The 20 Most Common Mental Health Disorders and How to Manage Them

Mental health disorders are becoming increasingly common in today’s society. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people globally will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lives.

Here are the 20 most common mental health disorders and how to manage them:

1. Anxiety disorders: Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive worry, fear, and anxiety. Anxiety can interfere with daily activities and can lead to physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling.

Managing anxiety disorders: Treatment options include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and stress reduction techniques.

2. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Managing ADHD: Treatment options include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet modifications.

3. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): ASD is a developmental disorder that affects social interaction and communication skills.

Managing ASD: Treatment options include therapy, medication, and behavior modification techniques.

4. Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression).

Managing bipolar disorder: Treatment options include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes such as sleep regulation and stress reduction techniques.

5. Borderline personality disorder (BPD): BPD is a personality disorder characterized by unstable moods, behavior, and relationships.

Managing BPD: Treatment options include therapy, medication, and behavior modification techniques.

6. Depression: Depression is a mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in daily activities.

Managing depression: Treatment options include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and stress reduction techniques.

7. Eating disorders: Eating disorders are characterized by abnormal eating behaviors and attitudes towards food.

Managing eating disorders: Treatment options include therapy, medication, and behavior modification techniques.

8. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): GAD is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by excessive worry and anxiety about everyday events.

Managing GAD: Treatment options include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and stress reduction techniques.

9. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): OCD is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by repetitive, unwanted thoughts and behaviors.

Managing OCD: Treatment options include therapy, medication, and behavior modification techniques.

10. Panic disorder: Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by sudden and intense feelings of fear and panic.

Managing panic disorder: Treatment options include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and stress reduction techniques.

11. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a mental health disorder that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

Managing PTSD: Treatment options include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and stress reduction techniques.

12. Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disordered thinking.

Managing schizophrenia: Treatment options include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and stress reduction techniques.

13. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): SAD is a type of depression that occurs during the winter months when there is less sunlight.

Managing SAD: Treatment options include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as light therapy and exercise.

14. Social anxiety disorder: Social anxiety disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by fear and anxiety in social situations.

Managing social anxiety disorder: Treatment options include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and stress reduction techniques.

15. Specific phobias: Specific phobias are intense and irrational fears of specific objects or situations.

Managing specific phobias: Treatment options include therapy, medication, and behavior modification techniques.

16. Substance use disorders: Substance use disorders are characterized by the excessive use of drugs or alcohol.

Managing substance use disorders: Treatment options include therapy, medication, and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

17. Tourette syndrome: Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations.

Managing Tourette syndrome: Treatment options include therapy, medication, and behavior modification techniques.

18. Traumatic brain injury (TBI): TBI is a type of brain injury that can occur after a blow to the head.

Managing TBI: Treatment options include therapy, medication, and rehabilitation.

19. Trichotillomania: Trichotillomania is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder characterized by the urge to pull out one’s hair.

Managing trichotillomania: Treatment options include therapy, medication, and behavior modification techniques.

20. Schizoaffective disorder: Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by a combination of symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorders.

Managing schizoaffective disorder: Treatment options include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and stress reduction techniques.

In conclusion, mental health disorders can be managed through a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. It is important to seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder.