Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex condition characterized by the uncontrollable use of a substance despite the resulting harmful consequences. Individuals with SUD develop an intense preoccupation with the consumption of specific substances such as alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs, to the extent that it impairs their ability to function in daily life. They persist in using the substance despite being aware of the problems it causes or will cause. The most severe cases of SUD are often referred to as addictions.

Individuals with a substance use disorder may exhibit distorted thinking patterns and behaviors. Changes in the structure and functioning of the brain contribute to intense cravings, alterations in personality, abnormal movements, and other behavioral changes. Brain imaging studies demonstrate modifications in areas of the brain responsible for judgment, decision-making, learning, memory, and behavioral control.

Repeated substance use can lead to lasting changes in brain function, extending beyond the immediate effects of the substance, even after the period of intoxication subsides. Intoxication refers to the intense pleasure, euphoria, calmness, heightened perception, and other feelings induced by the substance. The symptoms of intoxication vary depending on the specific substance involved.

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, and at mild levels, it can even be beneficial in certain situations. It acts as an alert system, making us aware of potential dangers and helping us prepare and focus.

However, anxiety disorders are distinct from the normal feelings of nervousness or anxiousness. They involve excessive and overwhelming fear or anxiety. These disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions and can impact nearly 30 percent of adults at some point in their lives. Anxiety disorders may lead individuals to avoid situations that trigger or worsen their symptoms, affecting their job performance, schoolwork, and personal relationships. Nonetheless, it’s important to know that anxiety disorders are treatable, and various psychotherapeutic treatments are available. With appropriate treatment, many people with anxiety disorders can lead fulfilling and productive lives.

Several types of anxiety disorders exist, including:

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
2. Panic Disorder with or without Agoraphobia
3. Specific Phobias
4. Agoraphobia
5. Social Anxiety Disorder
6. Separation Anxiety Disorder
7. Selective Mutism

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent mental disorder that primarily affects children but also persists into adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD encompass three core aspects: inattention (difficulty sustaining focus), hyperactivity (excessive and inappropriate movement), and impulsivity (impulsive actions without forethought). It’s important to note that ADHD can impact individuals of all ages.

Statistics indicate that approximately 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD (Danielson, 2018; Simon et al., 2009). Typically, ADHD becomes noticeable in school-aged children, where it can lead to disruptions in the classroom and difficulties with academic performance. Boys are more commonly diagnosed with ADHD than girls.

ADHD presents unique challenges for individuals, affecting various aspects of their lives. However, with appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and support, individuals with ADHD can learn to manage their symptoms effectively and thrive in different environments.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition characterized by persistent difficulties in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Autism is typically a lifelong disorder, although the level of functional impairment resulting from these challenges varies among individuals on the autism spectrum.

Early signs of ASD may be observed by parents, caregivers, or pediatricians before a child turns one year old. However, symptoms usually become more consistently noticeable by the age of 2 or 3. In some cases, the functional limitations associated with autism may be mild and may not become apparent until the child begins school. It is during this time that deficits in social interaction and communication may become more pronounced, particularly in comparison to their peers.

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that profoundly impacts a person’s mood, energy levels, and overall functioning. Individuals with bipolar disorder experience intense emotional states known as mood episodes, which occur during distinct periods lasting from days to weeks. These mood episodes are classified as either manic/hypomanic (characterized by abnormally elevated or irritable mood) or depressive (marked by a profound sense of sadness). It is important to note that people with bipolar disorder also experience periods of neutral mood. With proper treatment, individuals with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling and productive lives.

It is worth noting that individuals without bipolar disorder also experience fluctuations in mood; however, these changes are typically shorter in duration, lasting only hours rather than days. Furthermore, these mood fluctuations in individuals without bipolar disorder do not entail the extreme behavioral changes or difficulties with daily routines and social interactions that are characteristic of individuals experiencing bipolar mood episodes. Bipolar disorder can significantly disrupt a person’s relationships with loved ones and create challenges in academic or occupational settings.

Bipolar disorder encompasses three different diagnoses: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder, each characterized by distinct patterns and severities of mood episodes.

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Disruptive, impulse control, and conduct disorders encompass a group of disorders characterized by difficulties in managing aggressive behaviors, self-control, and impulses. These behaviors or actions often pose a threat to the safety of others or deviate from societal norms. Examples include physical aggression, property destruction, defiance, theft, lying, and violation of rules. The specific disorders within this group are:

1. Oppositional defiant disorder
2. Intermittent explosive disorder
3. Conduct disorder
4. Pyromania
5. Kleptomania
6. Other specified disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorder
7. Unspecified disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorder

Problematic behaviors and challenges with self-control associated with these disorders are typically observed during childhood and may persist into adulthood. In general, disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders are more prevalent in males than females, except for kleptomania.

Dissociative disorders encompass a range of conditions characterized by difficulties in memory, identity, emotion, perception, behavior, and the sense of self. These disorders have the potential to disrupt various aspects of mental functioning.

Common dissociative symptoms include feelings of detachment, the sensation of being outside one’s body, and memory loss or amnesia. Dissociative disorders are often associated with past traumatic experiences.

The three main types of dissociative disorders are:

1. Dissociative identity disorder: This disorder involves the presence of multiple distinct identities or personality states within an individual, accompanied by memory gaps and a sense of discontinuity in personal experiences.

2. Dissociative amnesia: This condition is characterized by significant memory loss, usually related to a traumatic event or stressful situation. The affected individual may be unable to recall important personal information or past experiences.

3. Depersonalization/derealization disorder: Individuals with this disorder experience persistent feelings of detachment from their own body, as well as a sense of unreality or detachment from their surroundings.

It’s important to note that dissociative disorders often coexist with other mental health conditions and require proper diagnosis and treatment from qualified mental health professionals.