| Definition | Refers to the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of an individual, including mental disorders and emotional stability. | Denotes a lifelong condition that originates before the age of 22 and significantly impairs intellectual and adaptive functioning. |
| Focus | Focuses on mental well-being, emotional resilience, and the absence or management of mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia. | Centers on the individual's intellectual and adaptive functioning, including areas like communication, self-care, and social skills. |
| Causes | Mental health conditions can result from a variety of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, life experiences, and environmental influences. | Developmental disabilities often have a genetic or neurological basis, affecting brain development and function during early life. |
| Diagnosis and Assessment | Diagnosed based on clinical evaluations, self-reporting of symptoms, and assessments of emotional and psychological well-being. | Diagnosed through standardized developmental assessments, often conducted during early childhood, to determine intellectual and adaptive functioning. |
| Scope | Encompasses a broad range of mental states, from optimal mental well-being to the presence of mental disorders or emotional disturbances. | Primarily focuses on limitations in intellectual and adaptive functioning and how they impact daily life and social interactions. |
| Treatment and Intervention | Involves various treatment approaches, including therapy, counseling, medication, and lifestyle changes, tailored to the specific mental health condition. | Requires specialized interventions, such as early intervention programs, educational support, therapies, and assistance with daily living tasks. |
| Lifelong vs. Acquired Condition | Can be lifelong, episodic, or situational and may vary over time depending on the individual's mental health and life experiences. | Typically a lifelong condition that begins in childhood and remains stable or may require lifelong support and services. |
| Functional Impairments | Mental health conditions may impact a person's emotional state, behavior, and daily functioning but often do not result in significant intellectual limitations. | Developmental disabilities lead to intellectual and adaptive deficits that affect the individual's ability to learn, communicate, and live independently. |
| Support Services | May involve therapy, counseling, crisis intervention, and community resources to manage mental health conditions and promote well-being. | Often requires a range of support services, including educational, therapeutic, and social services to address specific developmental needs and promote independence. |
| Stigma and Awareness | Mental health conditions are becoming increasingly destigmatized, with growing awareness and advocacy for mental health issues. | Developmental disabilities have seen progress in destigmatization, but challenges related to social inclusion and awareness persist. |
| Examples | Examples of mental health conditions include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. | Examples of developmental disabilities include autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. |
