Uncovering mental illness

According to the Kenya Psychiatry Association, mental illness is defined as a health condition involving significant changes in thinking, emotion and or behaviour.

The condition as noted may cause disruptions in your thinking, feelings and behaviours making someone struggle with their relationships—with themselves, others, and the world around them. While there is no single cause of mental health disorders experts say multiple risk factors, including biological, environmental, and psychological influences cause the condition.

Globally, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in seven 10 to 19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder, accounting for 15 per cent of the global burden of disease in this age group. Depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents.

In Kenya, the prevalence of mental health disorders is estimated to be around 4.4 per cent, and are a significant concern for young people in the country, with nearly half of adolescents experiencing mental health problems. Mental disorders are the second leading cause of disability for 10 to 24-year-olds in Kenya and are associated with a number of negative outcomes

Types of Mental Illnesses

Mental illnesses can be broadly categorized into several types, each with its own unique characteristics and challenges. Understanding these categories can help recognise and address mental health concerns effectively. Anxiety disorders are characterised by excessive fear, anxiety, or avoidance of anxiety-provoking objects, places, or situations. Common examples include generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

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Mood disorders involve disturbances in mood, leading to conditions, such as depression, bipolar disorder and mood swings.

These disorders can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life.

Personality Disorders are marked by enduring patterns of inner experience and behaviour deviating from cultural norms. Examples include borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder.

Psychotic Disorders: Psychotic disorders involve a disconnection from reality, manifesting as hallucinations, delusions, and impaired thinking. Schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and brief psychotic disorder are common examples of this Type of mental illness.

Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders: These mental disorders result from exposure to traumatic or stressful events, PTSD and acute stress disorder are notable examples, often requiring specialised treatment.

Impulse Control and Conduct Disorders: These disorders are characterised by difficulty controlling impulses or behaviours, leading to mental health conditions like intermittent explosive disorder, kleptomania, and conduct disorder. With substance-related and addictive spirit these disorders involve the misuse of substances or engagement in addictive behaviours, such as substance use disorder and gambling disorder.  Addressing these issues often requires comprehensive mental health treatment plans.