The most common mental illness is depression, which affects an estimated 350 million people worldwide. Depression is characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. It can lead to a range of physical and emotional problems and can be disabling. Other common mental illnesses include anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
Anxiety Disorders. The most common category of mental health disorders in America impacts approximately 40 million adults 18 and older
Anxiety Disorders are the most common mental health disorders in America, impacting approximately 40 million adults 18 and older. Anxiety Disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder (SAD), and specific phobias. People with an Anxiety Disorder often feel excessively worried or stressed, even when there is little or nothing to trigger these feelings. For some people, anxiety can be so debilitating that it interferes with their ability to work, go to school, or take care of daily responsibilities.
There are a variety of different treatments for Anxiety Disorders, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and relaxation techniques. CBT is a type of therapy that helps people change their thinking patterns and behaviors in order to better manage their anxiety. Medication can also be an effective treatment for Anxiety Disorders, especially when used in conjunction with CBT or other therapies. Relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation can help people learn how to better control their stress response and ease symptoms of anxiety.
Mood Disorders
Mood disorders often interfere with an individual’s ability to function properly in everyday life and can have a negative impact on work performance, social interactions, and relationships. Symptoms of mood disorders can include changes in sleeping patterns, appetite, energy levels, concentration, and self-esteem. Mood swings associated with these conditions can be severe and unpredictable.
Treatment for mood disorders typically includes medication and psychotherapy. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary to provide stabilization and support during periods of acute distress. With proper treatment, many people with mood disorders can lead productive lives.
Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic disorders usually begin in late adolescence or early adulthood. They are more common in men than women. People with psychotic disorders often have a family history of mental illness, although the exact cause is unknown. There is no single known cause of psychotic disorders, but they are believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Eating disorders
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by weight loss (or a lack of appropriate weight gain in growing children); difficulties maintaining an appropriate body weight for height, age, and stature; and an intense fear of gaining weight. People with anorexia nervosa may see themselves as overweight even when they are underweight. They may diet or exercise excessively to maintain a low body weight. Some people with the disorder also engage in purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives or diuretics.
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging (self-induced vomiting), use of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercise. Like people with anorexia nervosa, individuals with bulimia nervosa often have a distorted body image and see themselves as overweight even when they are at a healthy weight or below their ideal weight. People with bulimia nervosa often feel out of control during a binge and use compensatory behaviors to “undo” the calories consumed during the binge. These behaviors can become addictive and can lead to serious medical complications including electrolyte imbalance, cardiac arrhythmias, digestive problems, and tooth decay.
Binge-eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of compulsive overeating or “binging” without the use of compensatory strategies to “undo” the calorie intake from the binges (such as purging). Bingeing is defined as consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time (usually less than 2 hours) while feeling out of control during the episode; people with binge-eating disorder typically eat more rapidly than normal during these episodes. Unlike people with bulimia nervosa, individuals with binge-eating disorder do not regularly purge after binges; however some may fast or exercise excessively to offset the calories consumed during the binges. Binge-eating episodes are associated with feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment, anxiety, and depression. Bingeing can lead to serious medical complications including obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnea.