“Mental illness” and “mental disorder” are terms often used interchangeably by medical and mental health professionals. They describe a similar set of conditions but are not the same. As professionals and laypeople alike continually pursue the use of the most up-to-date terminology, it is essential to be able to distinguish between the two.
Both terms refer to mental health conditions that impact a person’s ability to engage in life meaningfully. Individuals may have a mental health issue if their thoughts, emotions, behavior, and overall mental well-being affect their ability to do the following:
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a mental disorder is “a disturbance of normal functioning of the mind or body.” Genetic factors, diseases, or trauma can cause mental disorders.[1]
“Mental disorder” is a term typically used in the context of mental health diagnoses and psychiatry. Mental health disorders are classified and diagnosed based on the established criteria provided in the official Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). These criteria help mental health professionals determine if an individual’s symptoms align with a specific mental disorder.
Examples of specific mental health disorders are Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Major Depressive Disorder.
The term “mental disorder” has been used less frequently in everyday conversation to describe mental health issues in general, primarily because “disorder” has a negative connotation. “Illness” seems to encourage people to imagine an actual person struggling with a medical condition rather than just a set of symptoms.
“Mental illness” is a broader and more general term encompassing many conditions impacting a person’s mental health. It is a term often used in a conversational or everyday context to describe conditions that affect a person’s mental and emotional state. Unlike the term “mental disorder,” the term “illness” indicates mental health conditions affect more than just the mind.
Today, mental illness is used more widely to describe a person’s mental well-being. The term “mental illness” emphasizes that these conditions can affect emotion, thinking, or behavior (or a combination of these). Mental illnesses can be associated with specific sources of distress or general problems functioning in social, work, or relationships.
Additionally, mental illness is treatable. Most individuals who suffer from a mental illness continue to function at typical levels in their daily lives. Many people seeking treatment and prioritizing their mental well-being can move forward better than they had before.
Mental illness comes in many forms, each with its own symptoms and treatment plans. Mental illness is broken down into categories of specific disorder types, including the following:[2]
Anxiety is one of the most common types of mental illness. Anxiety can affect your sleep, concentration, and completing simple tasks. Typical symptoms include feeling worried and excessively nervous or with a tendency toward panic.
Mood disorders affect an individual’s emotional state. Typical examples are depression, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.
Personality disorders involve unpredictable thinking and behavior. Individuals with personality disorders may experience extreme emotions and difficulty maintaining healthy relationships.
Psychotic disorders impact a person’s relationship to reality. Common symptoms are changes in behavior and cognition. A person with a psychotic disorder experiences delusions and hallucinations that significantly affect functioning if left untreated.
Addiction and abuse of substances such as drugs and alcohol can directly affect mental health. The use of drugs over the long term can significantly impact brain function and relationships, as well as a person’s ability to maintain employment and other productive activities.
Eating disorders are complex. They can develop because people are attempting to cope with overwhelming and painful emotions by controlling their food intake. These conditions can cause severe emotional and physical problems without treatment. Anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder are all examples of common eating disorders.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder are trauma-related disorders that are born of traumatic or harmful experiences. Highly stressful events and ongoing trauma exposure can cause mental health illnesses related to a person’s experiences.
Everyone has days where they feel a little down or stressed. If you experience symptoms of mental health issues frequently, it’s worth pursuing care for yourself. Untreated mental illnesses can worsen over time. This will undoubtedly make it difficult for you to function in your daily life.
Signs and symptoms of mental health struggles vary for each individual. Symptoms that may indicate you are struggling with a mental illness include the following:
While not an exhaustive list, the above signs of mental illness could serve as a “check engine” light for you to pursue the help you need. If you feel that any of these symptoms apply to you, consider seeking support.
Based on data from the American Psychological Association, anxiety disorders were the mental disorders most frequently treated, closely followed by depressive and trauma-related disorders.[3] Because this report is about individuals seeking treatment, however, it may not accurately reflect the actual prevalence of these disorders.
Poor mental health issues, regardless of severity, influence relationships. Depending on your symptoms, relating to friends, spouses, family members, and co-workers can be challenging.
However, while mental illness can impact social life negatively, individuals with mental health issues can still maintain meaningful relationships and engage in social activities. Professional help, a supportive social network, and self-care strategies can all play crucial roles in helping individuals navigate their social lives.
A mental illness does not exclude you from having an enjoyable relationship with the right support and understanding, but there are challenges. Mental illness can cause social isolation due to concerns about disclosing mental health struggles. Symptoms like irritability, mood swings, or emotional numbness can pose significant challenges to sustaining healthy connections. It can feel like no one understands, or you will burden a friend or family member with your problems. Additionally, a partner not struggling with mental health issues might feel unsure of how to help or incapable of providing support.
Though the terms are similar, “mental illness” and “mental disorder” have separate uses and meanings. As times change and mental health feels less stigmatized, it’s vital to learn how to normalize and better support people with mental health concerns. By differentiating these terms, we are already better equipped.
When ongoing signs and symptoms of mental illness cause frequent stress, seeking professional support can help. You deserve support and understanding, and your concerns are valid
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