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A List of Psychological Disorders

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THEORIES

A List of Psychological Disorders


By Kendra Cherry Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD Print
Updated on March 19, 2020

The term psychological disorder is sometimes used to refer to what is more


frequently known as mental disorders or psychiatric disorders. Mental
disorders are patterns of behavioral or psychological symptoms that impact
multiple areas of life. These disorders create distress for the person
experiencing these symptoms.

While not a comprehensive list of every mental disorder, the following list
includes some of the major categories of disorders described in
the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The latest
edition of the diagnostic manual is the DSM-5 and was released in May of
2013. [1]​ The DSM is one of the most widely used systems for classifying
mental disorders and provides standardized diagnostic criteria.

1 Neurodevelopmental Disorders

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Neurodevelopmental disorders are those that are typically diagnosed during


infancy, childhood, or adolescence. These psychological disorders include:

Intellectual Disability
Sometimes called Intellectual Developmental Disorder, this diagnosis
was formerly referred to as mental retardation. [1]​ This type of
developmental disorder originates prior to the age of 18 and is characterized
by limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviors.

Limitations to intellectual functioning are often identiZed through the use


of IQ tests, with an IQ score under 70 often indicating the presence of a
limitation. Adaptive behaviors are those that involve practical, everyday
skills such as self-care, social interaction, and living skills.

Global Developmental Delay


This diagnosis is for developmental disabilities in children who are under
the age of Zve. Such delays relate to cognition, social functioning, speech,
language, and motor skills.

It is generally seen as a temporary diagnosis applying to kids who are still


too young to take standardized IQ tests. Once children reach the age where
they are able to take a standardized intelligence test, they may be diagnosed
with an intellectual disability.

Communication Disorders
These disorders are those that impact the ability to use, understand, or
detect language and speech. The DSM-5 identiZes four di_erent subtypes of
communication disorders: language disorder, speech sound disorder,
childhood onset `uency disorder (stuttering), and social (pragmatic)
communication disorder. [2]​

Autism Spectrum Disorder


This disorder is characterized by persistent deZcits in social interaction and
communication in multiple life areas as well as restricted and repetitive
patterns of behaviors. The DSM speciZes that symptoms of autism spectrum
disorder must be present during the early developmental period and that
these symptoms must cause signiZcant impairment in important areas of
life including social and occupational functioning. [3]​

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)


ADHD is characterized by a persistent pattern of hyperactivity-impulsivity
and/or inattention that interferes with functioning and presents itself in
two or more settings such as at home, work, school, and social situations. [4]​
The DSM-5 speciZes that several of the symptoms must have been present
prior to the age of 12 and that these symptoms must have a negative impact
on social, occupational, or academic functioning.

2 Bipolar and Related Disorders

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Bipolar disorder is characterized by shifts in mood as well as changes in


activity and energy levels. The disorder often involves experiencing shifts
between elevated moods and periods of depression. Such elevated moods
can be pronounced and are referred to either as mania or hypomania.

Mania
This mood is characterized by a distinct period of elevated, expansive, or
irritable mood accompanied by increased activity and energy. Periods of
mania are sometimes marked by feelings of distraction, irritability, and
excessive conZdence. People experiencing mania are also more prone to
engage in activities that might have negative long-term consequences such
as gambling and shopping sprees.

Depressive Episodes
These episodes are characterized by feelings of a depressed or sad mood
along with a lack of interest in activities. It may also involve feelings of
guilt, fatigue, and irritability. During a depressive period, people with
bipolar disorder may lose interest in activities that they previously enjoyed,
experience sleeping didculties, and even have thoughts of suicide.

Both manic and depressive episodes can be frightening for both the person
experiencing these symptoms as well as family, friends and other loved
ones who observe these behaviors and mood shifts. Fortunately, appropriate
and e_ective treatments, which often include both medications and
psychotherapy, can help people with bipolar disorder successfully manage
their symptoms.

Compared to the previous edition of the DSM, in the DSM-5 the criteria
for manic and hypomanic episodes include an increased focus on
changes in energy levels and activity as well as changes in mood.

3 Anxiety Disorders

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Anxiety disorders are those that are characterized by excessive and


persistent fear, worry, anxiety and related behavioral disturbances. [5]​ Fear
involves an emotional response to a threat, whether that threat is real or
perceived. Anxiety involves the anticipation that a future threat may arise.
Types of anxiety disorders include:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)


This disorder is marked by excessive worry about everyday events. While
some stress and worry are a normal and even common part of life, GAD
involves worry that is so excessive that it interferes with a person's well-
being and functioning.

Agoraphobia
This condition is characterized by a pronounced fear a wide range of public
places. People who experience this disorder often fear that they will su_er a
panic attack in a setting where escape might be didcult.

Because of this fear, those with agoraphobia often avoid situations that
might trigger an anxiety attack. In some cases, this avoidance behavior can
reach a point where the individual is unable to even leave their own home.

Social Anxiety Disorder


Social anxiety disorder is a fairly common psychological disorder that
involves an irrational fear of being watched or judged. The anxiety caused
by this disorder can have a major impact on an individual's life and make it
didcult to function at school, work, and other social settings.

Specific Phobias
These phobias involve an extreme fear of a speciZc object or situation in the
environment. Some examples of common speciZc phobias include the fear
of spiders, fear of heights, or fear of snakes.

The four main types of speciZc phobias involve natural events (thunder,
lightening, tornadoes), medical (medical procedures, dental procedures,
medical equipment), animals (dogs, snakes, bugs), and situational (small
spaces, leaving home, driving). When confronted by a phobic object or
situation, people may experience nausea, trembling, rapid heart rate, and
even a fear of dying.

Panic Disorder
This psychiatric disorder is characterized by panic attacks that often seem
to strike out of the blue and for no reason at all. Because of this, people with
panic disorder often experience anxiety and preoccupation over the
possibility of having another panic attack.

People may begin to avoid situations and settings where attacks have
occurred in the past or where they might occur in the future. This can create
signiZcant impairments in many areas of everyday life and make it didcult
to carry out normal routines.

Separation Anxiety Disorder


This condition is a type of anxiety disorder involving an excessive amount
of fear or anxiety related to being separated from attachment Zgures.
People are often familiar with the idea of separation anxiety as it relates to
young children's fear of being apart from their parents, but older children
and adults can experience it as well.

When symptoms become so severe that they interfere with normal


functioning, the individual may be diagnosed with separation anxiety
disorder. Symptoms involve an extreme fear of being away from the
caregiver or attachment Zgure. The person su_ering these symptoms may
avoid moving away from home, going to school, or getting married in order
to remain in close proximity to the attachment Zgure.

In one survey published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, it was


estimated that as many as 18 percent of American adults su_er from at
least one anxiety disorder.

4 Stress-Related Disorders

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Trauma and stressor-related disorders involve exposure to a stressful or


traumatic event. [6]​ These were previously grouped with anxiety disorders
but are now considered a distinct category of disorders. Disorders included
in this category include:

Acute Stress Disorder


Acute stress disorder is characterized by the emergence of severe anxiety for
up to a one month period after exposure to a traumatic event. Some
examples of traumatic events include natural disasters, war, accidents, and
witnessing a death.

As a result, the individual may experience dissociative symptoms such as a


sense of altered reality, an inability to remember important aspects of the
event, and vivid `ashbacks as if the event were reoccurring. Other
symptoms can include reduced emotional responsiveness, distressing
memories of the trauma, and didculty experiencing positive emotions.

Adjustment Disorders
Adjustment disorders can occur as a response to a sudden change such as
divorce, job loss, end of a close relationship, a move, or some other loss or
disappointment. This type of psychological disorder can a_ect both children
and adults and is characterized by symptoms such as anxiety, irritability,
depressed mood, worry, anger, hopelessness, and feelings of isolation.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)


PTSD can develop after an individual has experienced exposure to actual or
threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Symptoms of PTSD
include episodes of reliving or re-experiencing the event, avoiding things
that remind the individual about the event, feeling on edge, and having
negative thoughts.

Nightmares, `ashbacks, bursts of anger, didculty concentrating,


exaggerated startle response, and didculty remembering aspects of the
event are just a few possible symptoms that people with PTSD might
experience.

Reactive Attachment Disorder


Reactive attachment disorder can result when children do not form normal
healthy relationships and attachments with adult caregivers during the Zrst
few years of childhood. Symptoms of the disorder include being withdrawn
from adult caregivers and social and emotional disturbances that result
from patterns of insudcient care and neglect.

5 Dissociative Disorders

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Dissociative disorders are psychological disorders that involve a dissociation


or interruption in aspects of consciousness, including identity and
memory. [1]​ Dissociative disorders include:

Dissociative Amnesia
This disorder involves a temporary loss of memory as a result of
dissociation. In many cases, this memory loss, which may last for just a
brief period or for many years, is a result of some type of psychological
trauma.

Dissociative amnesia is much more than simple forgetfulness. Those who


experience this disorder may remember some details about events but may
have no recall of other details around a circumscribed period of time.

Dissociative Identity Disorder


Formerly known as multiple personality disorder, dissociative identity
disorder involves the presence of two or more di_erent identities or
personalities. Each of these personalities has its own way of perceiving and
interacting with the environment. People with this disorder experience
changes in behavior, memory, perception, emotional response, and
consciousness.

Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder
Depersonalization/derealization disorder is characterized by experiencing a
sense of being outside of one's own body (depersonalization) and being
disconnected from reality (derealization). People who have this disorder
often feel a sense of unreality and an involuntary disconnect from their own
memories, feelings, and consciousness.

6 Somatic Symptom Disorders

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Formerly referred to under the heading of somatoform disorders, this


category is now known as somatic symptoms and related disorders. [7]​
Somatic symptom disorders are a class of psychological disorders that
involve prominent physical symptoms that may not have a diagnosable
physical cause.

In contrast to previous ways of conceptualizing these disorders based on the


absence of a medical explanation for the physical symptoms, the current
diagnosis emphasizes the abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that
occur in response to these symptoms. Disorders included in this category:

Somatic Symptom Disorder


Somatic symptom disorder involves a preoccupation with physical
symptoms that make it didcult to function normally. This preoccupation
with symptoms results in emotional distress and didculty coping with daily
life.

It is important to note that somatic symptoms do not indicate that


individuals are faking their physical pain, fatigue, or other symptoms. In
this situation, it is not so much the actual physical symptoms that are
disrupting the individual's life as it is the extreme reaction and resulting
behaviors.

Illness Anxiety Disorder


Illness anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive concern about having
an undiagnosed medical condition. Those who experience this psychological
disorder worry excessively about body functions and sensations are
convinced that they have or will get a serious disease, and are not reassured
when medical tests come back negative.

This preoccupation with illness causes signiZcant anxiety and distress.


It also leads to changes in behavior such as seeking medical
testing/treatments and avoiding situations that might pose a health
risk.

Conversion Disorder
Conversion disorder involves experiencing motor or sensory symptoms that
lack a compatible neurological or medical explanation. In many cases, the
disorder follows a real physical injury or stressful even which then results
in a psychological and emotional response.

Factitious Disorder
Factitious disorder used to have its own category, is now included under the
somatic symptom and related disorders category of the DSM-5. A factitious
disorder is when an individual intentionally creates, fakes, or exaggerates
symptoms of illness. Munchausen syndrome, in which people feign an
illness to attract attention, is one severe form of factitious disorder.

7 Eating Disorders

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Eating disorders are characterized by obsessive concerns with weight and


disruptive eating patterns that negatively impact physical and mental
health. Feeding and eating disorders that used to be diagnosed during
infancy and childhood have been moved to this category in the DSM-5. [8]​
Types of eating disorders include:

Anorexia Nervosa
​Anorexia nervosa is characterized by restricted food consumption that leads
to weight loss and a very low body weight. Those who experience this
disorder also have a preoccupation and fear of gaining weight as well as a
distorted view of their own appearance and behavior.

Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa involves binging and then taking extreme steps to
compensate for these binges. These compensatory behaviors might include
self-induced vomiting, the abuse of laxatives or diuretics, and excessive
exercise.

Rumination Disorder
Rumination disorder is marked by regurgitating previously chewed or
swallowed food in order to either spit it out or re-swallow it. Most of those
a_ected by this disorder are children or adults who also have a
developmental delay or intellectual disability.

Additional problems that can result from this behavior include dental
decay, esophageal ulcers, and malnutrition.

Pica
Pica involves craving and consuming non-food substances such as dirt,
paint, or soap. The disorder most commonly a_ects children and those with
developmental disabilities.

Binge-Eating Disorder
​Binge-eating disorder was Zrst introduced in the DSM-5 and involves
episodes of binge eating where the individual consumes an unusually large
amount of over the course of a couple hours. Not only do people overeat,
however, they also feel as if they have no control over their eating. Binge
eating episodes are sometimes triggered by certain emotions such as feeling
happy or anxious, by boredom or following stressful events.

8 Sleep Disorders

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Sleep disorders involve an interruption in sleep patterns that lead to distress


and a_ects daytime functioning. Examples of sleep disorders include:

Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a condition in which people experience an irrepressible need
to sleep. People with narcolepsy may experience a sudden loss of muscle
tone.

Insomnia Disorder
Insomnia disorder involves being unable to get enough sleep to feel rested.
While all people experience sleeping didculties and interruptions at some
point, insomnia is considered a disorder when it is accompanied by
signiZcant distress or impairment over time.

Hypersomnolence
Hypersomnolence disorder is characterized by excessive sleepiness
despite an adequate main sleep period. People with this condition may fall
asleep during the day at inappropriate times such as at work and school.

Breathing-Related Sleep Disorders


Breathing-related sleep disorders are those that involve breathing
anomalies such as sleep apnea that can occur during sleep. These breathing
problems can result in brief interruptions in sleep that can lead to other
problems including insomnia and daytime sleepiness.

Parasomnias
Parasomnias involve disorders that feature abnormal behaviors that take
place during sleep. Such disorders include sleepwalking, sleep terrors, sleep
talking, and sleep eating.

Restless Legs Syndrome


Restless legs syndrome is a neurological condition that involves having
uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move the
legs in order to relieve the sensations. People with this condition may feel
tugging, creeping, burning, and crawling sensations in their legs resulting
in an excessive movement which then interferes with sleep.

Sleep disorders related to other mental disorders as well as sleep disorders


related to general medical conditions have been removed from the DSM-5.
The latest edition of the DSM also provides more emphasis on coexisting
conditions for each of the sleep-wake disorders. [9]​

This change, the APA explains, "underscores that the individual has a
sleep disorder warranting independent clinical attention, in addition to
any medical and mental disorders that are also present, and
acknowledges the bidirectional and interactive e_ects between sleep
disorders and coexisting medical and mental disorders."
9 Disruptive Disorders

Image Source / Getty Images

Impulse-control disorders are those that involve an inability to control


emotions and behaviors, resulting in harm to oneself or others. [1]​ These
problems with emotional and behavioral regulation are characterized by
actions that violate the rights of others such as destroying property or
physical aggression and/or those that con`ict with societal norms, authority
Zgures, and laws. Types of impulse-control disorders include:

Kleptomania
Kleptomania involves an inability to control the impulse to steal. People
who have kleptomania will often steal things that they do not really need or
that have no real monetary value. Those with this condition experience
escalating tension prior to committing a theft and feel relief and
gratiZcation afterwards.

Pyromania
Pyromania involves a fascination with Zre that results in acts of Zre-
starting that endanger the self and others. People who struggle with
pyromania purposefully and deliberately have set Zres more than one time.
They also experience tension and emotional arousal before setting a Zre.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder


Intermittent explosive disorder is characterized by brief outbursts of anger
and violence that are out of proportion for the situation. People with this
disorder may erupt into angry outbursts or violent actions in response to
everyday annoyances or disappointments.

Conduct Disorder
Conduct disorder is a condition diagnosed in children and adolescents under
the age of 18 who regularly violate social norms and the rights of others.
Children with this disorder display aggression toward people and animals,
destroy property, steal and deceive, and violate other rules and laws. These
behaviors result in signiZcant problems in a child's academic, work, or
social functioning.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder


Oppositional deZant disorder begins prior to the age of 18 and is
characterized by deZance, irritability, anger, aggression, and vindictiveness.
While all kids behave deZantly sometimes, kids with oppositional deZant
disorder refuse to comply with adult requests almost all the time and
engage in behaviors to deliberately annoy others.

10 Depressive Disorders

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Depressive disorders are a type of mood disorder that include a number of


conditions. They are all characterized by the presence of sad, empty, or
irritable moods accompanied by physical and cognitive symptoms. They
di_er in terms of duration, timing, or presumed etiology.

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder


disorder: A childhood condition
characterized by extreme anger and irritability. Children display
frequent and intense outbursts of temper.

Major depressive disorder


disorder: A condition characterized by loss of
interest in activities and depressed mood which leads to signiZcant
impairments in how a person is able to function.

Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)


(dysthymia): This is a type of
ongoing, chronic depression that is characterized by other symptoms
of depression that, while often less severe, are longer lasting.
Diagnosis requires experiencing depressed mood on most days for a
period of at least two years.

Other or unspeciZed depressive disorder


disorder: This diagnosis is for
cases when symptoms do not meet the criteria for the diagnosis of
another depressive disorder, but they still create problems with an
individual's life and functioning.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder


disorder: This condition is a form of
premenstrual syndrome (PMS) characterized by signiZcant
depression, irritability, and anxiety that begins a week or two before
menstruation begins. Symptoms usually go away within a few day's
following a woman's period.

Substance/medication-induced depressive disorder


disorder: This
condition occurs when an individual experiences symptoms of a
depressive disorder either while using alcohol or other substances or
while going through withdrawal from a substance.

Depressive disorder due to another medical condition


condition: This
condition is diagnosed when a person's medical history suggests that
their depressive symptoms may be the result of a medical condition.
Medical conditions that may contribute to or cause depression include
diabetes, stroke, Parkinson's disease, autoimmune conditions,
chronic pain conditions, cancer, infections and HIV/AIDS.

The depressive disorders are all characterized by feelings of sadness and low
mood that are persistent and severe enough to a_ect how a person
functions. Common symptoms shared by these disorders include didculty
feeling interested and motivated, lack of interest in previously enjoyed
activities, sleep disturbances, and poor concentration.

The diagnostic criteria vary for each speciZc condition. For major depressive
disorder, diagnosis requires an individual to experience Zve or more of the
following symptoms over the same two-week period.

One of these symptoms must include either depressed mood or loss of


interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities. Symptoms can include:

Depressed mood for most or all of the day

Decreased or lack of interest in activities the individual previously


enjoyed

SigniZcant weight loss or gain, or decreased or increased appetite

Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)

Feelings of slowed physical activity or restlessness

Lack of energy or fatigue that lasts most or all of the day

Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

Didculty thinking or concentrating

Preoccupation with death or thoughts of suicide

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide


Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance
from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate
danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.

Treatments for depressive disorders often involve a combination of


psychotherapy and medications.

11 Substance-Related Disorders

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Substance-related disorders are those that involve the use and abuse of
di_erent substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, opiates, and
alcohol. [1]​ These disorders may include substance-induced conditions that
can result in many associated diagnoses including intoxication, withdrawal,
the emergence of psychosis, anxiety, and delirium. Examples of substance-
related disorders:

Alcohol-related disorders involve the consumption of alcohol, the


most widely used (and frequently overused) drug in the United States.

Cannabis-related disorders include symptoms such as using more


than originally intended, feeling unable to stop using the drug, and
continuing to use despite adverse e_ects in one's life.

Inhalant-use disorders involve inhaling fumes from things such as


paints or solvents. As with other substance-related disorders, people
with this condition experience cravings for the substance and Znd it
didcult to control or stop engaging in the behavior.

Stimulant use disorder involves the use of stimulants such as


meth, amphetamines, and cocaine.

Tobacco use disorder is characterized by symptoms such as


consuming more tobacco than intended, didculty cutting back or
quitting, cravings, and su_ering adverse social consequences as a
result of tobacco use.

Gambling Disorder
The DSM-5 also includes gambling disorder under this
classiZcation. The American Psychiatric Association explains that this
change "re`ects the increasing and consistent evidence that some
behaviors, such as gambling, activate the brain reward system with
e_ects similar to those of drugs of abuse and that gambling disorder
symptoms resemble substance use disorders to a certain extent."

12 Neurocognitive Disorders

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Neurocognitive disorders are characterized by acquired deZcits in cognitive


function. [1]​ These disorders do not include those in which impaired
cognition was present at birth or early in life. Types of cognitive disorders
include:

Delirium
Delirium is also known as acute confusional state. This disorder develops
over a short period of time—usually a few hours or a few days—and is
characterized by disturbances in attention and awareness.

Neurocognitive Disorders
Major and mild neurocognitive disorders have the primary feature of
acquired cognitive decline in one or more areas including memory,
attention, language, learning, and perception. These cognitive disorders can
be due to medical conditions including Alzheimer's disease, HIV infection,
Parkinson's disease, substance/medication use, vascular disease, and
others.

13 Schizophrenia

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Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric condition that a_ects a person’s


thinking, feeling, and behavior. It is a complex, long-term condition that
a_ects about one percent of people in the United States.

The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria specify that two or more symptoms of


schizophrenia must be present for a period of at least one month.

One symptom must be one of the following:

Delusions
Delusions: beliefs that con`ict with reality

Hallucinations
Hallucinations: seeing or hearing things that aren't really there

Disorganized speech
speech: words do not follow the rules of language and
may be impossible to understand

The second symptom may be one of the following:

Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior


behavior: confused thinking,
bizarre behavior or movements

Negative symptoms
symptoms: the inability to initiate plans, speak, express
emotions, or feel pleasure

Diagnosis also requires signiZcant impairments in social or occupational


functioning for a period of at least six months. The onset of schizophrenia
is usually in the late teens or early 20s, with men usually showing
symptoms earlier than women. Earlier signs of the condition that may occur
before diagnosis include poor motivation, didcult relationships, and poor
school performance.

The National Institute of Mental Health suggests that multiple factors may
play a role in causing schizophrenia including genetics, brain chemistry,
environmental factors, and substance use.

While there is no cure for schizophrenia, there are treatments available


that make it possible to manage the symptoms of the condition.
Treatments usually incorporate antipsychotic medications,
psychotherapy, self-management, education, and social support.

14 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

Mark John/Getty Images

Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders is a category of psychiatric


conditions that include:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Body-dysmorphic disorder

Hoarding disorder

Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder)

Excoriation disorder (skin picking)

Substance/medication-induced obsessive-compulsive and related


disorder

Obsessive-compulsive and related disorder due to another medical


condition

Each condition in this classiZcation has its own set of diagnostic criteria.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
The diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5 specify that in order to be diagnosed
with obsessive-compulsive disorder, a person must experience obsessions,
compulsions, or both.

Obsessions
Obsessions: deZned as recurrent, persistent thoughts, impulses, and
urges that lead to distress or anxiety

Compulsions
Compulsions: repetitive and excessive behaviors that the individual
feels that they must perform. These actions are performed to reduce
anxiety or to prevent some dreaded outcome from occurring.

The obsessions and compulsions must also be time-consuming, taking


up an hour or more per day, or cause signiZcant distress or functional
impairment, must not be attributable to another medical condition or
substance use, and must not be better explained by another psychiatric
condition such as generalized anxiety disorder.

Treatments for OCD usually focus on a combination of therapy and


medications. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a form of CBT known as
exposure and response prevention (ERP) if commonly used. Antidepressants
such as clomipramine or `uoxetine may also be prescribed to manage
symptoms.

15 Personality Disorders

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Personality disorders are characterized by an enduring pattern of


maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that can cause serious
detriments to relationships and other life areas. [10]​ Types of personality
disorders include:

Antisocial Personality Disorder


Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a long-standing
disregard for rules, social norms, and the rights of others. People with this
disorder typically begin displaying symptoms during childhood, have
didculty feeling empathy for others, and lack remorse for their destructive
behaviors.

Avoidant Personality Disorder


Avoidant personality disorder involves severe social inhibition and
sensitivity to rejection. Such feelings of insecurity lead to signiZcant
problems with the individual's daily life and functioning.

Borderline Personality Disorder


Borderline personality disorder is associated with symptoms including
emotional instability, unstable and intense interpersonal
relationships, unstable self-image, and impulsive behaviors.

Dependent Personality Disorder


Dependent personality disorder involves a chronic pattern of fearing
separation and an excessive need to be taken care of. People with this
disorder will often engage in behaviors that are designed to produce care-
giving actions in others.

Histrionic Personality Disorder


Histrionic personality disorder is associated with patterns of extreme
emotionality and attention-seeking behaviors. People with this condition
feel uncomfortable in settings where they are not the center of attention,
have rapidly changing emotions, and may engage in socially inappropriate
behaviors designed to attract attention from others.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder


Narcissistic personality disorder is associated with a lasting pattern of
exaggerated self-image, self-centeredness, and low empathy. People with
this condition tend to be more interested in themselves than with others.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder


Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is a pervasive pattern of
preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, in`exibility, and mental and
interpersonal control. This is a di_erent condition than obsessive
compulsive disorder (OCD).

Paranoid Personality Disorder


Paranoid personality disorder is characterized by a distrust of others, even
family, friends, and romantic partners. People with this disorder perceive
others intentions as malevolent, even without any evidence or justiZcation.

Schizoid Personality Disorder


Schizoid personality disorder involves symptoms that include being
detached from social relationships. People with this disorder are directed
toward their inner lives and are often indi_erent to relationships. They
generally display a lack of emotional expression and can appear cold and
aloof.

Schizotypal Personality Disorder


Schizotypal personality disorder features eccentricities in speech, behaviors,
appearance, and thought. People with this condition may experience odd
beliefs or "magical thinking" and didculty forming relationships.

A Word From Verywell


Psychological disorders can cause disruptions in daily functioning,
relationships, work, school, and other important domains. With appropriate
diagnosis and treatment, however, people can Znd relief from their
symptoms and discover ways to cope e_ectively.

Related: The 9 Best Online Therapy Programs We've tried, tested and
written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including
Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain.

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and Treated DSM Today Diagnosed
Medically reviewed by Akeem Marsh, Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block,
MD MD Fact checked by Adah Chung MD

OCD OCD STUDENT RESOURCES MENTAL HEALTH A-Z


What Are the Signs of Learn the Difference How Is a Psychiatrist An Overview of Mental
Body Dysmorphic Between Obsessive- Different From a Health Statistics
Disorder? Compulsive Personality Psychologist?
Disorder and OCD
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans,
MD Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW Fact checked by Emily Swaim Fact checked by Emily Swaim

BIPOLAR DISORDER PANIC DISORDER DEPRESSION GAD


What Does It Really How Do Specialists 13 Possible Reasons Why How Is Generalized
Mean to Be Delusional? Diagnose Panic Disorder? You're Tired All the Time Anxiety Disorder
Diagnosed Using the
DSM-5?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, Medically reviewed by Steven Gans,
MD MD MD MD

ADDICTION OCD BPD BIPOLAR DISORDER


How to Know the The 5 Types of Obsessive- What Are Personality Temper Tantrums Are a
Symptoms of an Compulsive Disorder Disorders? Key Sign of DMDD
Addiction
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, Medically reviewed by Steven Gans,
MD, MPH, CPE MD MD MD

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