Common Mental Health Disorders to Know for Foundations of Social Work Practice

Understanding common mental health disorders is essential for social work practice. These conditions, like depression and anxiety, impact individuals' lives significantly. Recognizing symptoms and effective treatments helps social workers provide the support needed for better mental health outcomes.

1. Major Depressive Disorder

   • Characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities.
   • Symptoms can include changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
   • It can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life, making early intervention crucial.

2. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

   • Involves excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life, often accompanied by physical symptoms like restlessness and muscle tension.
   • Individuals may struggle with decision-making and experience difficulty in managing daily tasks.
   • Treatment often includes therapy and medication to help manage symptoms and improve coping strategies.

3. Bipolar Disorder

   • Characterized by extreme mood swings, including manic episodes (elevated mood, increased energy) and depressive episodes.
   • The severity and duration of mood episodes can vary widely among individuals.
   • Effective management often requires a combination of medication and psychotherapy to stabilize mood.

4. Schizophrenia

   • A severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often leading to distorted thinking and perceptions.
   • Symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and impaired functioning.
   • Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for improving long-term outcomes and quality of life.

5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

   • Develops after exposure to a traumatic event, leading to symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
   • Individuals may avoid reminders of the trauma and experience heightened emotional responses.
   • Treatment typically involves trauma-focused therapy and, in some cases, medication to alleviate symptoms.

6. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

   • Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.
   • The compulsions can significantly interfere with daily life and functioning.
   • Effective treatment often includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication.

7. Substance Use Disorders

   • Involves the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, leading to significant impairment or distress.
   • Symptoms may include cravings, loss of control over use, and continued use despite negative consequences.
   • Treatment often requires a comprehensive approach, including counseling, support groups, and sometimes medication.

8. Eating Disorders

   • Includes a range of conditions characterized by unhealthy eating habits, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
   • These disorders can have serious physical and psychological consequences, including malnutrition and emotional distress.
   • Treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including medical, nutritional, and psychological support.

9. Borderline Personality Disorder

   • Characterized by unstable moods, behavior, and relationships, often leading to impulsive actions and emotional turmoil.
   • Individuals may experience intense episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety that last a few hours to a few days.
   • Treatment often includes dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and other therapeutic approaches to improve emotional regulation.

10. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

    • A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
    • Symptoms can affect academic performance, social interactions, and daily functioning.
    • Management often includes behavioral interventions, educational support, and medication to help improve focus and self-control.