What Is Another Way to Say “Mental Illness”?

Looking for synonyms for mental illness? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say mental illness.

  • Psychiatric disorder
  • Mental disorder
  • Psychological disorder
  • Mental health condition
  • Psychopathology
  • Mental health issue
  • Behavioral disorder
  • Emotional disorder
  • Neurological disorder
  • Psychiatric condition
  • Cognitive disorder
  • Affective disorder
  • Mood disorder
  • Anxiety disorder
  • Psychotic disorder

Want to learn how to say mental illness professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Psychiatric Disorder

Appropriate Use: Refers to a wide range of mental health conditions affecting mood, thinking, and behavior.
Example: The clinic specializes in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders.

2. Mental Disorder

Appropriate Use: A general term for illnesses that affect the mind.
Example: Awareness programs are essential for reducing stigma associated with mental disorders.

3. Psychological Disorder

Appropriate Use: Conditions characterized by abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Example: Our healthcare plan covers therapy for various psychological disorders.

4. Mental Health Condition

Appropriate Use: A broad term that includes a range of affective, behavioral, cognitive, and perceptual abnormalities.
Example: Employers should provide support for employees dealing with mental health conditions.

5. Psychopathology

Appropriate Use: The scientific study of mental disorders, including their symptoms, etiology, and treatment.
Example: The research focuses on the psychopathology of chronic depression.

6. Mental Health Issue

Appropriate Use: A term often used to encompass a variety of mental health challenges.
Example: Companies are increasingly acknowledging the importance of addressing mental health issues in the workplace.

7. Behavioral Disorder

Appropriate Use: Conditions characterized primarily by abnormal behavior patterns.
Example: Early intervention can significantly help children with behavioral disorders.

8. Emotional Disorder

Appropriate Use: Disorders primarily affecting a person’s emotions.
Example: Employee assistance programs can provide help for those with emotional disorders.

9. Neurological Disorder

Appropriate Use: Disorders of the nervous system that can also impact mental functioning.
Example: Some neurological disorders can manifest symptoms similar to psychiatric conditions.

10. Psychiatric Condition

Appropriate Use: Another term for psychiatric disorders or mental illnesses.
Example: Our health insurance covers a wide range of psychiatric conditions.

11. Cognitive Disorder

Appropriate Use: Disorders that primarily affect learning, memory, perception, and problem-solving.
Example: There are specialized therapies available for various cognitive disorders.

12. Affective Disorder

Appropriate Use: A set of psychiatric diseases, also known as mood disorders.
ExampleAffective disorders like bipolar disorder require comprehensive treatment approaches.

13. Mood Disorder

Appropriate Use: Mental disorders that primarily affect a person’s mood.
Example: Depression is a common type of mood disorder.

14. Anxiety Disorder

Appropriate Use: Disorders characterized by excessive fear or anxiety.
ExampleAnxiety disorders are among the most treatable mental health conditions.

15. Psychotic Disorder

Appropriate Use: Mental disorders characterized by a disconnection from reality.
Example: Schizophrenia is an example of a psychotic disorder.

Linda Brown