Psychological Disabilities:
What is Serious Mental Illness?

• Schizophrenia & mood disorders are the two most prevalent forms

• Structural/biochemical characteristics in the brain differ from non-disabled

• Usually, although not always, a chronic disease

• This disability is biological & not 'a matter of choice'

• Symptoms often controlled with medication & other treatments; much like diabetes

• People with mental illness have skills, experiences & abilities not affected