Emotional disorders: a complete guide to understanding them without taboos

In times of greater concern for mental health, addressing emotional disorders has become both a necessity and a taboo. After all, even after the end of the Covid-19 pandemic and the serious problems it has caused for the population, dealing with issues of this nature has come to require special attention.

This is because, on the one hand, we have seen an increase in the number of people diagnosed with emotional disorders. On the other hand, there has been a certain trivialization of self-determination with certain mental health conditions, without the approval of a professional.

That’s why EnLite Health Solutions has prepared this exclusive content that will explain everything about emotional disorders and the importance of understanding them. Finally, we will explain their relationship with EnLite Health Solutions . Check it out with us and enjoy your reading!

After all, are emotional disorders and mental disorders the same thing?

First, it is important to explain that the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations use the term “mental disorders” to describe general conditions that relate to mental health in a broad sense. In other words, this terminology refers to emotions, cognitive aspects, and also behavioral aspects.

So, although both terms are directly related to each other, when we talk about emotional disorders, the reference is directly to emotions. In other words, they refer to the complex reactions that occur in response to environmental and internal stimuli. Thus, it can be said that it involves physiological, behavioral and subjective components.

In short, all emotional disorders are mental disorders, but mental disorders do not always have an emotional nature.

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Importance and definition of emotions

Anyone who has watched Inside Out , a successful Disney and Pixar animated film, will understand this topic in a very functional way. After all, the cartoon addresses issues involving human emotions.

From this, it can be explained that emotions are mental and physiological states that provoke motor and glandular reactions. And of course, they are capable of affecting everything from our behavior, social relationships to learning.

The word emotion comes from the Latin “emovere”, which means “to move out” or “to move away”. In other words, this indicates its representation in each individual when these emotions are reflected externally in our actions.

However, it is important to note that emotions have adaptive functions and help individuals respond to challenges and opportunities in the environment. To this end, they act as a survival mechanism.

Furthermore, they also allow people to recognize and adapt to situations that may be beneficial or harmful.

The basic emotions of human beings

Most currents of study on mental health and emotional disorders consider that there are 6 universal and innate emotions. In short, that all people have or should have and, without any stimulus, they exist from birth. They are:

• Happiness;
• Sadness;
• Fear;
• Surprise;
• Disgust;
• Anger.

In general, they are among the primary emotions because they are presented in a simpler way and are related to specific facial expressions. According to Paul Ekman and Robert Plutchik , two leading scholars on the subject, the combination of these 6 emotions gives rise to other more complex emotions.

Emotional experience

But if there are universal and innate primary emotions, what is the reason for emotional disorders and their importance in each individual? Well, the answer is precisely the fact that emotions are subjective experiences.

In short, this means that they can be experienced and perceived differently by each person. In addition, they can generate physical reactions, such as changes in heart rate, breathing and facial expressions , which are often involuntary and rapid.

And of course, depending on the combination of emotions, we go through a unique and complex experience, which is even enhanced by secondary and background emotions.

Secondary emotions

A smart way to understand secondary emotions is to think of them in terms of a color spiral. In this case, the list we made earlier would be the primary colors. In turn, their combinations result in other color palettes and tones, which in our case, means feelings with greater complexity.

However, this only happens because emotions can be influenced by factors such as culture, morality and personal experiences . Therefore, it is possible to state that secondary emotions originate from social interaction and generally begin from the age of 2 or 3.

Some examples of secondary emotions are shame, guilt, pride, jealousy, and empathy. For example, shame may arise in a situation of fear (primary emotion) of rejection among friends, which leads to a more complex emotional response.

Background emotions

Finally, to begin a deeper understanding of emotional disorders, we must also explain underlying emotions. This is because they refer to more lasting and subtle emotional states. In short, they are not as noticeable as primary and secondary emotions and are similar to an emotional climate.

For example, situations of melancholy, anguish, well-being, calm or contentment. In addition, emotional pictures of persistent happiness or sadness, whether or not there is an apparent reason for them.

What are emotional disorders?

After understanding emotions better, it becomes easier to systematically define emotional disorders, don’t you agree? Therefore, it can be said that they are conditions that affect an individual’s mental health and well-being.

Furthermore, they manifest themselves through changes in mood, behavior and cognition and can appear at any stage of life. Finally, it should be noted that they are often triggered by stressful factors, both personal and professional.

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The importance of emotional balance

If our emotions are complex and vary from person to person, where do emotional disorders fit in?

In general, the ability to recognize and regulate emotions is crucial for psychological well-being. Therefore, it is understood that emotional disorders can occur when an imbalance of these emotions negatively interferes with someone’s daily life.

After all, emotional intelligence, which involves the ability to identify, understand and manage emotions, is fundamental to mental health and quality of life. This means that being able to maintain emotional regulation is necessary to be able to deal with stress and make more effective decisions in everyday life.

Main mental disorders: characteristics, care and aggravating factors

According to the Gallup World Poll , available on the UNESCO website and considered one of the most comprehensive surveys on mental health, in 2009, emotional disorders affected around 25% of the world’s population. However, in 2021, this number jumped to 31.2%. In other words, in just over a decade, there was an increase of 6%.

To get an idea of the worrying number, just consider that we have around 160 million Brazilians over the age of 15 in Brazil. Thus, 6% more corresponds to 9.6 million young people and adults with emotional disorders.

Below, we will discuss the most common conditions, their characteristics, care and what can worsen them if there is no professional monitoring. Continue reading.

Anxiety

It is obvious that a list of emotional disorders would have to include anxiety. After all, the WHO itself has already warned in its studies that Brazil is at the top of the ranking of countries with the most anxious people in the world .

In summary, 9.3% of the Brazilian population suffers from anxiety. Next comes Paraguay (7.6%), Norway (7.4%), New Zealand (7.3%) and Australia (7%).

In general, it is estimated that emotional anxiety disorders are one of the problems that most often lead to people seeking psychological counseling in Brazil. This is because symptoms such as feelings of discomfort, tension and anticipated fear of imminent danger can disrupt social interactions, whether emotional, professional or family.

Furthermore, in frequent or more persistent cases, anxiety leads to physical symptoms such as muscle tension, sweating and palpitations.

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Anxiety treatment

The diagnosis and treatment of anxiety, as with any other emotional disorders, is carried out by a psychologist or mental health professional. From there, they will determine the best treatment for the individual.

In other words, reducing or treating anxiety can involve anything from daily behavioral changes, therapy, including leisure time, sports or culture in daily life, to the recommendation of a psychiatric consultation and the use of medication, in more severe cases.

Depression

Although depression can arise in a scenario of recurring anxiety, it differs from mental disorders precisely because it causes an opposite mood. After all, a depressive state is characterized by intense sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep and appetite, and difficulty concentrating.

Furthermore, studies on depression usually point to it as a persistent mood state for more than two weeks. In Brazil, the Ministry of Health estimates that 15.5% of the population has some form of depression .

It is also important to note that depression is a complex condition and can result from a combination of two or more factors, such as genetic, biological, psychological or environmental factors.

Finally, traumatic events or experiences with great emotional impact, personality traits more susceptible to stress and physical health problems are capable of amplifying the depression picture.

Treatment and care for depression

Just like anxiety, only a mental health professional can diagnose and recommend the best treatment for depression. After that, they may use a combination of therapeutic approaches, such as psychotherapy, lifestyle changes or alternative methods.

However, in more severe cases, a psychiatric consultation, the use of antidepressants or even hospitalization may be necessary. After all, when the condition is acute, the risk of suicide or functional incapacity increases.

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Social phobia

Next, among the increasingly recurrent emotional disorders, social phobia stands out. This is because it can also be called “social anxiety”, since it is characterized by what we explained about anxiety but in a broader way.

In other words, social phobia causes the individual to have an intense fear of social situations such as speaking in public or eating in spaces with other people present. Otherwise, the person may experience symptoms such as tremors, palpitations, nausea or sweating.

Importance of treating social phobia

If there is no intervention and therapeutic monitoring for social phobia, the tendency is for the individual to isolate themselves. In other words, they may become more prone to developing feelings such as melancholy, sadness and loneliness. Which, of course, trigger other, even more serious problems.

In turn, in the professional sphere, social phobia can make it impossible to perform important tasks and prevent growth at work. Or, it can cause the person to develop a high sensitivity to criticism or low self-esteem.

The treatment of social phobia generally involves the same care that we mentioned for anxiety and depression and its diagnosis necessarily depends on a mental health professional.

Emotional eating disorders

The next item on the list of emotional disorders involves a very worrying issue, especially among young people. After all, according to the Brazilian Psychiatric Association (ABP), one in every five young people aged 6 to 18 has an eating disorder. In the case of women, this number reaches one third.

In short, emotional eating disorders are psychiatric conditions that involve irregular eating patterns and an excessive concern with weight and body image. This situation has become even more worrying since the advent of social media.

This is because the search for the perfect image and the sharing of tips, recipes or miracle diets has been made easier in the virtual world. For example, a 2023 survey by the scientific journal Plos One found that 44% of TikTok videos about nutrition addressed weight loss. In addition, another 20% focused on body transformation. And all of this helped to increase cases of eating disorders.

Main eating disorders

Anorexia nervosa | Characterized by extreme calorie restriction, intense fear of gaining weight and distorted body image;

Bulimia nervosa | Involves episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as vomiting or laxative use;

Binge eating disorder | Characterized by frequent episodes of overeating without compensatory behaviors. In addition, the disorder can be an emotional response to stress, anxiety, or depression;

Picanism | Means the consumption of non-food substances, such as soil or hair;

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARID) | This involves avoiding certain foods and can lead to significant weight loss. However, because it usually begins in childhood, it is often confused with food selectivity.

Treatment of eating disorders

Yes, you already know that a diagnosis from a mental health professional is necessary. However, it is important to note that many cases of eating disorders may require interdisciplinary treatment. For example, with psychologists, nutritionists and, in some cases, therapists and psychiatrists.

Finally, early identification and family support are also fundamental for the patient’s recovery and rehabilitation.

Somatization Disorder

Do you know when someone often complains about headaches, nausea, fatigue or other physical discomforts, but there is no medical evidence to justify these complaints? This could be a case of emotional somatization disorders.

In short, it is a condition characterized by the manifestation of physical symptoms that cannot be explained by an identifiable organic disease . In these cases, the symptoms may be the result of emotional and psychological factors, reflecting the connection between mind and body.

Treatment

Treatment for somatization disorder usually involves psychotherapy, ongoing therapeutic support, and awareness of the relationship between emotions and physical symptoms. However, antidepressants or anxiolytics may be prescribed to treat associated symptoms of anxiety or depression, which means that, from diagnosis to treatment, only a mental health professional is able to monitor an individual with such symptoms, right?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

The next on the list of emotional disorders also has a rather troubled relationship with the digital universe. After all, sometimes all it takes is a single repetitive or compulsive behavior for the self-diagnosis to be there: I have OCD!

However, we must demystify this issue and point out that everyone has experienced behavior of this nature. However, for OCD to be considered an emotional disorder that requires treatment, it must be repeated to the point of hindering the execution of daily tasks .

In other words, performing certain rituals or having some kind of mania can be completely normal. But if you really want to know if you have obsessive-compulsive disorder, you should consult a mental health professional.

Characteristics present in OCD

In general, OCD is a chronic anxiety disorder that causes repetitive thoughts and rituals that an individual cannot control. In addition, they generate a feeling of fear or discomfort that requires the behavior as a trigger to reduce anxiety .

For example, when there is excessive cleaning of the hands or body, checking several times whether doors and windows are locked or unnecessary accumulation of objects.

How to Treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

The mental health professional, after diagnosing OCD, will decide between therapeutic treatment and the possible use of medication. Or, a combination of both.

Panic syndrome

Finally, panic syndrome is one of the main emotional disorders. This is because it is characterized by sudden and intense attacks of fear or discomfort, which cause physical and emotional symptoms. In general, it presents episodes that can occur without warning and last up to 30 minutes , on average.

However, the feeling of anxiety can persist for much longer, depending on the individual. In addition, panic syndrome can cause chest pain, dizziness, feeling faint, fear of losing control or dying, and feelings of unreality.

Treatment of panic syndrome

Once again, it is necessary to seek the help of a mental health professional. During the consultation, they will be the ones who will understand which factors are contributing to the panic syndrome, as there can be many. For example, traumatic experiences, family history, life changes such as bereavement or separation, and even the use of substances such as caffeine, alcohol or recreational drugs.

Depending on the assessment, the professional will use the treatment method they consider most effective, whether it be therapy, medication or relaxation techniques. And of course, when necessary, a combination of these.

Affective Disorders: Understanding Mood Swings

Affective disorders, also known as mood disorders, are mental health conditions characterized by significant and persistent changes in mood.

In other words, they are emotional disorders that can cause mood swings ranging from deep depression to excessive euphoria. Furthermore, these changes can significantly interfere with daily life, relationships and the ability to work.

Below, we list the main affective disorders and their specific characteristics.

Major depressive disorder | Characterized by episodes of deep sadness, loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities, changes in appetite and sleep, fatigue and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts;

Bipolar disorder | In short, it presents itself with alternating episodes of mania (euphoria, excessive energy, impulsivity) and depression;

Dysthymia | It is a chronic form of depression, with less intense symptoms than major depressive disorder, but of long duration;

Cyclothymia | This is the alternation between periods of hypomania (mild mania) and mild depression.

Main causes of affective disorders

As with almost all emotional disorders, the causes of affective disorders are complex and multifactorial. After all, they usually involve a combination of biological, psychological and social factors. However, there are some risk factors that are present in most cases. They are:

Genetics | Genetic predisposition may increase the risk of developing an affective disorder;

Brain Biochemistry | In this case, imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, may be related to the development of these disorders;

Stressful life events | These are situations such as the loss of a loved one, divorce or financial problems. In short, they are capable of triggering a depressive episode.

Personality | Finally, certain personality traits, such as pessimism and low self-esteem, can increase vulnerability to affective disorders.

Symptoms of affective disorders

Symptoms of affective disorders can vary depending on the type of disorder and the person affected. Some common symptoms include:

Mood swings | For example, deep sadness, excessive euphoria and high irritability;

Changes in thinking | When difficulty concentrating, negative thoughts, and suicidal ideas become more frequent, this may indicate a condition where the individual may have emotional disorders of affect;

Physical changes | Those who think that an emotional disorder only affects mental health are mistaken. After all, it is common to witness symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite and weight, insomnia or hypersomnia in people with affective disorders;

Behavioral changes | Social isolation, loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities, agitation or slowness are also common in people who may be experiencing emotional distress.

What is F91 in Psychiatry: A didactic explanation about conduct disorders

In the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) , the code F91 refers to Conduct Disorders . And it is important in the context of understanding emotional disorders because it is characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the rights of others or important social norms are violated.

Furthermore, this is a very common diagnosis in children and adolescents and can explain situations that are often misinterpreted in social interactions. Among the main characteristics of conduct disorders, those diagnosed with F91 may exhibit behaviors that are:

Aggressiveness | Aggressive physical behavior towards people and animals;

Destruction | They destroy property and assets without any apparent reason;

Lies and fraud | They present behavior that can deceive and steal, for example;

Violation of rules | Ignoring rules and social norms;

Lack of remorse | Difficulty feeling guilt or remorse for your actions.

Types of conduct disorders

Even without a single pattern of behavior, emotional disorders diagnosed as conduct disorder can range from a problematic and frequent context within the home to a lack of socialization in external environments.

Furthermore, it is possible that an individual of this nature always displays provocative, disobedient or disruptive behavior.

In any of these cases, there are situations that originate from genetic, environmental or neurobiological factors. For example, a family history of mental disorders, exposure to violence or abuse or central nervous system dysfunctions.

Finally, the use of substances such as drugs or alcohol can worsen conduct disorder, as their properties alter brain function.

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What does ICD F41 mean?

As previously discussed, anxiety is one of the emotional disorders listed in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) with ICD F41. This category encompasses a variety of conditions characterized by feelings of fear, excessive worry, and anxiety that significantly interfere with a person’s daily life.

Depending on its recurrence, intensity and impact on daily tasks, the disorder can present itself as:

Generalized anxiety disorder | Characterized by excessive and persistent worry about a variety of topics, such as health, finances, and work;

Mixed anxiety and depressive disorder | Combination of symptoms of anxiety and depression;

Other mixed anxiety disorders/| When includes conditions with features of different anxiety disorders.

ADHD: Demystifying a modern-day disorder

The perception that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is more common today is a complex issue that involves several discussions. After all, Medicine understands that there is no real increase in the incidence of ADHD, but rather an increase in diagnosis.

In general, ADHD is a neurobiological condition that manifests itself in childhood and can persist into adulthood. In short, it is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that significantly interferes with a person’s daily functioning.

And why does it seem that ADHD is becoming more common? Firstly, because today’s society has access to more information on the subject. Another point is that the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have become more precise and specific over the years, making it easier to identify the disorder.

However, it is important to note that the modern lifestyle, with its ever-increasing demands and constant stimuli, can make ADHD symptoms more evident. In addition, it can coexist with other mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression. In the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), ADHD is classified under the code F90.0 .

What is the most serious ICD for anxiety?

The severity of an anxiety disorder is not limited to a single ICD (International Classification of Diseases) code. After all, each individual experiences anxiety in a unique way, and the severity of symptoms can vary significantly from one person to another.

Therefore, ICD F41 encompasses a wide range of anxiety disorders, and each of them can present different levels of intensity and impact on the person’s life. In other words, there is no specific ICD that can be considered the “most serious” for all cases.

The reason for this is that anxiety is perceived by each person subjectively. In other words, what is disabling for one individual may be more easily manageable for another.

Finally, it is important to note that in cases where anxiety coexists with other mental health problems, it can worsen the clinical picture. And of course, factors such as age, life history, social support and treatment also influence the severity of the emotional disorders that lead to anxiety.

What is a personality disorder?

Still within emotional disorders, there are personality disorders that are long-lasting patterns of thinking, feeling and relating. However, they tend to deviate significantly from cultural expectations, to the point of causing significant distress or impairment in social and occupational functioning.

To understand them better, we list below the key characteristics of personality disorders:

Inflexible patterns | When behaviors and thoughts are rigid and difficult to change, even when they cause problems;

Onset in adolescence or early adulthood | Behavior patterns typically begin to develop in adolescence or early adulthood;

Stability over time | Behavior patterns are stable over time and manifest themselves in different situations;

Suffering and loss | Finally, Behavior patterns cause significant distress to the individual or those around them, impairing the ability to function in important areas of life, such as work, school, or relationships.

Most common types of personality disorders

There are several types of personality disorders, each with its own specific characteristics. Some of the most common include:

Antisocial personality disorder | Characterized by a persistent pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others;

Borderline personality disorder | Marked by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image and emotions, as well as impulsivity;

Narcissistic personality disorder | Punctuated by a grandiose sense of self-importance, need for admiration, and lack of empathy;

Avoidant personality disorder | Defined by a pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to criticism.

Who can diagnose an emotional disorder?

It is common for several health professionals to signal and indicate the search for treatment for emotional disorders. However, an accurate diagnosis only occurs after consultation with specific professionals in the mental health area.

This is because they are able to diagnose the condition through technical listening and psychological evaluation based on evidence. In other words, it is mandatory to seek a psychiatrist or psychologist in order to understand in a broad way whether the individual suffers from any emotional disorders.

Furthermore, what differentiates each professional’s approach is that there are treatments that may only require changing habits or regular psychotherapy. On the other hand, there are more serious cases where it may be necessary to administer psychoactive medications.

Therefore, if there is a need to use medication, these two professionals have expertise in therapeutic monitoring and checking the patient’s prognosis.

Why avoid self-medication?

There is no scenario in the treatment of any disease where self-medication is recommended. However, when it comes to emotional disorders, taking medication on your own, without medical advice, can cause serious health risks and several side effects.

Furthermore, the medications prescribed for the treatment of these disorders are controlled. In other words, they require a prescription because they can mask important symptoms and even cause dependence. In some cases, they can be lethal, for example, when administered in excessive doses or with other medications.

Therefore, never encourage or support someone to self-medicate. This way, you avoid the potential risk of poisoning and do not put your life or that of others at risk.

What is a clinical history?

Clinical anamnesis is an investigation of the life history and psychotests applied by health professionals. For this reason, it is a very common resource when listening to people with complaints of psychological suffering.

Through anamnesis, the mental health professional can more accurately assess the possible psychiatric and psychological treatments for a given condition. After all, it provides the essential elements for personalized care that focuses on what the patient really needs.

Some steps for the anamnesis to extract the most relevant data are:

• Patient identification;
• Review of the patient’s and family’s medical history;
• Understanding by the mental health professional of the person’s habits;
• Assessment of how long symptoms persist. For example, insomnia, changes in appetite and libido, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, negative thoughts, among others;
• Investigation into the patient’s work situation, social and environmental interactions.

Psychological assessment or psychotests to diagnose emotional disorders

If necessary, psychology professionals can use psychotests as a psychological assessment tool. In general, they are similar to the mandatory psychological exams required to obtain a driver’s license or apply for certain positions.

Although their nature is unknown to many people, the main objective of psychotests is to be able to assess personality types, traits and dynamics with greater precision and impartiality.

Mental health is non-negotiable: count on EnLite to take care of it!

After better understanding everything that involves the main emotional disorders, we invite you to get to know EnLite . Focused on becoming a reference as an international network of therapeutic companions , we are a clinic without walls, specialized in mental health and human care.

In other words, with EnLite , you can access therapeutic companion services in an individualized, humane and effective way. To do this, we carry out an admission consultation to understand your needs and select the professional who best aligns with what you need.

Therefore, the recovery of those who seek our services becomes the most important result for us.

For other content on therapeutic monitoring and mental health, access other articles on the EnLite Blog .