Psychiatric disorders are a kind of disorder that primarily affects one’s thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Psychiatric disorders may also be referred to as mental illnesses, brain disorders, or psychological disorders.
Common Psychiatric Disorders
Although many psychiatric disorders exist, some psychiatric disorders are more common than others. Common disorders include:
- Depression: Depression comes in multiple forms. However, most forms of depression are defined by a persistently low mood, feelings of low energy and apathy, and difficulties with attention and sleep.
- Panic disorder: Panic disorder is sometimes diagnosed when a person experiences repeated, intense panic attacks. During a panic attack, those with panic disorder may experience symptoms such as chills, shaking, hyperventilation, or nausea.
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): GAD is characterized by persistent feelings of anxiety, typically without an obvious causal factor. People with GAD may feel frequently nervous or wound up, have difficulty sleeping, and are often easily scared or startled.
- Social anxiety disorder: Social anxiety disorder is a disorder in which people experience atypically high levels of anxiety in social environments. Those with this disorder may fear basic interactions with others and often go out of their way to avoid certain types of relationships or social interactions.
- Phobias: Phobias are a type of psychiatric disorder that involve excessive, irrational fear centered around a specific situation or object. A phobia can develop around nearly any stimuli. Some common types of phobias include phobias of animals; elements of the natural world; or phobias of blood, injection, or injury.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a common mental disorder that can arise after exposure to trauma. Symptoms of PTSD may include vivid flashbacks, anxiety or depression, or evading situations that cause memories of the trauma.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): OCD is a serious psychiatric disorder characterized by two main symptoms: obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are hyperfixations on ideas the person with OCD finds distressing and may include topics such as cleanliness, violence, or immorality. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that are performed in an attempt to ease the power of the obsession and may include extreme handwashing, repeatedly asking others for acceptance, or performing certain mental rituals.
Psychiatric Disorder Statistics
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), almost 20% of U.S. adults have a psychiatric disorder. Psychiatric disorders, including severe ones, are more common among women. In addition, 11.7% of U.S. adults experience anxiety, and 4.8% regularly experience feelings of depression.
Why Is Treating Psychiatric Disorders So Important?
For many of us, mental health can feel isolating. The symptoms of psychiatric disorders are often very difficult on their own, but the addition of stigma can make these disorders much more difficult. When untreated or poorly treated, psychiatric disorders can easily become overwhelming or unbearable. The right treatment can remedy these difficulties and make the prospect of the future feel less scary.
Psychiatric disorders do not have to be isolating. Effective treatment is holistic, scientifically backed, and person-focused. As experts learn more about psychiatric disorders, more effective treatments become available. In addition, as the public grows more aware of mental health issues, studies show us that attitudes towards mental health treatment are improving over time.
Alter Wellness Care Program
Alter Wellness Care, located in sunny Laguna Beach, California, is a premier crisis support clinic for those with psychiatric disorders. We understand that everyone has different needs and schedules. To best fit your needs, we offer a variety of programs with different levels of commitment and structure.
Intensive Outpatient Programs
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a type of mental health program that involves a high level of support with a medium level of structure. At Alter Wellness Care, we offer two levels of IOPs: IOP5 and IOP3, allowing finer control over what kind of support you receive.
IOP5 lasts 40 to 60 days, meeting several times a day, Monday through Friday. During the weekend and off-time, clients stay in a local sober living house to allow a safe, comfortable recovery environment.
IOP3 lasts 30 to 40 days. Like IOP5, group sessions are offered Monday through Friday, with the choice between two morning and two afternoon sessions. Those enrolled in IOP3 stay in a sober-living house seven days a week when not attending group therapy.
Partial Hospitalization Program
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a type of mental health program that involves a more moderate level of structure and greater flexibility for those enrolled. Alter Wellness Care’s PHP lasts 30 to 40 days. Group therapy sessions are offered several times a day, three to five times a week. Clients in our PHP stay at a local sober living house seven days a week to ensure safety and comfort.
Getting Help at Alter Wellness Care
At Alter Wellness Care, we prioritize holistic, whole-person care. This allows us to provide you with the most effective treatment options while you start your path to recovery. Our treatment options include, but are not limited to:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) groups: CBT is a common, evidence-based therapy that has been proven effective for many psychiatric disorders. CBT helps those with mental illnesses to identify harmful thought patterns and behaviors and create healthier strategies.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is a type of therapy that focuses on teaching effective tools to manage emotional difficulties.
- Support groups: Support groups offer community and social connection, enabling clients to learn from each other’s experiences and connect with others who have similar struggles.
- Acceptance therapy: Acceptance therapy is a type of treatment that teaches important life skills, including prioritizing what is important and managing unexpected challenges.
In addition, we offer a variety of groups, including psycho-educational groups, support groups, and interpersonal process groups. With the right treatment, recovery is possible.
Alter Wellness Laguna Beach is a holistic, trauma-informed clinic treating psychiatric disorders. To learn more, call us at (866) 515-1580
