MedicineNet

Mental Illness Related Diseases & Conditions

Medical conditions are often related to other diseases and conditions. Our doctors have compiled a list of ailments related to the topic of Mental Illness. These conditions may be a cause or symptom of Mental Illness or be a condition for which you may be at increased risk.

  • Medicines that Cause Depression Second Source article from The Cleveland Clinic...learn more »
  • Anorexia Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by markedly reduced appetite or total aversion to food. Anorexia is a serious...learn more »
    In This Article
    Anorexia Article
    • Anorexia nervosa facts
    • What is anorexia nervosa?
    • Who is at risk for anorexia nervosa?
    • What causes anorexia nervosa?
    • How is anorexia nervosa diagnosed?
    • What are anorexia symptoms and signs (psychological and behavioral)?
    • What are anorexia symptoms, signs, and complications (physical)?
    • What is the treatment for anorexia nervosa?
    • What is the prognosis (outcome) of anorexia nervosa?
    • How can anorexia nervosa be prevented?
    • The future of anorexia nervosa
    • Where can a person get help for anorexia nervosa?
  • Depression Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one...learn more »
    In This Article
    Depression Article
    • Depression facts
    • What is a depressive disorder?
    • What are myths about depression?
    • What are the types of depression, and what are depression symptoms and signs?
    • Major depression
    • Dysthymia
    • Bipolar disorder (manic depression)
    • Symptoms of bipolar disorder and mania
    • Depression symptoms of manic depression
    • Mania symptoms of manic depression
    • Depression symptoms and signs in men
    • Depression symptoms and signs in women
    • Depression symptoms and signs in teenagers
    • Depression symptoms and signs in children
    • What are the causes and risk factors of depression?
    • Postpartum depression
    • How is depression diagnosed?
    • What treatments are available for depression?
    • Antidepressant medications
    • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
    • Psychotherapies
    • Alternative medicine approaches to treatment
    • What is the general approach to treating depression?
    • What about sexual dysfunction related to antidepressants?
    • What about discontinuing antidepressants?
    • What are complications of depression?
    • What is the prognosis for depression?
    • How can depression be prevented?
    • What about self-help and home remedies?
    • How can someone help a person who is depressed?
    • Where can one seek help for depression?
    • What is in the future for depression?
    • Where can people find more information about depression?
  • Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a disabling brain disorder that may cause hallucinations and delusions and affect a person's ability to...learn more »
    In This Article
    Schizophrenia Article
    • Schizophrenia facts
    • What is schizophrenia?
    • What are the different types of schizophrenia?
    • How common is schizophrenia in children?
    • What is the history of schizophrenia?
    • What are causes of schizophrenia? Is it hereditary?
    • What are schizophrenia symptoms and signs?
    • How is schizophrenia diagnosed?
    • What are treatments for schizophrenia and the side effects of those treatments?
    • What is the prognosis for schizophrenia?
    • What research is being done on schizophrenia?
    • Where can people get more information about schizophrenia?
  • Borderline Personality Disorder Borderline personality disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal...learn more »
    In This Article
    Borderline Personality Disorder Article
    • What is borderline personality disorder (BPD)?
    • What other disorders often occur with BPD?
    • What causes borderline personality disorder?
    • What are the risk factors for borderline personality disorder?
    • What are borderline personality disorder symptoms and signs?
    • How is borderline personality disorder diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for borderline personality disorder?
    • What are borderline personality disorder complications?
    • What is the prognosis of people with borderline personality disorder?
    • Where to can I get more information on borderline personality disorder?
    • Borderline Personality Disorder At A Glance
  • Suicide Suicide is the process of intentionally ending one's own life. Approximately 1 million people worldwide commit suicide each year,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Suicide Article
    • What is suicide?
    • What are the effects of suicide?
    • What are some possible causes of suicide?
    • What are the risk factors and protective factors for suicide?
    • What are the signs and symptoms for suicide?
    • How are suicidal thoughts and behaviors assessed?
    • What is the treatment for suicidal thoughts and behaviors?
    • How can people cope with suicidal thoughts?
    • How can people cope with the suicide of a loved one?
    • Where can people get help?
    • Suicide At A Glance
  • Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder (or manic depression) is a mental illness characterized by depression, mania, and severe mood swings. Treatment...learn more »
    In This Article
    Bipolar Disorder Article
    • What is bipolar disorder?
    • What is the history of bipolar disorder?
    • What are the types of bipolar disorder?
    • What are bipolar disorder causes and risk factors?
    • What are bipolar disorder symptoms and signs in adults, teenagers, and children?
    • How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
    • What are bipolar disorder medications and other treatments?
    • Can bipolar disorder be prevented?
    • Where can people find more information about bipolar disorder?
    • NIMH on bipolar disorder
    • What are characteristics of manic and depressive episodes?
    • How does bipolar disorder affect someone over time?
    • What illnesses often co-exist with bipolar disorder?
    • What can people with bipolar disorder expect from treatment?
    • How can I help a friend or relative who has bipolar disorder?
    • How can I help myself if I have bipolar disorder?
    • Where can I go for help?
    • What if I or someone I know is in crisis?
    • Bipolar Disorder At A Glance
  • Dissociative Identity Disorder Dissociative identity disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder or split personality disorder) is a mental...learn more »
    In This Article
    Dissociative Identity Disorder Article
    • What is dissociative identity disorder?
    • What causes dissociative identity disorder?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of dissociative identity disorder?
    • How is dissociative identity disorder diagnosed?
    • What are the treatments for dissociative identity disorder?
    • What happens if dissociative identity disorder is not treated?
    • Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) At A Glance
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that causes a person to suffer repeated obsessions and compulsions....learn more »
    In This Article
    Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Article
    • What is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and what are its symptoms?
    • What causes OCD?
    • How is OCD diagnosed?
    • What are the treatments for OCD?
    • What happens if OCD is not treated?
    • Where can I get more information about obsessive compulsive disorder?
    • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder At A Glance
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) has many symptoms, signs, and causes. Therapy is one treatment option for antisocial...learn more »
    In This Article
    Antisocial Personality Disorder Article
    • What are the symptoms and signs of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)?
    • What is the difference between antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy?
    • What causes antisocial personality disorder?
    • How is antisocial personality disorder diagnosed?
    • What are the treatments for antisocial personality disorder?
    • What happens if antisocial personality disorder is not treated?
    • Antisocial Personality Disorder at A Glance
  • ADHD Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder characterized by the symptoms hyperactivity,...learn more »
    In This Article
    ADHD Article
    • What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
    • What is the cause of ADHD?
    • What are ADHD symptoms and signs?
    • How is ADHD diagnosed?
    • How are schools involved in diagnosing, assessing, and treating ADHD?
    • Is ADHD inherited?
    • Is ADHD on the increase? If so, why?
    • Can ADHD be seen in brain scans of children with the disorder?
    • Can a preschool-aged child be diagnosed with ADHD?
    • What is the impact of ADHD on children and their families?
    • What is the role of alternative therapies in ADHD?
    • What are behavioral treatments?
    • Which educational interventions have been studied and shown to be effective in the treatment of ADHD?
    • What medications are currently being used to treat ADHD?
    • Are there standard doses for these ADHD medications?
    • How long are children on these ADHD medications?
    • Hasn't the use of stimulant medication become excessive?
    • Are there differences in stimulant use across racial and ethnic groups?
    • Why are stimulants used when the problem is overactivity?
    • What are the risks of the use of stimulant medication and other treatments?
    • Will children taking these medications for ADHD become drug addicts?
    • What is the relationship between ADHD and other disorders, such as learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, or depression?
    • What is the prognosis for individuals with ADHD?
    • What is the history of ADHD? How is it related to ADD?
    • What are the future research directions for ADHD?
    • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) At A Glance
  • Fragile X Syndrome Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited form of mental retardation. It's caused by a mutation on the X chromosome. People...learn more »
    In This Article
    Fragile X Syndrome Article
    • What is Fragile X syndrome?
    • What causes Fragile X syndrome?
      • What keeps the FMR1 gene from producing FMRP in Fragile X syndrome?
  • Schizoaffective Disorder Schizoaffective disorder is a mental illness that features schizophrenia and a mood disorder, either major depression or bipolar...learn more »
    In This Article
    Schizoaffective Disorder Article
    • Introduction to schizoaffective disorder
    • What are the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder?
    • Depression
    • Mania
    • Schizophrenia
    • What causes schizoaffective disorder?
    • Who gets schizoaffective disorder?
    • How common is schizoaffective disorder?
    • How is schizoaffective disorder diagnosed?
    • How is schizoaffective disorder treated?
    • What is the outlook for people with schizoaffective disorder?
    • Can schizoaffective disorder be prevented?
  • Bulimia Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by episodes of secretive excessive eating (bingeing) followed by inappropriate...learn more »
    In This Article
    Bulimia Article
    • What is bulimia?
    • What causes bulimia?
    • How is bulimia diagnosed?
    • What medical complications and long-term effects can bulimia have?
    • How is bulimia treated?
    • Bulimia At A Glance
  • Gambling Addiction Compulsive gambling is a disorder that affects millions in the U.S. Symptoms and signs include a preoccupation with gambling,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Gambling Addiction Article
    • What is a gambling addiction?
    • What are causes and risk factors for gambling addiction?
    • What are symptoms and signs of a gambling addiction?
    • How is a gambling addiction diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for gambling addiction?
    • What are complications and negative effects of gambling addiction?
    • Where can people get support for gambling addiction?
    • Where can people find more information about gambling addiction?
    • Gambling Addiction At A Glance
  • Dysthymia Dysthymia is a less severe form of chronic depression. Symptoms and signs include insomnia, suicidal thoughts, guilt, empty...learn more »
    In This Article
    Dysthymia Article
    • What causes dysthymia?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of dysthymia?
    • Is dysthymia common in the U.S.?
    • How is dysthymia diagnosed?
    • How is dysthymia treated?
    • What is psychotherapy?
    • How do antidepressants help ease dysthymia?
    • Are there other treatments available for dysthymia?
    • What else can I do to feel better?
    • Can dysthymia worsen?
  • Teen Depression Depression in teenagers may be caused by many factors. Symptoms of teen depression include apathy, irresponsible behavior,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Teen Depression Article
    • Recognizing teen depression
    • What causes depression in adolescents?
    • What are the symptoms of depression in teenagers?
    • Can teen depression run in families?
    • How is depression diagnosed in adolescents?
    • What is the treatment for teenage depression?
    • Does depression medication work for depression in teens?
    • What are the warning signs for teen suicide?
    • What can parents do to alleviate depression in teenagers?
    • Can't teen depression go away without medical treatment?
  • Depression in Children Childhood depression can interfere with social activities, interests, schoolwork and family life. Symptoms and signs include...learn more »
    In This Article
    Depression in Children Article
    • What are symptoms of depression in children?
    • How can I tell if my child is suicidal?
    • What are suicide warning signs in children?
    • What causes depression in children?
    • Can depression in children be prevented?
    • How is depression diagnosed?
    • What are the treatment options for depression in children?
    • What can I expect long-term?
    • What is the parent's role in helping a child cope with depression?
  • Body Dysmorphic Disorder Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an illness where a person is overly preoccupied with some minor or imaginary flaw. People with...learn more »
    In This Article
    Body Dysmorphic Disorder Article
    • What is body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)?
    • What are the symptoms and signs of body dysmorphic disorder?
    • What is the treatment for body dysmorphic disorder?
  • Munchausen Syndrome Munchausen syndrome is a factitious disorder and attention-seeking syndrome in which an individual pretends to have physical or...learn more »
    In This Article
    Munchausen Syndrome Article
    • What is Munchausen syndrome?
    • What causes Munchausen syndrome?
    • What are symptoms and signs of Munchausen syndrome?
    • How is Munchausen syndrome diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for Munchausen syndrome?
    • What is the prognosis for Munchausen syndrome?
    • Can Munchausen syndrome be prevented?
    • Where can people get more information about Munchausen syndrome?
    • Munchausen Syndrome At A Glance
  • Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is a mental illness (factitious disorder) in which a caregiver secretly abuses a child by...learn more »
    In This Article
    Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy Article
    • What is Munchausen syndrome by proxy?
    • What are causes/risk factors for Munchausen syndrome by proxy?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of Munchausen syndrome by proxy?
    • How is Munchausen syndrome by proxy diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for Munchausen syndrome by proxy?
    • What are the complications of Munchausen syndrome by proxy?
    • Where can one get more information on Munchausen syndrome by proxy?
    • Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy At A Glance
  • Sleep Paralysis Sleep paralysis is a condition that causes a person to feel as if he or she is awake but is unable to move. Lack of sleep, sleep...learn more »
    In This Article
    Sleep Paralysis Article
    • Sleep paralysis introduction
    • Is sleep paralysis a symptom of a serious problem?
    • What is sleep paralysis?
    • When does sleep paralysis usually occur?
    • What happens with hypnagogic sleep paralysis?
    • What happens with hypnopompic sleep paralysis?
    • Who develops sleep paralysis?
    • How is sleep paralysis diagnosed?
    • How is sleep paralysis treated?
    • What can I do about sleep paralysis?
  • Factitious Disorders Factitious disorders are conditions in which people pretend to have physical or mental illnesses when they aren't sick. These...learn more »
    In This Article
    Factitious Disorders Article
    • Introduction
    • Types of factitious disorders
    • What are the symptoms of factitious disorders?
    • What causes factitious disorders?
    • How common are factitious disorders?
    • How are factitious disorders diagnosed?
    • How are factitious disorders treated?
    • What is the outlook for people with factitious disorders?
    • Can factitious disorders be prevented?
  • Depression in the Elderly Depression in the elderly is very common. That doesn't mean, though, it's normal. Treatment may involve antidepressants,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Depression in the Elderly Article
    • How does depression in the elderly differ from depression in younger adults?
    • How is insomnia related to depression in the elderly?
    • What are risk factors for depression in the elderly?
    • What types of treatment are available for depression in the elderly?
    • How do antidepressants relieve depression in the elderly?
    • Can psychotherapy help relieve depression in the elderly?
    • Who may benefit from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
    • What other problems affect treatment of depression in the elderly?