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Mental disorder

A mental disorder is a psychological condition diagnosed by a professional that causes suffering or reduces functioning. Effective treatments exist.

A mental disorder is a psychological condition diagnosed by a doctor or other professional that causes suffering or reduces functioning. Diagnoses follow a disease classification, and ICD-10 is officially in use in Finland. The most common are anxiety disorders and mood disorders such as depression. Effective treatments exist, and psychotherapy can be reimbursed by Kela if your ability to work or study is at risk.

What does a mental disorder mean?

A mental disorder is more than an ordinary bad day or a difficult phase of life. According to Mielenterveystalo, for example anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders, and there is no exact line between normal and disturbing anxiety. A diagnosis therefore rests on a professional's assessment of the nature, duration and impact of symptoms on daily life. Mental health problems are also often accompanied by difficulties with memory and concentration, which in depression usually recover as you get better.

What kinds of mental disorders are there?

In the ICD-10 classification, mental disorders belong to chapter F. According to THL's statistics on specialist psychiatric care, the most common main diagnosis in outpatient care in 2024 was mood disorders (F30-F39), and the second most common group was neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders (F40-F48). Examples:

How common are they?

According to THL, about 216,000 patients were treated in specialist psychiatric care in 2024, and most care was outpatient. The figure does not cover everyone affected, as many get help in primary care or occupational health, or do not seek treatment at all.

How is a disorder diagnosed and treated?

Care usually starts at a health centre, occupational health or student health care. When a doctor identifies a disorder, a three-month assessment and treatment period begins, according to Mielenterveystalo. If symptoms are moderate or severe, you can get a referral to specialist psychiatric care, where the need for psychotherapy is assessed more closely. Treatments include psychotherapy, medication, self-care programmes and online therapies, and the choice depends on the disorder and situation. For example, cognitive behavioural therapy is proven effective in panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

When does Kela reimburse therapy?

Kela reimburses rehabilitation psychotherapy if you are 16-67, have a diagnosed mental disorder for which you have had appropriate treatment for at least 3 months, and a psychiatrist's statement shows that therapy supports your ability to work or study. You need a B-statement, BC-statement or rehabilitation plan and form KU 131. Steps: Kela rehabilitation psychotherapy.

If you are in immediate danger or have suicidal thoughts, call 112. For crisis support, call the MIELI Mental Health Finland crisis line on 09 2525 0111 (in Finnish, around the clock). More help: crisis help.

When should you seek help?

Seek an assessment if symptoms last a long time, interfere with work, study or relationships, or if you suffer from the symptoms yourself. According to Mielenterveystalo, psychotherapy can be a suitable option when mental health problems make work, study or social relationships difficult. In an acute crisis it may be better to first look for shorter-term crisis help, and it is worth seeking psychotherapy when the worst of the crisis is over.

How can psychotherapy help?

According to Mielenterveystalo, the goals of psychotherapy are to relieve symptoms and suffering, improve functioning and quality of life, and prevent illness from recurring. On choosing a therapist: therapist. On prices and reimbursements: cost of psychotherapy.

Sources

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