What are the four major categories of mental illness?

The correct answer highlights the four major categories of mental illness, which are psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. Each of these categories encompasses a wide range of specific conditions that affect an individual's thinking, feeling, and behavior.

Psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, involve distortions in thinking and perception, leading to experiences like hallucinations and delusions. Mood disorders, including major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, primarily impact a person's emotional state, causing significant fluctuations in mood. Anxiety disorders encompass conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder, characterized by excessive fear or anxiety. Personality disorders involve long-standing patterns of behavior and inner experiences that diverge from cultural expectations, leading to difficulties in social functioning and interpersonal relationships.

This classification is important because it reflects the complex nature of mental illnesses and informs the approaches for diagnosis and treatment. By understanding these categories, mental health professionals can better identify and tailor interventions for individuals experiencing these conditions.