Mental Disorders: Definition, Symptoms, Types, Treatments

Defining exactly what constitutes a mental disorder is challenging; definitions have changed over time.

The primary challenge is to define the term "disorder." How can we decide when something is psychologically wrong or unhealthy about a person? How do we decide what's normal and what's abnormal?

If we define disorder as something that falls outside the statistical norm, then people considered exceptionally talented or gifted in a particular area would be abnormal. Instead of focusing on actions considered outside the norm statistically speaking, psychologists tend to concentrate on the results of those behaviors.

Behaviors considered maladaptive and causing significant personal distress and interrupting daily functioning are more likely to be labeled as disorders.

Many mental health professionals agree today that mental disorders are characterized by personal distress and impairment in multiple life areas.

This article discusses how clinicians define and classify mental disorders. It also explores how many people are affected by such disorders each year.