Symptoms and Treatments of Mental Disorders

Choose appropriate topic for which you would like a listing of symptoms or general treatment guidelines. Symptom lists are not complete, but are instead summarized versions of official diagnostic criteria. Some of the categories listed below are not actual diagnoses, but rather parts of a diagnosis (e.g.- the descriptions of "episodes"). These symptom lists have been culled from current diagnostic criteria most commonly used in the United States by mental health professionals. The lists are divided into three broad categories: adult, childhood, and personality disorders; some disorders may fall under more than one category. Looking for a DSM code?

ADULT DISORDERS

    

CHILDHOOD DISORDERS

Childhood disorders, often labeled as developmental disorders or learning disorders, most often occur and are diagnosed when the child is of school-age. Although some adults may also relate to some of the symptoms of these disorders, typically the disorder's symptoms need to have first appeared at some point in the person's childhood.

 

PERSONALITY DISORDERS

These disorders typically aren't diagnosed until an individual is a young adult, often not until their 20's or even 30's. Most individuals with personality disorders lead pretty normal lives and often only seek psychotherapeutic treatment during times of increased stress or social demands. Most people can relate to some or all of the personality traits listed; the difference is that it does not affect most people's daily functioning to the same degree it might someone diagnosed with one of these disorders. Personality disorders tend to be an intergral part of a person, and therefore, are difficult to treat or "cure." Learn more about personality disorders and personality traits...