Difference Between Mental Illness and Mental Disorder

Mental Illness vs Mental Disorder

Mental illness and mental disorder are two words that are used interchangeably to define the same thing. But some can argue that there is a difference between the two words depending on the basis of the definition. In the normal day to day use, there is absolutely no issue if we use one instead of the other. But in legal and medical terms there may be certain incidents where the difference matters.

Mental Illness

众所周知，“生病”是我们功能的异常状态。当思维无法在正常模式下运行，并且当与心灵有关的疾病引起的思维能力，表达和行为有明显的变化时，我们将其识别为一种精神疾病。但是，智力降低并不是在此类别下被视为残疾而不是疾病。一个精神疾病的人可能有多种理由成为一个人。在维持人际关系，创伤经历，各种身体伤害和事故，酗酒和滥用药物的困难方面是人们为何患有精神疾病的非常普遍的原因。这些可以看作是在大脑等神经递质化学物质中引起化学失衡的潜在威胁，最终结果是精神疾病。

To identify a mentally ill person there is a common set of symptoms to be looked for; intense anxiety, noticeable personality changes over time, disorganized thinking, difficulty in reasoning and decision making, extreme highs and lows in mood, denial of help, suicidal and self harm thoughts.

精神障碍

Mental disorder holds a slight difference compared to mental illness. A mental disorder is defined by a unique set of characteristic behaviors and reasons related; therefore, it is more defined. By looking at a person’s behavior one can come to an assumption “this person is mentally ill” but it may not be the case in mental disorder and his behavior change may be temporary. One cannot come in to a conclusion if a person has a mental disorder because you need to be specific and name “which mental disorder”, and this analysis requires expertise in the field of psychology and psychiatry. The classification of mental disorders is according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM – IV) by American Psychiatric Association.

Mental disorders related to anxiety are phobias, panic disorders, generalized anxiety disorder and etc. There are also conditions like mood disorders, bipolar disorder, and major depression. Some are associated with belief and perception of reality. Schizophrenia and delusional are the famous ones causing hallucinations and delusions. There are also personality disorders such as borderline, anti social, dependent, and so on. Eating disorders, sleeping disorders, substance use disorders, and sexual and gender identity disorders are also very commonly occurring mental disorders. Some of these could be dealt only with psychological counseling and therapy, but some require medical attention and medication.

What is the difference between Mental Illness and Mental Disorder?

• Mental illness and mental disorder are terms that can be used interchangeably.

• However, it is arguable that mental illness is less defined than mental disorder because mental disorder is defined by a unique set of symptoms and causes.