How can I tell if someone I know has a mental illness?
The outward signs of a mental illness are often behavioral, but different disorders have different symptoms and to varying degrees. Following are some general symptoms that might suggest a mental disorder.
In adults:
- Confused thinking
- Long-lasting sadness or irritability
- Extreme highs and lows in mood
- Excessive fear, worrying, or anxiousness
- Social withdrawal
- Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Strong feelings of anger
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Decreasing ability to cope with daily problems and activities
- Thoughts or talk of suicide
- Denial of obvious problems
- Multiple unexplained physical ailments
- Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol
In children and pre-adolescents:
- Prolonged negative mood
- Changes in school performance
- Poor grades despite strong efforts
- Excessive worrying or anxiety
- Hyperactivity
- Fear of weight gain
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Persistent nightmares
- Persistent disobedience or aggressive behavior
- Frequent temper tantrums or outbursts of anger
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 5/23/2005...#12268
