Mental breakdown

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Mental breakdown (also known as a nervous breakdown) is a non-medical term used to describe an acute, short phase of a disorder with features of depression or anxiety.[1]

Definition[change | change source]

The terms 'nervous breakdown' and 'mental breakdown' are not formally defined in a diagnostic system such as the DSM-IV or ICD-10. The terms are not often used in the scientific literature on mental illness.[1][2]

Specific cases are sometimes described as a 'breakdown' only after a person cannot function in day-to-day life.[3]

Causes[change | change source]

Causes of such breakdowns are varied. A 1996 study found that problems with intimate relationships, such as divorce or separation, contributed to 24% of nervous breakdowns.[4] Problems at work and school accounted for 17% of cases, and financial problems for 11%. Surveys suggest that in the United States, health problems have decreased in importance as a contributor to nervous breakdowns, as these accounted for 28% of nervous breakdowns in 1957, 12% in 1976, and only 5.6% in 1996.[4]

In themselves, nervous breakdowns are considered a 'health problem' by most professionals.

References[change | change source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Rapport LJ, Todd RM, Lumley MA, Fisicaro SA. 1998. The diagnostic meaning of "nervous breakdown" among lay populations. J Pers Assess. 71(2):242-52.
  2. Mayo Clinic mental breakdown
  3. Hallowell, Edward M & John Ratey. 2005. Delivered from distraction: getting the most out of life with attention deficit disorder. Ballentine Books. ISBN 0-345-44231-8
  4. 4.0 4.1 Swindle R Jr, Heller K, Pescosolido B, Kikuzawa S. 2000. Responses to nervous breakdowns in America over a 40-year period. Mental health policy implications. Am Psychol. 55(7):740-9.