Certain symptoms may indicate an individual has a mental health disorder, but it’s important to remember that these illnesses are both common and highly treatable. If you are curious what disorders correlate with which symptoms, read the descriptions below and hopefully gain some insight into what treatment options may be right for you.
OCD is characterized by cycles of obsessive thoughts that may feel impossible to ignore, followed by intense urges to engage in behaviors which temporarily put the individual’s mind at ease. Intense anxiety may be felt if a person neglects to engage in these repeated behaviors, so even if the individual has no desire to fulfill these compulsions, they may still engage in them anyway. However there is always hope. With modern therapeutic techniques it is possible to break this cycle and go on to live a full, happy life without feeling overwhelmed by this condition.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD is characterized by a short attention span, along with patterns of impulsivity and hyperactivity which can present in multiple ways. A person with this disorder may find they have consistent trouble paying attention which interferes with the quality of work they are able to output, or the amount of time they can spend studying. They may also find themselves unable to sit still and needing to be constantly fidgeting, so much so that it becomes disruptive to their daily lives. People may have trouble stopping themselves from interrupting others during conversations, making impulsive decisions, and generally find this condition makes their lives more difficult in a multitude of ways. Luckily there are numerous strategies for mitigating symptoms and ensuring that most everyone is able to accomplish their goals and live productive, fulfilling lives.
This is a broad category due to the fact that anxiety disorders present in a number of different ways. Typically, anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive worrying or rumination, feeling on edge, having difficulty concentrating and being unable to stop thinking about a certain worry. Anxiety disorders may also include physical symptoms such as sweating, fast heart rate, and a disrupted sleep schedule. Intense anxiety can also be caused by certain circumstances, as is the case for those experiencing phobias or social anxiety disorders. Panic disorders also fall under this umbrella; and are characterized by the repeated occurrence of panic attacks which includes symptoms like chest pain, fast heart rate, intense anxiety and feelings of impending danger. These symptoms may severely impact a person’s ability to engage with and enjoy the world around them, but it is important to remember that treatment is an option and a life liberated from excessive worry is always possible.
Traumatic memories can be particularly difficult to cope with because negative effects may be present long after the event. Certain symptoms such as an intense feeling of re-experiencing the event may cause people to avoid certain people, places or things that remind them of their trauma and symptoms such as hypervigilance may cause people to be overly alert and therefore unable to enjoy everyday life. A person’s sleep schedule may be disturbed by stressful dreams of the event, and during the day they might feel plagued by anxiety and traumatic memories. Although these symptoms can be extremely difficult to cope with, recovery is possible and an individual’s life should never be defined by their worst experiences.