What are the different types of mental illnesses?

Nov 14, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Baohua

Introduction

Psychiatric disorders encompass various types with differing clinical manifestations and pathogenic mechanisms, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc. Schizophrenia is typically characterized by disturbances in perception, thinking, emotion, and behavior, and may present symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and social withdrawal. Some patients also experience cognitive decline, and the disease course is usually prolonged.

　　Psychiatric disorders encompass various types, with differing clinical manifestations and pathogenic mechanisms. Common conditions include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. A detailed analysis is as follows:

　　1. Schizophrenia: This condition is typically characterized by disturbances in perception, thinking, emotion, and behavior. Symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and social withdrawal. Some patients experience cognitive decline, and due to the chronic nature of the illness, long-term treatment is required to stabilize symptoms.

　　2. Bipolar Disorder: Patients experience extreme mood fluctuations, alternating between manic or hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes. During manic episodes, individuals may feel euphoric, have increased energy, and engage in impulsive behaviors; during depressive episodes, they suffer from low mood, loss of interest, and fatigue. Mood may return to normal between episodes.

　　3. Depression: The core feature is persistent low mood. Patients often experience loss of interest, reduced energy, sleep disturbances, and appetite changes. Some may develop feelings of guilt, slowed thinking, and, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, necessitating timely intervention to alleviate symptoms.

　　4. Anxiety Disorders: These are primarily marked by excessive and uncontrollable anxiety. Patients frequently feel tense and worried, accompanied by physical symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, sweating, and restlessness. Avoidance behaviors may develop, affecting daily work and interpersonal relationships, and prolonged anxiety may lead to other psychological issues.

　　5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Patients repeatedly experience intrusive, uncontrollable obsessions (such as persistent fears of contamination or doubts) and compulsions (such as repeated handwashing or checking). Despite recognizing these thoughts and behaviors as irrational, they are unable to stop them, leading to significant distress and impaired quality of life.

　　If you or someone else exhibits symptoms related to the above conditions for an extended period that significantly affects normal functioning, it is important to seek timely evaluation and treatment at a professional medical facility.

View All

What are the symptoms of psychosis?

Psychotic symptoms are a group of abnormal manifestations affecting perception, thinking, emotion, and behavior, typically including hallucinations, delusions, disturbances in thought form, emotional blunting, and disorganized behavior. Patients may perceive things that do not exist objectively. Common types include auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations, and tactile hallucinations. For example, hearing voices when no one is speaking, seeing images that are not present, or experiencing unusual physical sensations on the body.

View Full Answer

What does eating disorder include?

Eating disorders are a group of conditions associated with abnormal eating behaviors, encompassing several types, generally including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, pica, and rumination disorder. Anorexia nervosa: patients have excessive concerns about weight and body shape, deliberately restricting food intake, engaging in excessive exercise, inducing vomiting, or other methods to control weight, resulting in body weight below the normal standard.

View Full Answer

Which mushrooms should not be eaten during pregnancy?

Pregnant women should avoid eating poisonous mushrooms, wild or unidentified mushrooms, spoiled mushrooms, pickled mushrooms, as well as raw or undercooked mushrooms. These types of mushrooms may pose risks to maternal health and fetal development and must be strictly avoided. If dangerous mushrooms are accidentally consumed and symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, or dizziness occur, immediate medical attention is recommended. Examples of poisonous mushrooms include Amanita muscaria and Amanita verna.