Mental disorders (depression, schizophrenia & phobias)

Affective disorder ranging from mild to severe. Has a damaging impact on the capacity to function. Symptoms must be present nearly every day for at least two weeks. 

Main symptoms

• Depressed/ low mood for most/ all of the day, nearly every day
• Loss of interest/ pleasure in all/ most activities

Other symptoms

• weight/ appetite gain or loss
• insomnia/ hypersomnia
• daily fatigue/ loss of energy

Psychotic disorder affecting thoughts, emotions and behaviour. Involves a loss of contact with reality. 

Positive symptoms- addition of new behaviours e.g. hallucinations

Negative symptoms- loss of normal function e.g. reduction in outward emotion/ speech

• Delusions e.g. beleif that friends and family are 'out to get' them
• Hallucinations (auditory, visual)
• Disorganised speech
• Highly disorganised or catatonic behaviour
• Negative symptoms e.g. reduced expression of emotions

Diagnosis should only be given if symptoms can't be better explained by medical issues e.g. substance abuse, and if daily functioning is impaired. 

Anxiety disorders involve feelings and behaviours characterised by excessive and persistent fear/ anxiety. 

Symptoms

• Phobic stimulus provokes immediate fear/ anxiety
• It is deliberately avoided/ endured with strong fear/ anxiety
• Fear is disproportionate to the actual danger posed
• Phobia causes distress and impairment of functioning