Types of mental illness
1-minute read
There are nearly 300 mental disorders listed in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). This is a handbook used by health professionals to help identify and diagnose mental illness.
Some of the main groups of mental disorders are:
- mood disorders (such as depression or bipolar disorder)
- anxiety disorders
- personality disorders
- psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia)
- eating disorders
- trauma-related disorders (such as post-traumatic stress disorder)
- substance abuse disorders
The diagnosis of mental illness can be controversial. There have been many debates in the medical community about what is and isn’t a mental illness. The definition can be influenced by our society and culture, but most mental illnesses occur across all countries and cultures. This suggests that they are not just constructed by social norms and expectations, but have a biological and psychological basis too.
Not sure what to do next?
If you or someone you know are finding it difficult to manage mental health issues, try healthdirect’s Symptom Checker and get advice on when to seek professional help.
The Symptom Checker guides you to the next appropriate healthcare steps, whether it’s self-care, talking to a health professional, going to a hospital or calling triple zero (000).
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: November 2018
Need more information?
These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
Top results
Different types of mental illness
Information about different types of mental illness (or 'diagnoses') and how parents with these illnesses may feel or behave.
Read more on COPMI – Children of Parents with a Mental Illness website
About mental illness
These short videos can help you to understand your parent's mental illness and how it affects their behavior. What mental illness is, about different types of mental illnesses ('diagnoses'), whether your parent will get better, and how to look after yourself too.
Read more on COPMI – Children of Parents with a Mental Illness website
Substance use & mental illness
What are signs that you might have a drug problem? As well as the health impact, using any type of recreational drug be it nicotine, alcohol or a st...
Read more on SANE Australia website
What is mental illness?
A mental illness is a health problem that affects how a person behaves, feels, thinks and interacts with other people.
Read more on Australian College of Mental Health Nurses website
Smoking & mental illness
Why change smoking habits? People with a mental illness can, and do, quit smoking, for a number of very good reasons.Diseases caused by smoking are th...
Read more on SANE Australia website
Complementary Therapies and mental illness.
What are complementary therapies? These are ways of helping yourself stay healthy which complement medical treatment. While these can be useful, care needs to be taken, especially when you have a mental illness. Some people use them instead of medical treatment or without consulting their doctor – this can be dangerous as substances used in ‘natural’ therapy are not required to undergo the same rigorous tests for safety as prescribed medications. The term ‘natural’ is also misleading, as most prescribed medications are actually derived from natural substances too.
Read more on Mi Networks website
Mental illness: facts from fiction
There are many myths surrounding mental illness, many of which stigmatise those with depression, bipolar, schizophrenia and the myriad of other mental illnesses. Here are some quick clarifcations.
Read more on Australian College of Mental Health Nurses website
Types of medication | Your Health in Mind
Explains a selection of the most commonly prescribed medications for mental illness, including antidepressants, antipsyc...
Read more on RANZCP - The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists website
Types of anxiety disorders | Your Health in Mind
An anxiety disorder is a mental illness where your anxiety gets out of control and starts to affect your life.
Read more on RANZCP - The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists website
Mental illness and parenting | Raising Children Network
If you have a mental illness, it might be hard to be the parent you want to be. But youre not alone help is available. Start by talking with your GP.
Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website
Top results
Eating Disorders - Types, Signs and Treatment | Ausmed
Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses, influenced by a range of factors. An eating disorder is an illness marked by irregular eating habits, distress about eating, and an obsession about body weight. Eating disorders are very serious, have severe health complications and can even be fatal.
Read more on Ausmed Education website
Myths about child abuse are common; what are they?
Examines and challenges common myths around child abuse such as its prevalence, violence, perpetrators, mental illness and effects as children become adults.
Read more on Blue Knot Foundation website
Prescribing psychotropic drugs to adults with an intellectual disability | Issue 4 | Volume 39 | Australian Prescriber
Mental illness is common in people with intellectual disability. They may also have physical health problems which can affect their mental state.
Read more on Australian Prescriber website
Twenty-four hour care for schizophrenia | Cochrane
Authors' conclusions: From the single, small and ill-reported, included study, the hostel ward type of facility appeared cheaper and positively effective
Read more on Cochrane (Australasian Centre) website
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? | Ausmed
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the term given to a specific set of reactions and health complications that follow the experience of an event that threatened a person’s life or safety, or the safety of those around them.
Read more on Ausmed Education website
What is Depression / Major Depressive Disorder? | Ausmed
It’s human nature to feel down in the dumps, on occasion. Depression, however, is a diagnosable medical condition that presents in feelings of intense sadness, negativity and low-mood, lasting for a long period of time.
Read more on Ausmed Education website
What is The Gut Microbiome? - Dysbiosis and Care
The gut microbiome is increasingly appreciated for the role it plays in health and disease, so much so that it has been referred to as the ‘Forgotten Organ’.
Read more on Ausmed Education website
Suicide Bereavement Support Group Facilitation
Practice Handbook
Read more on Lifeline website
Clozapine in primary care | Australian Prescriber
Clozapine is the most effective antipsychotic, but is reserved for people with schizophrenia who have not adequately responded to two other antipsychotics.
Read more on Australian Prescriber website
Depression
Depression is a mood state that is characterised by significantly lowered mood and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that are normally enjoyable. Such depressed mood is a common and normal experience in the population. However, a major depressive episode can be distinguished from this `normal’ depression by its severity, persistence, duration, and the presence of characteristic symptoms (e.g., sleep disturbances).
Read more on CRUfAD – Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression website
Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline
24 hour health advice you can count on
Government Accredited with over 140 information partners
We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice
