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What kinds of impairment can make psychological symptoms a mental disorder?
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mental disorder
A discussion of the advances made in psychiatric research and treatment.
In the field of medicine, a mental disorder is generally defined as an illness characterized by significant psychological or behavioral manifestations that are associated with specific types of impairment.1
To be classified as a mental disorder, these symptoms must be linked to at least one of the following:
- Painful or distressing symptoms: The presence of significant emotional or psychological suffering.1
- Impairment in functioning: A notable disruption in one or more important areas of an individual's life. This can affect various aspects of daily living, including:1
- Personal and social life: Relationships with family, marital life, and the capacity to participate in mutually rewarding social interactions.1
- Occupational and material life: The ability to work, manage material affairs, and engage in recreation.1
- Internal functioning: The individual's thinking, mood, outlook, and general feelings about themselves.1
While there is no single, universally perfect definition, mental disorders are typically attributed to a combination of psychological, social, biochemical, or genetic dysfunctions. Diagnostic systems, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, use these patterns of symptoms to categorize conditions and guide appropriate treatment.123