a mental disorder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mental disorder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing psychological conditions or diagnoses in a clinical or educational context. Example: "The patient was diagnosed with a mental disorder that required immediate treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He has a mental disorder.

The New York Times

"The boy was violent and suffering from a mental disorder.

The New York Times

(Elsewhere, he hinted that she suffered from a "mental disorder").

The New Yorker

Turning shyness into a mental disorder has many downstream consequences.

The New Yorker

This lion has to have a mental disorder.

The New York Times

Delirium, a mental disorder, invites a Freudian reading.

The New York Times - Arts

When was he found to have a mental disorder?

The New York Times

The country declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder in 2001.

The Economist

It is not funny or cool to have a mental disorder.

The Guardian

You're far more likely to be attacked by someone who isn't suffering from a mental disorder.

The Guardian

Although a personality disorder is a mental disorder, until quite recently it was considered untreatable.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about mental health, use the phrase "a mental disorder" in clinical or formal contexts. In less formal settings, consider using alternatives like "a mental health condition" to reduce stigma.

Common error

Do not use the phrase "a mental disorder" loosely or in a way that perpetuates stereotypes. Always approach the topic with sensitivity and respect, and avoid making broad, unsupported statements about individuals or groups.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mental disorder" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It's used to identify and categorize a range of conditions affecting a person's cognitive, emotional, or behavioral well-being. As shown by Ludwig, it is used to describe various mental health issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mental disorder" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe conditions affecting a person's mental health. It appears most frequently in news and media, and scientific contexts, carrying a neutral to formal tone. Ludwig AI indicates its use in diagnostic contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to be mindful of potential stigma and consider using less clinical terms in informal situations. Alternatives include "a mental health condition" or "a psychological problem". When writing, avoid generalizations and use the term responsibly and sensitively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a psychological disorder

Replaces "mental" with "psychological", focusing on the mind and behavior.

a psychiatric disorder

Substitutes "mental" with "psychiatric", emphasizing the medical aspect of the disorder.

a psychiatric illness

Similar to psychiatric disorder but focusing on the state of being ill.

a mental health condition

Replaces "disorder" with "condition", a less stigmatizing term.

a mental health issue

A broader and less formal term for mental health problems.

a behavioral disorder

Focuses on disorders characterized by problematic behaviors.

a cognitive disorder

Highlights disorders affecting cognitive functions such as memory and attention.

a psychological problem

Uses "problem" instead of "disorder", softening the clinical connotation.

a psychological impairment

Emphasizes the functional impact of the mental health issue.

a cognitive impairment

Highlights specific issues on cognitive functions.

FAQs

How can I use "a mental disorder" in a sentence?

You can use "a mental disorder" to describe a specific condition or to discuss mental health in general. For example: "The patient was diagnosed with "a mental disorder" requiring therapy." or "Understanding the complexities of "a mental disorder" is crucial for effective treatment."

What are some less stigmatizing alternatives to "a mental disorder"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a mental health condition", "a psychological issue", or simply "mental health challenges" to reduce potential stigma.

Is it correct to use "mental illness" instead of "a mental disorder"?

"A mental illness" and ""a mental disorder"" are often used interchangeably, but ""a mental disorder"" is the broader, more clinically precise term. "Mental illness" tends to emphasize the experience of being unwell.

When should I use "a mental disorder" versus "a mental disability"?

"A mental disorder" refers to a clinically diagnosable condition affecting mental processes. "A mental disability", on the other hand, typically refers to long-term cognitive or intellectual impairments that significantly limit adaptive functioning.