Signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the particular psychiatric disorder, circumstances and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts and behaviors. i.e. Mental illness is a disease that influences the way a person thinks, feels, behaves, and/or relates to others and to his or her environment. Although the symptoms of mental illness can range from mild to severe and the person having mental illness may have difficulty in socio-occupational functioning. For effective treatment for mental illness it is necessary to identify signs & symptoms first. Following are the noticeable signs and symptoms of mental illness:

1. Persistent eccentric or peculiar behaviors.
2. Persistent aloofness or social withdrawal.  Decline in interests in activities/hobbies and people. a state of indifference towards people and environment.
3. Decline in social/occupational and academic functioning. Falling grades and poor work performance
4. Apparent loss of logical functioning. Emphasis on magical thinking or beliefs.
5. Dramatically   declined or increased sleep /appetite and Sex drive.
6. A gross deterioration in personal hygiene.
7. Excessive mood changes/swings from extreme low mood to extreme high mood.
8. State of suspiciousness which is held strongly, despite of contradicting evidences.  Acting out on these thoughts.
9. Impairment in higher mental functions i.e. impaired memory, impaired language, and eccentric speech.
10. Appearance of unusual anger, hostility or violence.

Once it is observed & identified that the above mentioned signs & symptoms are present, the treatment is recommended. There are various psychological assessments/tests that are used frequently to form the diagnosis of the patient suffering from mental illness. It has been seen that the treatment provided by Psychiatrist & Clinical Psychologist both is effective and useful. Once the patient visits the psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist, after complete interview, history and assessment diagnosis is made and on the basis of the diagnosis treatment for mental illness is recommended.

At the very least, the affected person should:

• have a diagnostic evaluation by a trained professional;
• be educated about mental illness and signs and symptoms to watch for;
• receive supportive counseling about daily life and strategies for stress management; and
• Be monitored closely for conditions requiring more intensive care.

Family members play a very significant role and should be involved in treatment whenever possible. The family needs to be psycho-educated about the treatment process. The treatment is planned according to the individual need of each case. Early identification and treatment of mental illness leads to better quality of life and improved socio-occupation functioning. Our center in Delhi provides treatment for mental illness. We have trained team of mental health professionals: Clinical Psychologists. Marriage counselors & Psychiatrists.