Mental Health Disorder Treatment In San Fernando Valley/Los Angeles:
What you Need to Know
To put in perspective before diving into the explanation, nearly 60 million US adults live with a diagnosable mental health disorder, furthermore, roughly 46% of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable condition in their lifetime.
Struggling with life’s challenges? You’re far from alone. About 20% of U.S. adults face mental health issues—likely an underestimate—and the World Health Organization notes that half of Americans will experience a mental illness in their lifetime.
Reaching out for support, even when it’s tough, is crucial for your well-being. Contact 988, your local mental health helpline, your doctor, or book an in-person/virtual session with a professional. Share openly to access the care and guidance you deserve.
What are the different types of mental health disorders?
Mental health disorders encompass a broad spectrum of psychological conditions that impact thinking, mood, and behavior. At 1st Choice Detox Treatment Center, our psychologists and therapists commonly address these six prevalent disorders:
Depressive Disorders – Defined by intense, persistent sadness and low mood.
Anxiety Disorders – Marked by excessive, unrelenting worry and tension.
Trauma and PTSD – Stemming from traumatic experiences, often with flashbacks, anxiety, or nightmares.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – Shown through difficulty focusing, impulsivity, or disorganization.
Bipolar Disorder – Characterized by extreme mood swings and emotional highs/lows.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – Featuring challenges in emotional regulation, self-image, and unstable behavior.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders describe the presence of a substance use disorder alongside one or more mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Effective treatment addresses both issues simultaneously as interconnected conditions, rather than sequentially. For instance, someone with alcohol use disorder and anxiety (like panic disorder or social anxiety) may rely on drinking to cope, while alcohol worsens anxiety symptoms—creating a cycle where managing one is key to resolving the other.
How Mental Health Disorders Are Classified
Mental health conditions are intricate, and self-diagnosis carries risks—professional evaluation is essential for accuracy. While online resources offer helpful overviews, a qualified mental health expert can assess symptoms, clarify the diagnosis, and guide treatment choices. What factors make self-diagnosis unreliable?
Several factors that complicate diagnosis are:
1. There are over 200 recognized mental illnesses in psychiatry and psychology.
2. No simple lab tests are available for detection.
3. Overlapping symptoms across disorders.
4. Severity can be rated as mild, moderate, or severe based on symptom count, daily functioning impact, and other criteria.
5. Symptoms may arise from life stressors or appear without clear triggers.