What is the Difference Between Mental Illness and Mental Disorder?

The terms "mental illness" and "mental disorder" are often used interchangeably to describe psychiatric conditions, but they have different meanings:

• Mental Illness: According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), mental illness refers to "conditions that affect a person's thinking, feeling, mood, or behavior". It is a broader term used to describe a range of health conditions that affect a person's mental wellbeing, such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and more.
• Mental Disorder: A mental disorder is characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior. It is usually associated with distress or impairment in important areas of functioning and is used more specifically in the context of the Mental Health Act to describe the particular symptoms a person has.

While mental disorders are considered an outdated term that dates back to prior understandings of mental health, both terms continue to be used in various contexts. In general, mental illness is the preferred term to describe psychiatric conditions, as it includes language that suggests that mental health can be both well or unwell, similar to physical health.

Comparative Table: Mental Illness vs Mental Disorder

The terms "mental illness" and "mental disorder" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences. Here is a table summarizing the differences between mental illness and mental disorder:

Mental illnesses are conditions that affect a person's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, while mental disorders are diagnosable conditions with specific diagnostic criteria. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, it is essential to understand the differences between the two to provide appropriate support and treatment for individuals experiencing these conditions.