Mental health professionals can provide appropriate assessment, diagnosis, and treatment options tailored to each individual’s specific needs.

Mental Illness Definition

Mental illness refers to a broad range of conditions that affect a person’s mental health and well-being. It involves disturbances in thoughts, emotions, behavior, and overall functioning. These conditions can significantly impact a person’s ability to cope with daily life and interact with others.

Mental illnesses can vary in terms of their causes, symptoms, and severity. They can be temporary or long-lasting, and they may occur as isolated episodes or as chronic conditions. Some common mental illnesses include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, OCD, and PTSD.

Mental illnesses are not simply a result of personal weakness, character flaws, or lack of willpower. They are complex conditions that can arise due to a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, imbalances in brain chemistry, environmental stressors, traumatic experiences, and life circumstances.

Getting a proper diagnosis from a qualified mental health professional is crucial for understanding and treating mental illness. Treatment may involve a combination of therapies such as psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support services. The goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and help individuals manage their condition effectively.

It is important to note that mental illness is a common and widespread issue, and seeking help is a sign of strength. With appropriate support and treatment, many people with mental illness can recover, manage their symptoms, and lead fulfilling lives.

Disease Concept

The disease is a pathological condition of a body part, organ, or system resulting from various causes, such as infection, genetic defect, or environmental stress, and is characterized by an identifiable set of signs or symptoms, the course of which is more or less predictable. Therefore, it is used when the deterioration in health occurs due to a direct organic cause.

So the main difference that we can deduce from these definitions is the origin of the condition.

Main differences between mental disorders and mental illness

The DSM and ICD classification systems use the term disorder, however, in some clinical contexts, mental and psychological disorders are understood to be diseases like any other. But psychological disorders are not diseases such as diabetes, since diseases are natural entities while disorders are interactive entities that can be modified by explanations, knowledge, etc. That is, the disorder is not something fixed like a disease but rather susceptible to change.

The concept of mental disorder is related to the concept of psychological health while that of mental illness is not. For example, a person may become overly stressed and anxious, and over time may develop a mental disorder from these high levels of stress and anxiety, but have never experienced mental illness.

Mental disorders may result from the presence of several mental illnesses, while mental illness is often treated as a condition on its own involving changes in thought, emotion, or behavior (or a combination of these) and is associated with anguish and/or problems in social, work or family performance.

A mental disorder is not always immediately apparent as many people who have mental disorders may continue to be very high functioning in different areas of their lives. In many cases, the person may not even realize they have a disorder until a friend or family member tells them something is wrong.

Disorder and disease: differences in treatment

A mental disorder can be treated while the person continues at home and with life, making some changes to it, but a mental illness often requires medical intervention and is generally more obvious to an outside observer. 

Mental illness requires medication and personalized treatment taking into account the needs of the patient. The majority of individuals with mental illness continue to operate in their daily lives.

A mental disorder occurs when a patient begins to experience thoughts and feelings that interfere with their ability to lead a normal lifestyle. 

A mental illness is usually present from childhood and aggravates a person’s ability to lead a normal life at a very fast pace.

Someone with a mental illness cannot always go about their normal life without help, while a person with a mental disorder may falsely believe that they do not have a problem.

If you want to read more articles similar to the difference between mental illness and mental disorder, we recommend that you enter our  Mental Disorders category.

Read Also: Types of personality disorders DSM 5 psychologyorg

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