- By Priyanka Munshi
- Tue, 09 Apr 2024 06:04 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Many conditions that affect a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being fall under the category of mental health disorders. These conditions can impact a person's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, varying in severity and symptoms. Common mental health conditions include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. Left untreated, these illnesses can significantly impact relationships, daily functioning, and overall quality of life.
Recognizing the warning signs and symptoms of mental health disorders is crucial because, with the right support, care, and diagnosis, individuals can effectively manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
Most Common Mental Health Disorders (Image Credit:Canva)
In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Vijyashree Bajaj, a psychologist and mental health coach at Medymind by Medyseva, discussed the eight most common mental health disorders.
Mental health disorders encompass a broad range of conditions affecting mood, thinking, and behavior. Here are eight of the most common mental health disorders:
Depression:
Characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities, depression can significantly disrupt daily functioning and lead to various emotional and physical problems.
Anxiety Disorders:
Anxiety disorders involve excessive worry, fear, or nervousness that is challenging to control. Types include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.
Most Common Mental Health Disorders (Image Credit:Canva)
Bipolar Disorder:
Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic-depressive illness, entails alternating periods of depression and mania, or hypomania. During manic episodes, individuals may experience elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsive behavior.
Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thought processes, perceptions, emotions, and behavior. Symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and social withdrawal.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
OCD involves recurrent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed in response to these obsessions. These behaviors typically aim to reduce anxiety or prevent perceived harm.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
PTSD often develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance of trauma reminders, and emotional numbness.
Most Common Mental Health Disorders (Image Credit:Canva)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder featuring symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning and development.
Eating Disorders:
Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder involve unhealthy attitudes and behaviors concerning food, weight, and body image, leading to significant physical and psychological consequences.
Dr. Vijyashree emphasised that while these are some of the most common mental health disorders, it's essential to recognize that each person's experience may differ and treatment approaches may vary based on factors such as severity, co-occurring disorders, and personal preferences. Seeking professional help from mental health experts is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.