mentally disturbed

USAGE SUMMARY

"mentally disturbed" is an acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It usually refers to people who have been diagnosed with some type of mental health disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. It can also be used to describe someone who is going through an emotionally challenging period in their life. Example sentence: The patient had been diagnosed as mentally disturbed, and was thus referred for specialized mental health treatment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am disturbed, I am mentally disturbed.

The Guardian

I think he's mentally disturbed".

The New York Times

This is for people who are mentally disturbed," he says.

The Guardian

Reason for divorce she has written boy was mentally disturbed".

The New York Times

The mentally disturbed or terminally ill ones – it's tough.

The Guardian - Music

Untreated mentally disturbed prisoners are also a danger to themselves.

The Guardian

Once we paid to see mentally disturbed humans in asylums; now we pay to see mentally disturbed non-humans in zoos.

The Guardian - Opinion

They suspected that a mentally disturbed woman was placed in the cell to unnerve them.

The New York Times

While living in exile in Santiago, he was murdered by a mentally disturbed friend.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She explored a theory of the psychological similarities between creative artists and mentally disturbed people.

The New York Times - Health

The Taliban are not mentally disturbed, as our Prime Minister suggests — they believe in something.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mentally disturbed", consider the audience and context to ensure sensitivity and avoid perpetuating stigma. Opt for more neutral or specific terms if appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "mentally disturbed" as a casual or derogatory label. It's crucial to approach discussions about mental health with empathy and respect, favoring person-first language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mentally disturbed" functions primarily as an adjective phrase used to describe the mental state of a person. Ludwig provides examples where it modifies nouns like "prisoners", "individual", or "woman", indicating a state of mental instability or disorder.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mentally disturbed" is a commonly used adjective phrase to describe an individual's mental state, often implying a form of mental illness or instability. While grammatically correct, its use requires careful consideration due to the potential for stigmatization. Ludwig AI indicates that it's used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. It's essential to approach the topic with sensitivity, and it might be beneficial to consider more neutral or specific alternatives such as "mentally unwell" or "experiencing mental health challenges", especially in formal settings. Understanding the context and audience is crucial for using this phrase responsibly and ethically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotionally unstable

Focuses on the instability of emotions rather than a specific mental disorder.

psychologically distressed

Emphasizes the psychological suffering someone is experiencing.

mentally unwell

A more general and less stigmatizing term for poor mental health.

afflicted with mental illness

Highlights the presence of a diagnosed mental illness.

suffering from a mental disorder

A formal and clinical way to describe someone with a mental health condition.

experiencing mental health challenges

A contemporary and empathetic way of referring to mental health issues.

having a mental health condition

A neutral and factual way to describe someone with a mental health issue.

of unsound mind

An older, more legalistic term suggesting impaired mental capacity.

psychologically impaired

Focuses on the impairment of psychological functions.

mentally fragile

Highlights vulnerability in mental health.

FAQs

What's a less stigmatizing alternative to "mentally disturbed"?

Consider using alternatives like "mentally unwell", "experiencing mental health challenges", or "having a mental health condition" to reduce stigma.

How can I use "mentally disturbed" in a sentence?

You can use "mentally disturbed" to describe an individual's state of mind, such as: "The suspect was described as "mentally disturbed" by his family."

Is it appropriate to use "mentally disturbed" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "mentally disturbed" might be considered insensitive in some formal contexts. Opt for more neutral terms like "suffering from a mental disorder" or "psychologically distressed".

What is the difference between "mentally disturbed" and "emotionally unstable"?

"Mentally disturbed" suggests a broader range of mental health issues, while "emotionally unstable" specifically refers to rapid and intense mood swings or emotional dysregulation.