What does emotional illness mean? Is emotional illness a mental illness

Emotional illness refers to a type of physical and mental illness caused by emotional and psychological factors, and does not belong to the category of mental illness. Emotional disorders mainly include traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic types such as depression, insomnia, palpitations, etc., which are often related to long-term emotional disorders, while mental disorders belong to organic or severe psychological disorders. There are essential differences between the two in terms of etiology, symptoms, and treatment.

Definition of Emotional Disorders

Emotional disorders originate from traditional Chinese medicine theory and refer to the disorder of qi caused by extreme emotions such as anger, anger, worry, thought, sadness, fear, and shock. Typical manifestations include chest tightness and rib pain, insomnia and frequent dreaming, decreased appetite and other somatic symptoms, usually without organic lesions. Modern medicine classifies it as a psychosomatic disease, such as anxiety disorders, mild depression, etc., which can be improved through psychological counseling and traditional Chinese medicine regulation.

II. Characteristics of Mental Disorders

Mental disorders mainly refer to severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with typical symptoms such as thinking breakdown, hallucinations and delusions, and are often related to biochemical abnormalities or genetic factors in the brain. Symptoms need to be controlled through antipsychotic medication, and some patients require long-term hospitalization. The degree of social dysfunction is significantly higher than that of emotional disorders.

III. Differences in Causes

Emotional disorders are often induced by life events, such as work stress, emotional trauma, and other psychological stressors, and there are clear emotional pathogenic factors. Psychiatric disorders are more closely related to biological factors such as genetic inheritance and neurotransmitter imbalances, with environmental triggers only serving as secondary triggering conditions.

IV. Diagnostic Criteria

The diagnosis of emotional disorders focuses on the correlation between psychological assessment and physical symptoms, and commonly uses tools such as the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. Psychiatric disorders must meet the diagnostic criteria of ICD-10 or DSM-5, and have observable pathological basis through auxiliary examinations such as electroencephalography and genetic testing.

V. Treatment Methods

Emotional disorders are mainly treated with traditional Chinese medicine that can soothe the liver and relieve depression, combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy, such as Xiaoyao San and Ganmai Dazao Tang. Psychiatric disorders require standardized use of antipsychotic drugs such as risperidone and olanzapine, combined with rehabilitation training. Some refractory cases require physical therapy.

To prevent emotional disorders in daily life, it is necessary to maintain emotional stability, practice mindfulness meditation or soothing exercises such as Eight Section Brocade, and establish a regular schedule. If there is persistent low mood accompanied by physical discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical diagnosis as soon as possible. Family members of psychiatric patients should learn disease management knowledge, cooperate with doctors to supervise medication and prevent recurrence, and avoid shame and delayed treatment.