Roleplay Mental Health Issues

OOC Mental Health Resources

It is very possible OOC mental health issues of a player can cross the lines to an IC character. Do not attempt to treat an OOC issue. Trained professionals are available at the following resources to help with OOC issues:

Table of contents

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, often accompanied by a lack of empathy and remorse. People with ASPD may engage in manipulative or aggressive behavior and typically have difficulty forming meaningful relationships.

Symptoms

  • Persistent disregard for and violation of the rights of others.
  • Deceitfulness, impulsivity, aggressiveness, and irresponsibility.
  • Lack of empathy and remorse, as well as a disregard for societal norms.

Medication

  • Antidepressants
  • Mood stabilizers

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness that can significantly interfere with daily life. These disorders can manifest in various forms such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.

Symptoms

  • Excessive worry
  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Muscle tension
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Panic attacks
  • Avoidance of certain situations or activities.

Medication

  • Anxiolytics for short-term relief
  • Antidepressants

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood shifts can significantly impact a person’s energy levels, thinking, behavior, and ability to function in daily life.

Symptoms

  • Periods of elevated mood (mania or hypomania) alternating with periods of depression
  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Increased energy
  • Impulsivity
  • Risky behavior during manic episodes

Medication

  • Mood stabilizers
  • Atypical antipsychotics to stabilize mood

Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis (CIPA)

Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis (CIPA) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the inability to feel physical pain and a lack of ability to sweat. People with CIPA are at risk of injuries and health complications due to their insensitivity to pain, which can lead to challenges in daily life management.

Symptoms

  • Lack of response to painful stimuli since birth.
  • Difficulty regulating body temperature due to inability to sweat.
  • Frequent injuries without apparent distress or awareness.

Medication

  • Symptomatic treatment for injuries and infections as they occur

Depression

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities. It can also involve changes in appetite, sleep patterns, energy levels, concentration, and overall functioning.

Symptoms

  • Persistent low mood
  • Lack of interest or pleasure in activities
  • Changes in sleep and appetite
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Thoughts of death or suicide.

Medication

  • Antidepressants

Delusional Parasitosis (Ekbom’s Syndrome)

Delusional Parasitosis is a psychiatric disorder characterized by the false belief of having a parasitic infestation on or inside one’s body, despite medical evidence to the contrary. Individuals with this condition often experience intense itching, crawling sensations, or other abnormal skin sensations, leading to significant distress and impaired functioning. Treatment typically involves a combination of antipsychotic medications and psychotherapy to address the delusional beliefs and improve quality of life.

Symptoms:

  • Persistent belief of being infested with parasites or bugs
  • Actively searching for evidence of infestation on the skin, clothing, or surroundings
  • Feeling sensations of crawling, itching, or biting, despite no physical cause
  • Obsessive behaviors related to cleaning, scratching, or inspecting the skin
  • Anxiety, distress, or avoidance behaviors due to the belief in infestation
  • Social withdrawal or isolation due to fear of spreading parasites
  • Decline in overall quality of life and functioning

Medication:

  • Antipsychotics (Atypical)
  • Antidepressants (SSRIs)
  • Anxiolytics
  • Mood stabilizers

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a complex mental health condition where an individual experiences the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities, often accompanied by memory gaps between these identities. These identities may have unique characteristics, behaviors, and memories, leading to difficulties in maintaining a cohesive sense of self and functioning in daily life.

Symptoms:

  • Amnesia or Memory Gaps
  • Identity Confusion or Alterations
  • Identity Switching
  • Presence of Alters
  • History of Trauma or Abuse
  • Functional Impairment
  • Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues
  • Self-Injurious Behavior

Medication

  • Antidepressants
  • Anxiolytics
  • Atypical Antipsychotic medications
  • Mood stabilizers
  • Sleep Aid

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by abnormal eating habits, thoughts, and behaviors that significantly impact a person’s physical and emotional well-being. Common types include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, each with distinct symptoms such as severe restriction of food intake, binge eating followed by purging behaviors, or consuming large amounts of food in a short period. These disorders often involve distorted body image perceptions and can lead to serious medical complications if left untreated.

Symptoms:

  • Distorted body image
  • Preoccupation with food
  • Excessive exercise
  • Binge eating or purging behaviors
  • Significant weight changes
  • Physical signs such as fatigue, dizziness, or changes in skin and hair.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent episodes of impulsive and aggressive behavior that are disproportionate to the provocation or stressors present. Individuals with IED may have difficulty controlling their anger, leading to verbal or physical outbursts that can harm themselves or others. Treatment typically involves therapy and sometimes medication to manage symptoms and improve coping skills.

Symptoms:

  • Recurrent, sudden episodes of aggressive behavior or explosive outbursts.
  • Disproportionate reaction to minor provocations or stressors.
  • Feelings of tension or arousal before the outburst, followed by a sense of relief or guilt afterward.

Medication

  • Antidepressants
  • Mood stabilizers

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at reducing distress or preventing perceived harm. Individuals with OCD often experience significant anxiety and distress due to these obsessions and compulsions, which can interfere with daily activities and relationships. Treatment typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, or a combination of both to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Symptoms:

  • Obsessions (intrusive, unwanted thoughts)
  • Compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to alleviate anxiety)
  • Interference with daily activities due to these rituals.

Medication

  • Antidepressants
  • Anxiolytics
  • Antipsychotics

Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate significantly from cultural expectations and lead to distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning. There are various types of personality disorders, including borderline, narcissistic, antisocial, and avoidant, each with unique features and challenges. Treatment often involves psychotherapy aimed at improving interpersonal skills, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life.

Symptoms:

  • Persistent patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate markedly from cultural expectations, leading to impaired functioning and distress for the individual.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Individuals with PTSD may also experience avoidance of reminders of the trauma, changes in mood and cognition, and heightened arousal or reactivity. Treatment typically involves therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), along with medication when necessary, to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Symptoms:

  • Intrusive memories or flashbacks of a traumatic event
  • Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
  • Negative changes in mood and thinking
  • Hypervigilance
  • Exaggerated startle response.

Medication

  • Antidepressants

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders are a group of chronic mental health conditions characterized by disturbances in thinking, perception, emotions, and behavior. These disorders often involve symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking and speech, reduced emotional expression, and impaired cognitive function. Treatment usually involves a combination of antipsychotic medications, psychotherapy, and social support to manage symptoms and improve overall functioning and quality of life.

Symptoms:

  • Hallucinations (false sensory perceptions)
  • Delusions (false beliefs)
  • Disorganized thinking
  • Disorganized or abnormal motor behavior
  • Social withdrawal
  • Impaired cognitive function.

Medication

  • Antipsychotic medications (typical or atypical) to manage psychotic symptoms.

Substance Use Disorders

Substance Use Disorders are conditions characterized by problematic patterns of substance use that lead to significant impairment or distress. These disorders can involve the misuse of alcohol, opioids, stimulants, cannabis, or other substances, leading to physical dependence, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and difficulty controlling substance use despite negative consequences. Treatment for substance use disorders often includes a combination of therapy, medication-assisted treatment, support groups, and lifestyle changes to promote recovery and sobriety.

Symptoms:

  • Loss of control over substance use
  • Continued use despite negative consequences
  • Craving for the substance
  • Increased tolerance
  • Withdrawal symptoms.

Medication

  • Benzodiazepines for alcohol withdrawl
  • Methadone or Buprenorphine for opioid use disorder

Suicidal Ideation or Self-Harm

Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts or feelings about ending one’s life, while self-harm involves intentionally causing physical harm to oneself without suicidal intent. Both are serious mental health concerns that require immediate attention and support. Suicidal ideation can range from fleeting thoughts to detailed plans, and self-harm behaviors can include cutting, burning, or other methods of self-injury. It’s crucial for individuals experiencing these issues to seek professional help from mental health professionals or crisis hotlines for assessment, safety planning, and appropriate interventions to address underlying emotional distress and prevent harm.

NOTE: Some servers do not allow this type of roleplay. Look through the rules of your server or ask a server admin to confirm.

Symptoms:

  • Expressing thoughts of self-harm or suicide
  • Creating a plan
  • Obtaining the means to carry out self-harm
  • History of previous suicide attempts.