By 2019, one in eight people in the United States were living with mental illness. Mental health and mood disorders can develop after traumatic events, health conditions, eating disorders, substance abuse, or genetics- and play an impactful role in one’s life. These disorders pose no discrimination and can affect any age range, race, or gender. In this blog, we will be discussing What Are The Most Common Mental Health Disorders, including:
- Anxiety and Depressive Disorders
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Major Depression
- Manic Depression
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
What are the Most Common Mental Health Disorders?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anxiety and depressive disorders are recognized as the most prevalent mental health disorders globally. These disorders encompass a broad umbrella of specific mental illnesses that can impact an individual’s mood, behavior, and cognitive processes. Anxiety disorders are distinguished by excessive worry, fear, and apprehension that interfere with daily life. Depressive disorders are characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed.
Both disorders can lead to significant emotional distress in various aspects of life, including personal relationships, work, and overall well-being.
Anxiety and Depressive Disorders
Anxiety is typically a symptom that tags along with major depressive disorders. On the flip side, depression can develop through struggling with anxiety disorders. Although distinctly different disorders, their symptoms can play a major influence on each other. Below are specific disorders listed under each category.
Depressive disorders include:
- Major Depression.
- Psychotic Depression.
- Bipolar Disorder.
- Melancholia.
- Postpartum Depression.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Anxiety disorders include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
- Panic Disorder.
- Agoraphobia.
- Social Anxiety Disorder.
- Selective Mutism.
- Specific Phobias.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is a mental illness where someone experiences uncontrollable thoughts (obsessions) or repetitive behaviors (compulsions)- which in turn causes stress and interference with daily activities and quality of life.
Signs of OCD obsessions include:
- Fear of germs or contamination (also known as contamination OCD)
- Need to have things in symmetrical or perfect order/placement
- Fear of lack of control- including forgetfulness, misplacing items, or losing control over words and behaviors
- Unwanted, forbidden (or “taboo”) thoughts involving violence, religion, and sex.
Signs of OCD compulsions include:
- Excessive cleaning
- Organizing items in a precise way
- Repetitive checking (such as making sure your oven is off or your car is locked)
- Praying or repeating words silently
Physical symptoms/motor tics of OCD may look like:
- Repetitive eye blinking.
- Repetitive shoulder shrugging.
- Repetitive head jerking.
- Repetitive sneezing.
- Repetitive throat clearing.
OCD can interfere greatly with someone’s life- as it consumes their thoughts, actions, and time. These short lists provide a general umbrella of OCD symptoms- but not all people with OCD present the same way. Although people without OCD may not understand, those struggling with this disorder cannot control these obsessions or compulsions. This isn’t pleasurable, relieving, or fulfilling; it is time-consuming and can creep into other areas of one’s life.
OCD is typically associated with other disorders, such as:
- Hoarding.
- Trichotillomania.
- Compulsive skin picking.
- Hypochondria.
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is characterized by episodes of psychosis, where people lose touch with reality. This then triggers delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and motor behaviors. Symptoms can be recognized as such:
- Delusions. Strongly held beliefs that are not based in reality- such as one has special/super powers or that they are being persecuted.
- Hallucinations are sensory experiences/distortions created by the mind that are not real. They are most commonly experienced as hearing voices that others don’t.
- Disorganized thinking and motor behavior. This can lead to slurred speech or difficulty following a conversation. This can also present itself as unpredictable agitation, inappropriate reactions, and catatonia- a lack of responsiveness.
Major Depression
Major Depression Disorder (MDD) is a serious mental health condition that greatly affects daily activities and quality of life. In order to qualify for MDD, depressive symptoms must persist for most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks. Symptoms can be presented as physical, emotional, or cognitive, including:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness.
- Feelings of worthlessness.
- Irritability or frustration.
- Fatigue or loss of energy.
- Aches, headaches, and digestive problems with no other clear cause.
- Difficulties concentrating.
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially self-harm or suicidal thoughts, it’s important to seek professional help immediately. This disorder is treatable, and many people are able to find relief through medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. You are not alone!
Manic Depression
Manic Depression is also known as Bipolar Disorder- as it is characterized by intense mood swings that bounce between emotional highs and lows. Emotional highs, or mania, can be seen through intense surges of energy- where one has an elevated mood, rapid speech, and noticeable grandiosity (which is heightened self-importance and belief in one’s abilities). Deep depression then follows, which presents itself as persistent sadness, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, or suicidal thoughts.
Bipolar, or manic depression, requires ongoing medical treatment through medications, lifestyle changes, and psychotherapy.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder is also known as a social phobia- as those who suffer from this disorder have persistent, intense fear of social situations. Symptoms may present themselves as avoidant behaviors, negative thoughts, and intense fear and anxiety when socializing. Physical symptoms can also present themselves as sweating, blushing, shaking/trembling, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and feeling faint. Social anxiety can develop due to genetics but can develop due to past negative social experiences.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that commonly develops in childhood and persists into adulthood. Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are most commonly noticed in those who live with ADHD. These symptoms can greatly affect concentration, behavior management, and impulse control. Because of these outward effects, a person with ADHD may struggle in school/work and their social relationships. Specific symptoms that one struggles with include:
- Talking excessively
- Inability to sit still/stay seated
- Being constantly “on the go”
- Interrupting
- Trouble organizing
- Avoidance of tasks that require prolonged mental effort
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty completing tasks
This condition is lifelong but has a wide assortment of treatments that one can choose from! A common misconception is that ADHD is categorized under Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as both of these disorders can have overlapping symptoms or can be experienced simultaneously. In reality, it is categorized as another “neurodivergent” disorder and is experienced by 5-7% of children worldwide.
Mental Health Treatment at Into Action Recovery
Whether you’re seeking understanding, searching for resources, or are simply curious about Mental Health Disorders, Into Action Recovery is here to help. Understanding these disorders is the first step toward seeking help and improving mental well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with any of these conditions, please look into our mental health services and connect with one of our team members today.
