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Mental Illnesses

Mental disorders are comparable to physical illnesses in many ways: they take many forms, they are distinct from the people who experience them (so we refer to "an individual with schizophrenia" rather than "a schizophrenic"), and they are treatable.

Mental disorders, which may also be called psychiatric disorders, include the following:

Schizophrenia
One of the most serious mental illnesses, schizophrenia affects about 1 percent of Canadians. Contrary to what many people believe, schizophrenia is not a "split personality."

Mood Disorders
These illnesses affect about 10 percent of the population. Everyone experiences 'highs' and 'lows' in life, but people with mood disorders experience them with greater intensity and for longer periods of time than most people. Mood disorders include bipolar disorder, depression, post-partum depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and others.

Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders affect about 12 percent of Canadians. They include phobias, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Eating Disorders
These disorders are most common in women under the age of 30. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa and bulimia.

Concurrent Disorders
"Concurrent disorders" describes a condition in which a person has both a mental illness and a substance use problem.

Dual Diagnosis
In Canada, "dual diagnosis" usually refers to an individual with a mental illness and a co-occurring developmental disability.

Related Resources

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV)

Mental disorders are commonly diagnosed according to the DSM, a publication of the American Psychiatric Association.

A Report on Mental Illnesses in Canada (2002)

Published by Health Canada, A Report on Mental Illnesses in Canada is designed to raise the profile of mental illness among government and non-government organizations, and the industry, education, workplace, and academic sectors. It describes major mental illnesses and outlines their incidence and prevalence, causation, impact, stigma, and prevention and treatment.

Mental Health Problems and Disorders

Information from Health Canada.

Internet Mental Health

Internet Mental Health is a free online encyclopedia of mental health information created by a Canadian psychiatrist, Dr. Phillip Long.

Mental Health America: Get Information

Fact sheets and other resources from Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people live mentally healthier lives.

Mental Health Center - Mayo Clinic (USA)

Information about mental illnesses, treatments and mental health self-care.

National Institute of Mental Health: Mental Health Topics (USA)

NIMH offers information about the signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for a variety of common disorders.

World Health Organization: Mental Health

The WHO Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse provides leadership and guidance for the achievement of two broad objectives: (a) closing the gap between what is needed and what is currently available to reduce the burden of mental disorders worldwide, and (b) promoting mental health.