What typically changes in an individual diagnosed with a mental disorder?

Individuals diagnosed with a mental disorder often experience significant changes in their thinking, mood, and behavior. This is because mental disorders directly affect cognitive processes, emotional states, and actions. For example, someone with depression may have distorted thoughts, feelings of sadness, and a lack of motivation, which can lead to various behavioral changes such as withdrawal from social activities or diminished ability to perform daily tasks.

The impact on thinking is often such that it can alter how individuals perceive reality, leading to issues like anxiety or paranoia in some disorders. These changes in mood can result in fluctuations such as periods of extreme happiness followed by deep sadness, as seen in bipolar disorder. Behavioral changes might include increased irritability, impulsivity, or engaging in risky behaviors, depending on the specific disorder.

Considering the other options, while physical appearance may change in some cases due to neglect or lack of self-care, this is not universally applicable to all mental disorders. Changes in social circles may occur but are typically a result of the alterations in mood and behavior rather than a primary symptom of the disorder itself. Job performance can be affected as a consequence of these mental changes, but it is generally a secondary outcome rather than a hallmark of the mental disorder. Hence, the most direct and comprehensive changes are