What it is:

A mood disorder marked by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest. It significantly affects social, occupational, and daily functioning.

Symptoms:

• Physical: Sleep and appetite changes, fatigue, aches.
• Emotional: Persistent sadness, irritability, hopelessness, guilt.
• Behavioural: Withdrawal from social activities, neglecting responsibilities.
• Cognitive: Poor concentration, indecision, suicidal thoughts in severe cases.

When to Seek Help:

• Low mood lasting more than two weeks.
• Loss of interest in activities.
• Decline in work, studies, or relationships.
• Suicidal thoughts or self-harm tendencies.

Treatment:

• Antidepressant medications.
• Cognitive-behavioural therapy or interpersonal therapy.
• Lifestyle adjustments: sleep hygiene, exercise, structured routine.
• Family psychoeducation.

What it is:

A mood disorder marked by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest. It significantly affects social, occupational, and daily functioning.

Symptoms:

• Physical: Rapid heartbeat, palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling.
• Emotional: Persistent worry, irritability, restlessness.
• Behavioural: Avoidance of feared situations, over-reliance on reassurance.
• Cognitive: Racing thoughts, inability to relax, hypervigilance, catastrophic thinking.

When to Seek Help:

• Anxiety affecting work, studies, or social interactions.
• Physical symptoms such as palpitations or chest pain occurring frequently.
• Avoidance behaviour limiting normal functioning.
• Panic attacks or overwhelming anxiety.

Treatment:

• Medications: SSRIs, SNRIs; short-term benzodiazepines if needed.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with exposure and relaxation techniques.
• Mindfulness, yoga, and breathing exercises.
• Lifestyle modifications: reduced caffeine/alcohol, regular physical activity.

What it is:

A mood disorder marked by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest. It significantly affects social, occupational, and daily functioning.

Symptoms:

• Manic/Hypomanic: Elevated or irritable mood, decreased need for sleep, rapid speech, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, risky behaviour.
• Depressive: Sadness, hopelessness, low energy, withdrawal, poor concentration, suicidal thoughts.

When to Seek Help:

• Extreme mood changes interfering with work or relationships.
• Risky behaviours during elevated phases.
• Persistent depressive episodes with functional impairment.
• Suicidal ideation.

Treatment:

• Mood stabilizers (lithium, valproate, carbamazepine).
• Atypical antipsychotics during manic/ mixed episodes.
• Psychotherapy: CBT, psychoeducation, family-focused therapy.
• Lifestyle regulation: sleep, routine, stress management.
• Hospitalization for severe episodes if necessary.

What it is:

A chronic psychiatric disorder affecting thought processes, perception, and behaviour, leading to impaired functioning.

Symptoms:

• Positive: Hallucinations (voices, visions), delusions, disorganized speech.
• Negative: Reduced emotional expression, social withdrawal, lack of motivation.
• Cognitive: Impaired memory, attention deficits, difficulty decision-making.
• Behavioural: Neglect of self-care, unpredictable actions.

When to Seek Help:

• Persistent hallucinations or delusions.
• Decline in functioning at work, school, or home.
• Neglect of hygiene and self-care.
• Unpredictable or unsafe behaviour.

Treatment:

• Antipsychotic medications.
• CBT for psychosis and supportive therapy.
• Social skills training and vocational rehabilitation.
• Family psychoeducation.
• Community-based long-term monitoring.

What it is:

A disorder with intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions) to reduce anxiety.

Symptoms:

• Obsessions: fear of contamination, harm, mistakes.
• Compulsions: repeated washing, checking, counting, arranging.
• Anxiety and guilt associated with obsessions and compulsions.
• Awareness of irrational thoughts but inability to resist them.

When to Seek Help:

• Rituals or thoughts occupy more than 1 hour daily.
• Interference with work, school, or relationships.
• Overwhelming distress and inability to control symptoms.

Treatment:

• CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
• SSRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline, clomipramine).
• Family therapy to reduce accommodation of rituals.
• rTMS or DBS in treatment-resistant cases.

What it is:

Progressive decline in memory, cognition, and daily functioning. Also includes late-life depression and anxiety.

Symptoms:

• Memory loss affecting daily activities.
• Difficulty recognizing familiar people or places. Impaired planning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Disorientation, language difficulties, mood changes, and behavioural issues.
• Decline in performing daily living tasks.

When to Seek Help:

• Memory loss affecting independence.
• Frequent disorientation or confusion.
• Unsafe behaviours like wandering or aggression.
• Overwhelmed caregivers.

Treatment:

• Medications to slow decline (donepezil, rivastigmine).
• Cognitive stimulation therapy.
• Supportive routines and safe environment.
• Psychological support for mood disturbances.
• Caregiver guidance and education.

Symptoms:

• ADHD: inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder: social interaction difficulties, speech delays, repetitive behaviours.
• Behavioural & Emotional: tantrums, aggression, school refusal, anxiety, withdrawal.

When to Seek Help:

• Behavioural issues affecting school or relationships.
• Developmental delays in speech, play, or social skills.
• Persistent emotional difficulties.

Treatment:

• Behaviour therapy, structured routines, play therapy.
• Parent management training and psychoeducation.
• School collaboration and special education planning.
• Medications as clinically indicated (e.g., stimulants for ADHD).