The Different Types of Mental Health Disorders

Mental health disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. It is estimated that one in five adults in the United States has a mental health disorder. It’s important to understand the different types of mental health disorders so that we can better recognize and address symptoms when they arise.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive worry and fear. Common anxiety disorders include panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. People with anxiety often experience physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, chest pain, fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. In order to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, symptoms must be present for at least six months.

Depressive Disorders

Depressive disorders are a group of mood disorders that cause persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Major depressive disorder is the most common type of depression and is characterized by extreme sadness and lack of motivation that affects daily life for weeks or even months at a time. Other types of depressive disorders include dysthymia (chronic mild depression), postpartum depression (depression after pregnancy), seasonal affective disorder (seasonal depression), and bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness).

Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are conditions in which a person’s thinking pattern deviates significantly from what is considered socially acceptable behavior. These patterns usually begin during adolescence or early adulthood and persist over time. Some common personality disorders include borderline personality disorder (BPD), narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), paranoid personality disorder, schizotypal personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. 

People with these diagnoses typically have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses as well as maintaining relationships with others due to their fixed ways of thinking about themselves and the world around them.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders involve abnormal eating patterns that can lead to serious physical and emotional consequences if left untreated. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), pica, rumination syndrome, and night eating syndrome (NES). Treatment for eating disorders typically involves psychotherapy such as CBT along with medical supervision for physical complications associated with the condition.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme shifts in mood between mania (feeling overly energized) and depression (low energy). Mania may cause people to experience delusions of grandeur or feeling invincible while depression causes people to feel overwhelmed with sadness and hopelessness. Bipolar disorder often requires treatment from a combination of therapies and medications in order to manage symptoms effectively.

What Causes Mental Health Disorders?

So, what causes mental health disorders? The answer is complex, as there are many different factors that can contribute to the development of a mental health disorder. Let’s take a closer look at some of these factors.

Genetics

Recent research has found that genetics can play an important role in determining someone’s risk for developing a mental health disorder. A person with a family history of mental illness is more likely to develop such an illness compared to someone without this background. However, it should be noted that genetics alone do not determine whether or not someone will develop a mental health disorder; rather, they are one factor among many that can increase or decrease someone’s risk for developing such an illness.

Environment

A person’s environment may also influence their risk of developing a mental health disorder. For example, if someone experiences prolonged stress due to their job or home life, then this could increase their chances of developing depression or anxiety over time. Additionally, if someone experiences trauma—such as physical abuse or sexual assault—then this could also increase their risk of developing certain mental illnesses.

Biological Factors

There are also biological factors that can contribute to the development of a mental health disorder. For example, changes in brain chemistry due to hormones or medications could lead to changes in mood or behavior that could result in the onset of a mental disorder such as bipolar disorder or depression. Additionally, certain medical conditions—like thyroid problems—could also cause changes in mood that could lead to the development of a mental health disorder.

Mental health issues are common but can be difficult to diagnose because every person experiences them differently. It’s important to be aware of the different types of mental health issues so that we can identify warning signs early on and get help if needed. If you think you may be struggling with a mental health issue, it’s important to talk to your doctor or seek professional help from a licensed mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment options. With proper care, individuals with mental health issues can live full lives free from suffering caused by their condition(s).