Discussing generalized mental illnesses/disorders as well as their etymological derivations and meanings

Generalized Mental Disorders:

1. Anxiety: Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure. Anxiety disorders often involve intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. The etymology of the word “anxiety” is derived from the Latin anxietas, meaning “anxiety, agitation, distress.”

2. Depression: Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities. It affects how you feel, think, and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. The word “depression” is derived from the Latin word depressio, meaning “lowered.”

3. Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder characterized by periods of depression and periods of elevated mood. It is also known as “manic-depressive disorder” and is one of the most common mental illnesses. The etymology of the word “bipolar” is derived from the Latin words biparus and bi-polaris, meaning “two poles.”

4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by a traumatic event. It can cause intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, and difficulty sleeping. The etymology of the word “post-traumatic” is derived from the Latin post, meaning “after,” and traumaticus, meaning “injury or wound.”

5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD is a mental disorder characterized by obsessions (recurrent and persistent thoughts, feelings, or urges) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts). The etymology of the word “obsessive” is derived from the Latin obsessio, meaning “besiege.” The word “compulsive” comes from the Latin compulsio, meaning “compel.”

2. Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by abnormal social behavior and failure to recognize what is real. The etymology of the word “schizophrenia” comes from the Greek words schizein, meaning “to split,” and phren, meaning “mind.”

7. Addiction - Addiction is a mental health condition characterized by a compulsive engagement in substance use or other behaviors, despite associated risks and consequences. People with addiction may find it difficult to quit these behaviors, despite their awareness of negative outcomes. Etymologically speaking, the word addiction derives from the Latin verb addicere, which means to bind or surrender.

8. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - ADHD is a mental disorder characterized by a pattern of impaired attention control and hyperactive, impulsive behavior. People with ADHD may find it difficult to focus on tasks or remain productive, may become easily distracted or aroused, and may be prone to acting without thinking.

Etymology: The term Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) dates back to 1902 when George Still described what has come to be known as the “Still’s disease” of childhood. ADHD was first formally recognized as a mental disorder in 1980 and has been a part of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) ever since.