How is a mental disorder best defined?

A mental disorder is best defined as a disturbance in coping with stress. This definition captures the essence of what constitutes a mental health condition, emphasizing how individuals may struggle to manage stressors in their lives, which can lead to significant impairment in functioning. Mental disorders often manifest through various symptoms that impact an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, ultimately interfering with their ability to cope effectively with everyday challenges.

This perspective aligns with the understanding that mental health is not just the absence of illness but involves maintaining a balance that allows for effective functioning in multiple areas of life. When stress becomes overwhelming and an individual cannot adapt or cope adequately, this can lead to the development of more pronounced psychological symptoms characteristic of mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or mood disorders.

The other provided definitions do not accurately encapsulate the complexities of mental health conditions. For example, defining a mental disorder as a mild temporary stress reaction underestimates the severity and long-lasting nature of many mental health issues. Similarly, asserting that it is characterized by an ability to adjust well in social situations contradicts the concept of a disorder, which implies some level of dysfunction. Lastly, a psychological condition that doesn't affect daily life does not align with the definition of a mental disorder, as these conditions typically