A mental health disorder is a condition that primarily affects one’s thinking, emotions, and behaviors. Mental health disorders are extremely common, with approximately 50% of people being diagnosed with a mental health condition at some point in their lives. Four percent of people will experience a severe mental health disorder during their lives.
Mental health disorders may be called by many different names, such as mental illnesses or psychiatric disorders. Some experts may use these categories to talk about the same disorders, while others may use them to refer to different types of disorders.
Types of Mental Health Disorders
Many mental health disorders exist. Although different groups categorize these disorders differently, it may be easiest to understand them through some of the most common categories: mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, and psychotic disorders.
Mood Disorders
As the category implies, mood disorders are a type of mental health disorder characterized by disturbances in mood. The majority of mood disorders are types of depressive disorders, meaning that depression is a primary or key symptom. Some types of mood disorders include:
- Major depressive disorder
- Cyclothymic disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are a category of mental health disorder that centers primarily around feelings of anxiety. Examples of anxiety disorders include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Personality Disorders
Personality disorders are a type of mental health disorder that primarily impacts behavior, mood, and personality. Currently, experts define ten unique personality disorders. Some of the most prevalent personality disorders include:
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD)
- Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
OCPD (which is a personality disorder) is different from OCD (which is an anxiety disorder). People with OCD primarily struggle with intense fixations (obsessions) and behaviors that seek to calm them (compulsions). People with OCPD generally experience intense desires for routine, order, and the achievement of perfection.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are a category of disorders that interrupt eating and feeding activities. While many eating disorders are related to a negative self-view of the body, not all eating disorders are. Some eating disorders include:
- Anorexia nervosa
- Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
- Binge eating disorder
- Pica
Other eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder, night eating syndrome, or purging disorder, are also worth mentioning as less common eating disorders.
Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic disorders are characterized by symptoms of psychosis, which include a type of detachment from reality that may result in false beliefs or false sensations. Some psychotic disorders include:
- Schizophrenia
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Delusional disorder
Addiction Disorders
Addiction disorders are disorders that involve an intense, compulsive desire for a substance, activity, or situation. In an addiction disorder, the desire does not lessen, even when negative consequences result from the pursuit of this desire. Presently, experts define only two major addiction disorders:
- Substance use disorder (SUD)
- Gambling disorder
SUD includes all substance-based addictions such as alcohol addiction, opioid addiction, or nicotine addiction. Gambling disorders belong to a new category of addiction disorders – behavioral addictions – and are currently the only scientifically accepted example. However, other behavioral addictions, such as addictive internet gaming, are being significantly considered by experts.
Alter Wellness Care’s Programs
Alter Wellness Care, located in Laguna Beach, California, is a state-of-the-art mental health treatment facility. We believe that everyone deserves access to evidence-based care that is free of stigma. We offer three world-class treatment programs, including two intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and one partial hospitalization program (PHP). At Alter Wellness Care, you have many ways to become your best self.
Our Intensive Outpatient Programs
At our treatment center, we offer two IOP levels: IOP5 and IOP3. Both programs are designed to provide more structured care and a more intensive experience.
- Our first level of IOP, IOP5, lasts 40 to 60 days. While in treatment, you will have access to many therapy programs offered multiple times a day every day of the week. We care about your safety and comfort. To ensure the best possible recovery experience, you will stay at a local sober living house seven days a week during treatment. This allows you constant access to the resources and supports you need most.
- Our second level of IOP, IOP3, lasts 30 to 40 days. While in treatment, you can attend either two morning therapy sessions or two afternoon therapy sessions. You’ll stay at a local sober living house seven days a week, allowing easy access to the treatment center and a safe home base to return to.
Our Partial Hospitalization Program
At Alter Wellness Care, we recognize that traditional hospitalization programs can be too restrictive for many people. As such, we designed our PHP to offer you a flexible structure while providing maximum support. In this program, you will stay for a total of 30 to 45 days, attending therapy groups three to five days a week. These groups are offered multiple times a day, ensuring that your schedule is yours to control.
While in our PHP, you’ll stay in a local sober living house seven days a week.
Our Treatment Modalities
We know that effective treatment is not one size fits all. Our clients enter our programs with different life experiences and needs. To best help you on your path to recovery, Alter Wellness Care offers many treatment modalities. At our center, we offer:
- Psycho-educational groups
- Skills development groups
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) groups
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Support groups
- Interpersonal process groups
- Acceptance therapy
A better life is obtainable. With support, you can achieve the life you want and overcome any mental health problems standing in your way.
At Alter Wellness Care, located in Laguna Beach, California, we offer holistic, evidence-based treatment for mental health disorders. To learn more about our services, call (866) 515-1580.
