A mental disorder may be a common mental problem that has grown to have a crippling effect on the individual's life. One type of mental disorder may be an anxiety disorder. Some types of anxiety disorders may include phobias, General Anxiety Disorder, Agoraphobia (fear of public places,) Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Mood disorders, bi-polar depression, clinical depression and other forms of mental disorders may exist as well.

Schizophrenia and delusional disorder may be types of psychotic disorders classified as mental disorders. There may be many more types of mental disorders such as eating disorders and Tourettes Syndrome. A health care professional may be able to discuss these disorders, and others, in further detail.

To determine the state of a patient's mental health, a health care professional may issue a mental health assessment designed to demonstrate how the patient may feel emotionally and how well the patient is able to think, reason and remember. The test may involve an interview with a health care professional.

Additionally, a physical exam, writing test and verbal test may also be included. In some instances, a blood or urine sample may be taken for further review. Children may be assessed using pictures and drawings or the parents or teachers of the child may be asked to answer certain questions about the child.

Treating mental disorders may include therapy with a counselor, therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health specialist. Treatment may depend on the type of disorder and severity of the disorder.

Medications may be used to treat some mental health disorders. Lifestyle changes may also be recommended. There may be several types of treatments that may help to maintain or improve a person's mental health. More information may be available through a health care professional.

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