Types of Psychosocial Impairments
Psychosocial impairments refer to conditions that affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviour, often influencing how they relate to others and manage daily life. They can arise from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors, and may be temporary or long-term in nature.
These conditions, include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among others.
They are not a sign of weakness or lack of character — they reflect a genuine health challenge that can affect anyone.
With appropriate treatment, therapy, medication, and support, most people can recover in time, or learn to manage their symptoms effectively.
Creating understanding, stigma-free environments, and ensuring access to mental health services are key to promoting inclusion, dignity, and overall well-being.
In this section we unpack the various conditions defined as psychosocial impairments – as well as the resources available to support both those individuals living with psychosocial impairments and their families.
What Are You Looking For?
A. Psychosocial Impairment Categories
1. Mood Disorders
– Types of Mood Disorders
i. Depression
ii. Bipolar Disorder
2. Anxiety and Stress Related Disorders
– Types of Anxiety Disorders
i. Generalised Anxiety Disorders
ii. Phobias
iii. OCD
3. Psychotic Disorders
– Types of Psychotic Disorders
i. Schizophrenia
4. Personality Disorders
– Types of Personality Disorders
5. Trauma Related Disorders
– Types of Trauma Related Disorders
Psychosocial Impairment Categories
Psychosocial impairments encompass mental health conditions that significantly affect a person’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, relate to others, and cope with daily life. They may be episodic (coming and going) or chronic (long-term), and their severity can range from mild to profound. South Africa applies the WHO/UNCRPD-aligned framework for diagnosis. For our purposes we will focus on the first five:
1. Mood Disorders
Mood (Affective) Disorders are a group of psychosocial conditions that primarily affect a person’s emotional state or mood. Everyone experiences emotional ups and downs, but in mood disorders, these changes are more intense, persistent, and disruptive, often interfering with daily life, relationships, and work.
These disorders can cause periods of deep sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness, or conversely, episodes of elevated or irritable mood, as seen in bipolar disorder. They may also involve changes in sleep, appetite, concentration, and energy levels, and sometimes physical symptoms without clear medical causes.
Mood disorders arise from a combination of biological, genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Chemical imbalances in the brain, chronic stress, trauma, and family history all play a role in their development. While serious, they are highly treatable, and many people lead full, productive lives with appropriate therapy, medication, and support.
Types of Mood Disorders
Although depression is the most common and widely recognised form of this group. The broader “mood disorder” category includes both depressive disorders, marked by prolonged sadness or loss of interest, and bipolar disorders, which involve alternating periods of depression and elevated mood (mania or hypomania) or irritability. Please click on your Category of Interest below to learn more.
Types of Mood Disorders
2. Anxiety and Stress Related Disorders
Anxiety and stress-related disorders are a group of psychosocial conditions characterised by excessive fear, worry, tension, or stress – out of proportion to the situation and difficult to control. While feelings of anxiety or stress are normal and part of everyday life, individuals with these disorders experience persistent, intense, or recurring symptoms that interfere with daily activities, work, relationships, and overall well-being.
These disorders may develop gradually or following a traumatic or highly stressful event. Biological, psychological, and social factors — such as genetics, personality, trauma, and chronic stress can all play a role.
Common physical symptoms that accompany this disorder include rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, muscle tension, or fatigue. While emotional symptoms may include irritability, fearfulness, restlessness, or difficulty concentrating. Anxiety and stress-related disorders are highly treatable. With a combination of therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and strong social support, most individuals are able to manage symptoms effectively and lead fulfilling lives.
According to the WHO/UNCRPD-aligned framework there are 6 Types of Anxiety Disorders:
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Phobias involve extreme, irrational fear of specific objects, situations, or activities, leading to avoidance behaviour. Includes: Specific Phobias – fear of particular things (e.g., heights, flying, spiders);
Agoraphobia – fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable; and Social Anxiety Disorder.
Though sometimes classified separately, these are closely linked to anxiety. They involve repetitive, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and compulsive behaviours performed to reduce distress or prevent harm.
Includes: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD); Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD); Hoarding Disorder etc
Most Common Anxiety Disorders Unpacked
3. Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic Disorders are severe mental health conditions that affect how a person perceives and interprets reality. The disorder is characterised by symptoms such as delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there), disorganised thinking or speech, and difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not.
People experiencing psychosis may also show changes in behaviour, emotion, and functioning — such as withdrawal from social interactions, neglect of self-care, or reduced emotional expression.
Early intervention, consistent treatment, and psychosocial support can greatly improve recovery and long-term stability.
Types of Psychotic Disorders
1. Schizophrenia
A long-term disorder involving delusions, hallucinations, and cognitive difficulties.
2. Schizoaffective Disorder
combines features of schizophrenia with mood disorder symptoms (depression or mania).
3. Brief Psychotic Disorder
Short-term episodes of psychosis, often triggered by extreme stress or trauma.
4. Delusional Disorder
Characterised by persistent, non-bizarre delusions without other major psychotic symptoms.
5. Substance- or Medication-Induced
Psychosis resulting from drug use, medication, or toxin exposure.
4. Personality Disorders
Personality Disorders are enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that deviate markedly from cultural expectations and cause significant distress or difficulty in personal, social, or occupational functioning. These patterns are long-term, inflexible, and typically begin in adolescence or early adulthood.
Unlike temporary emotional states, personality disorders affect the core way a person relates to themselves and others — influencing how they perceive reality, manage emotions, and control impulses. Individuals may struggle with relationships, self-image, and maintaining stability in work or daily life. Treatment often involves psychotherapy — particularly cognitive-behavioural or dialectical behaviour therapy — aimed at improving emotional regulation, self-awareness, and relationship skills.
Personality disorders are commonly grouped into three main clusters, based on similar traits and behaviours:
A. Odd or Eccentric Disorders
Disorders marked by deep distrust and suspicion of others, including:
– Paranoia
– Schizoid Personality Disorder
– Schizotypal Personality Disorder
B. Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic Disorders
– Antisocial Personality Disorder
– Borderline Personality Disorder
– Histrionic Personality Disorder
– Narcissistic Personality Disorder
C. Anxious or Fearful Disorders
– Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
– Dependent Personality Disorder
– Avoidant Personality Disorder
5. Trauma Related Disorders
Trauma- and stressor-related disorders are conditions that arise following exposure to stressful or traumatic events that overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope. These events may include abuse, violence, accidents, natural disasters, or major life changes. The disorders affect a person’s emotional regulation, behaviour, cognition, and relationships, often causing persistent distress and impairing daily functioning.
While some people experience short-term stress responses that resolve naturally, individuals with these disorders experience prolonged or intense symptoms that require intervention. Early recognition, psychological support, and a safe environment are key to recovery and resilience.
Types of Trauma Related Disorders
1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Occurs after exposure to life-threatening or highly distressing events.
2. Acute Stress Disorder
Short-term response to trauma, lasting three days to four weeks.
3. Adjustment Disorders
Emotional or behavioural reactions to identifiable stressors, such as loss, divorce, or relocation
4. Attachment Disorder
Usually occurs in children who have experienced severe neglect or disrupted attachment.
5. Social Engagement Disorder
Characterised by overly familiar or inappropriate behaviour with strangers