Chennai Mind Clinic, Madipakkam SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESS Severe mental illness refers to a category of mental health disorders that are characterized by the intensity and impact of symptoms, which often significantly interfere with a person's ability to function in daily life. These disorders can cause distress, impair functioning, and often require long-term management and treatment. Some examples of severe mental illnesses include: 1. **Schizophrenia:** A chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It often involves symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and impaired social functioning. 2. **Bipolar Disorder:** A mood disorder characterized by extreme mood swings, including periods of mania (elevated mood, increased energy) and depression (low mood, lack of energy). These mood shifts can disrupt a person's ability to think clearly, make rational decisions, and maintain stable relationships. 3. **Major Depressive Disorder:** Commonly known as depression, this disorder involves persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. It can lead to significant impairment in daily functioning and may even result in suicidal thoughts or behaviors. 4. **Severe Anxiety Disorders:** Disorders such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can cause intense and persistent feelings of anxiety and fear that interfere with daily life and functioning. 5. **Borderline Personality Disorder:** This disorder is characterized by unstable moods, behaviors, and relationships. People with borderline personality disorder often struggle with self-image, impulsivity, and intense and unstable interpersonal relationships. 6. **Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):** Triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, PTSD involves symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and emotional numbness. It can significantly impact a person's ability to engage in normal activities. 7. **Eating Disorders:** Disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder are characterized by severe disturbances in eating behaviors and body image. These disorders can have serious physical and psychological consequences. 8. **Schizoaffective Disorder:** This disorder combines symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder (like bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder). People with schizoaffective disorder experience psychotic symptoms alongside mood disturbances. Treatment for severe mental illness typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and support from mental health professionals, family, and friends. It's important to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with severe mental illness, as early intervention and appropriate treatment can significantly improve the individual's quality of life and long-term outcomes. Psychological interventions in Severe Mental Illness are not possible during the acute state as the individual in an acute state of illness may not be amenable or have the right psychological state of mind for psychotherapy. #bestpsychiatrist #severementalillness #counselling #psychotherapy #kovilambakkam #keelkatalai