Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a mental health disorder?

The presence of increased energy levels is not typically a characteristic associated with mental health disorders. Many mental health conditions are often marked by symptoms that lead to significant distress or impairment in daily functioning.

Increased energy levels can sometimes be seen in specific contexts, such as in mania associated with bipolar disorder, but it is not a defining feature of mental health disorders overall. Instead, mental health disorders more commonly exhibit symptoms such as distress in important activities—where individuals might struggle to engage in work, relationships, or daily tasks due to their mental health challenges. Similarly, impairment of brain functioning can manifest as cognitive difficulties or disruptions in emotional regulation, and dysfunction in cognition, emotion, or behavior is often central to the diagnosis of many mental health conditions.

Recognizing the characteristics of mental health disorders helps in identifying and understanding these conditions more comprehensively.