mental disorder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mental disorder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a health condition that affects a person's thoughts, emotions, and/or behavior. For example, "The patient was diagnosed with a severe mental disorder."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(See mental disorder: Dissociative disorders).

Encyclopedia Britannica

He has a mental disorder.

The New York Times

What is your mental disorder?

The Guardian

Others display no mental disorder.

The Guardian

For full treatment, see mental disorder.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(See also mental disorder: Conversion disorder).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Quiz: what mental disorder do you have?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The schizophrenia is a frequent mental disorder.

European Psychiatry

Quiz time: What sort of mental disorder do you have?

The Guardian

Not every mental disorder made the final cut.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "mental disorder", prioritize using person-first language (e.g., "a person with a mental disorder" instead of "a mentally disordered person") to respect the individual.

Common error

Refrain from using the term "mental disorder" casually or as a pejorative. Such usage perpetuates harmful stereotypes and diminishes the seriousness of the condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mental disorder" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as a subject or object to identify a range of psychiatric conditions affecting cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functions. Ludwig AI indicates this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Science

27%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "mental disorder" is a widely used noun phrase that describes a range of conditions affecting mental health. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While alternatives like "mental illness" and "psychiatric disorder" exist, "mental disorder" is a comprehensive term found frequently in news, scientific literature, and academic discourse. When writing about this topic, it's crucial to prioritize person-first language and avoid stigmatizing or casual usage. Utilizing this term responsibly contributes to more informed and sensitive discussions about mental health.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mental illness

Common synonym referring to conditions affecting the mind and behavior.

psychiatric disorder

Clinical term emphasizing the medical or psychological aspects.

psychological disorder

Focuses on the psychological manifestations of the condition.

behavioral disorder

Highlights the impact on observable actions and conduct.

cognitive impairment

Emphasizes the effects on thought processes and understanding.

emotional disturbance

Focuses on disrupted emotional states and responses.

neurodevelopmental condition

Highlights developmental aspects in disorders with onset during childhood or adolescence.

brain disorder

Highlights conditions caused by changes in the brain or how it functions.

psychopathology

Refers to the study of mental disorders or their manifestations.

affective disorder

Related to mood and emotions.

FAQs

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

You can use "mental disorder" to describe a range of conditions. For instance, "The patient was diagnosed with a severe "mental disorder"" or "Effective treatments are available for many types of "mental disorder"".

What are some alternatives to saying "mental disorder"?

Depending on the context, you could use "mental illness", "psychiatric disorder", or "psychological disorder" as alternatives.

Is it correct to say "mental disease" instead of "mental disorder"?

While "mental disease" is sometimes used, "mental disorder" is the preferred and more widely accepted term in clinical and academic settings. It encompasses a broader range of conditions.

What is the difference between "mental disorder" and "emotional disorder"?

"Mental disorder" is a broader category that includes various conditions affecting thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. "Emotional disorder" specifically refers to conditions primarily affecting emotional regulation and expression.