Understanding High-Functioning Mental Health Disorders

Understanding High-Functioning Mental Health Disorders

Our ability to function in everyday life in the face of a mental health disorder lies on a spectrum of functionality. Somebody with a high-functioning mental disorder would appear to be successful and high-functioning in some areas of life however, still experience difficulties and issues due to their mental illness. On the other hand, someone with a low-functioning mental disorder would appear to have difficulties in performing even basic tasks in various aspects of life.

“It’s hard having a mental illness when you’re high functioning. It’s hard having a mental illness anyway, but when you’re high functioning it’s like people believe you even less. Just because you work, leave the house and make money doesn’t mean you aren’t suffering.” – Hattie Gladwell

High-Functioning Meaning

If you are someone with high-functioning mental health disorder, you would appear as productive, maintain a façade of normalcy, manage daily responsibilities and overall appear “fine” to others. High-functioning mental illness is quite often misunderstood and also seen as less severe than other disorders. However, this is not true.

These are serious mental health conditions that cause severe distress and functional impairment despite the individual’s ability to perform effectively. This can lead to an impression on the person themselves as well as others that they are not struggling, and consequently not seek help and get treatment for the same. It can include high-functioning depression, autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, antisocial personality disorder, anxiety among others.

High-Functioning Depression

High-functioning depression (HFD) is not a formal diagnosis, it can be referred to as Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) or Dysthymia, which is an ongoing form of depression, or lengthy instances of depressive episodes with periods of normal mood in between. This form of depression is seen as less severe or debilitating than other forms or types wherein you might live a relatively typical life, maintain relationships, be able to cope with work to such an extent that it is considered a high-functioning form of depression.

High-Functioning Depression Symptoms

• Chronic low mood
• Fatigue and restlessness
• Anhedonia or emotional numbness
• Poor concentration
• Sleep disturbances, insomnia and changes in appetite
• Masked emotional distress despite appearing to be functional

Research found that people with HFD have increased levels of anhedonia and trauma.Moreover, only 61.7% of people with HFD seek clinical treatment.

High-Functioning Anxiety

People with high-functioning anxiety often struggle with perfectionism, overthinking and a constant state of worry and a lot of self-doubt that may be very normalized to them, they can appear to be driven, organized and competent but struggle internally.

High-functioning anxiety is not a formal diagnosis but is diagnosed under Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

High-Functioning Anxiety Symptoms

• Persistent worry, overanalyzing situations
• Difficulty in relaxing
• Perfectioninsm
• Constant self-doubt, self-criticism
• People pleasing or struggle with saying no
• Feeling on the edge or on the verge of losing control
• Constantly seeking approval from others
• Procrastination or overplanning
• Headaches, muscle tension and fatigue

Often, in high-functioning anxiety, the fear of failure drives you to work ten times as hard and pushes you to be the best, a strive for perfectionism that makes you want to hide your anxiety from others, sometimes so well, that you may not even recognize the signs yourself.

High-Functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome

High-functioning autism is known as Asperger’s syndrome, referred to as individuals with autism who do not have intellectual disabilities, or require low support, who struggle with social interactions or communication, sensory issues, or repetitive or restrictive behaviors.

High-Functioning Autism Symptoms

• Challenges in social interaction
• Difficulty in understanding social cues
• Sensory issues or sensitivity, such as discomfort with specific clothing, textile or sounds
• Rigid routines
• Intense focus on specific interests
• Average or above-average level of intelligence

High-functioning autism can often experience autism meltdowns which include intense emotional distress resulting from a sensory or cognitive overload. Many people with high-functioning autism learn to mask their autistic traits, which may happen consciously or unconsciously in order to fit in, which is referred to as “masking” in autism.

High-Functioning ADHD

High-functioning Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often includes a major struggle with focus, organization, time management, impulsivity while appearing to be successful.

High-Functioning ADHD Symptoms

• Chronic procrastination
• Difficulty in initiating tasks
• Hyperfocus on some tasks and neglecting others
• Impulsivity or restlessness
• Forgetfulness in daily life
• Struggle with time management
• Interrupting conversations
• Low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation

Adults with high-functioning ADHD are often seen to excel at creative or high energy careers but struggle with discipline.

High-Functioning Sociopathy (Antisocial Personality Disorder/ASPD)

A high-functioning sociopath is someone who has antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) who can successfully be a functioning part of society despite a lack of empathy, manipulation, disregard for others, rules and impulsive tendencies.

High-Functioning Sociopathy Symptoms

• Charismatic and manipulative
• Emotionally detached and a lack of empathy
• Can mimic emotions
• Risk taking behaviors
• Disregard or social norms, laws and other people
• Grandiose self-image

Not all people with sociopathy engage in criminal behavior, many hold successful positions such as leaders, CEOs and politicians.

Treatment for High-Functioning Mental Health Disorders

In many high-functioning mental illnesses it can be difficult to recognize the signs and hence, seek diagnosis, professional care and social support. This emphasises the need for in-depth assessment and treatment. Treatment typically includes psychiatric medication, if needed, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, Mindfulness-based Therapy and lifestyle modifications including regular exercise, healthy diet and adequate sleep.

High-functioning mental health disorders are often overlooked because individuals manage their daily life and overall appear to be okay, however, their internal struggle can often isolate them and lead to burnout. If you or someone you know is struggling with high-functioning mental illness, do not hesitate to seek support, and search for psychologist near me to find the appropriate and needful care to help you on your mental wellness journey.