Illness and Disability When the subject of disability comes in our conversations or thoughts, we mainly think of disabilities caused by an affliction or physical ailment. Illnesses such as heart disorders, arthritis and back illnesses are certainly the major cause of long term disability. However, mental illness has become a leading cause of disability in U.S and other nations around the globe. According to statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health, a huge percentage of U.S citizens ranging from age 15 and above suffer disabilities caused by mental illnesses. This shows that a big number of people in the U.S and other regions of the world are affected by mental illnesses such as mood disorders, depression, dementia, schizophrenia, psychotic disorders and anxiety disorders. The number of people living with disabilities as a result of mental illnesses continues to rise in the U.S as many are filling for disability benefits due to mental disorders or illnesses. Mental Illnesses Causing Disability 1. Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders Schizophrenia is a very serious psychotic disorder that is characterized by difficulty in interacting socially in a normal manner, thinking logically, control behavior and distinguishing between hallucinations and reality. Schizophrenia is a broad spectrum disorder meaning that it has a range of symptoms varying between different people especially when we compare their responses to treatment. Though some people can respond to medications and resume with their daily chores normally, many others do not.