How Common Are Mental Health Disorders?

According to the World Health Organization, one in four people around the world will experience a form of mental or neurological illness in life. Up to 450 million people are currently diagnosed with such conditions, making mental health disorders the leading culprit of ill health and disability worldwide.

Common mental health disorders

Mental health disorders can be treated, but almost two-thirds of patients with mental illness refuse to get treatment from a medical expert. Neglect, discrimination, and stigma are the significant reasons that many patients refuse to get treatment. Here are a few common mental health disorders.

Depression

Depression is used to describe different mental health issues signified by the nonexistence of positive vibes (lack of motivation and excitement for everyday things and experiences), a bad mood, and a series of other emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioral signs. Behavioral and physical symptoms usually include irritability, tearfulness, social withdrawal, escalation of preexisting discomfort, and elevated muscle tension.

Patients may also exhibit signs of fatigue and low libido. In some cases, the symptoms may include a feeling of guilt or worthlessness, a lack of interest, loss of confidence, suicidal thoughts, self-inflicted injuries, or even suicide.

General anxiety disorder (GAD)

The significant sign of GAD is excessive apprehension and worry that occurs regularly for about six months regarding certain events or tasks. People with GAD will find it difficult to curtail their feelings of anxiety and fear. The issue is often accompanied by uneasiness, easy fatigue, trouble concentrating, muscle tension, insomnia, and irritability.

Panic disorder

People with panic disorder usually deal with regular apprehension and panic attacks (attacks of immediate temporary fear) regarding certain situations or unexpected panic attacks with no identifiable cause. Their methods of coping may lead to agoraphobia. 

The regularity and intensity of the panic attack vary. The triggers can be external (caused by a situation or phobia) or internal (caused by a physiological prompt). The primary characteristic of agoraphobia is the fear of being in locations or conditions where escaping may be challenging or embarrassing or where aid may not be readily accessible during the attack. This may cause the patient to avoid staying alone inside or outside the home, waiting in a crowd, traveling by road, or being in a specific place, such as in a lift or on a bridge.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

OCD can be signaled by obsessions or compulsions but usually both. An obsession may be described as constant undesired invasive thoughts, pictures, or urges. Obsessions are worrisome and form in the person’s mind and are not caused by external factors.

Popular obsessions in OCD include contamination from germs, dirt, body fluids, or viruses; exceeding worry about symmetry or order; excessive interest with the body or physical signs; sexual, sacrilegious, religious, or blasphemous thoughts; thoughts of violence or aggression; or the urge to keep worthless or damaged possessions.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

After experiencing a scary or upsetting experience, some people may exhibit physical and psychological symptoms. Reoccurring, intrusive, and unpleasant recollections of the traumatic incident are hallmark symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Experiencing the experience again in one's mind, either via dreams or flashbacks, and physical manifestations, like trembling and sweating, are also possible.

Diagnosing mental health issues

Patients can get better after receiving treatment for a mental health issue. Those who have a mental illness often make complete recoveries. Also, the onset of certain mental illnesses are avoidable.

It is not always obvious whether issues with mood or thoughts have progressed to the point where they become a mental health risk. There are instances when depression is typical, such as after a tragic loss. However, if the depressed mood persists and causes discomfort or interferes with daily life, medical attention may be necessary. In certain cases, a person's loved ones may notice shifts in mood or behavior issues that the individual misses.

Certain mental disorders may have a physical basis or present themselves similarly to other diseases. Depression, for instance, has been linked to thyroid problems. Therefore, a comprehensive physical examination is usually required to arrive at a diagnosis of a mental health disorder. This might include checking vitals and evaluating the neurological system.

In conclusion

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, statistics have shown that in any given community, one in six people deal with a common mental health disorder, and many show noteworthy signs that demand attention from a medical expert. Common mental health disorders are depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and OCD. 

Having a mental health disorder is nothing to be ashamed of. Contact us today if you are ready to take charge of your mental health.

Request an appointment here: https://www.evolvepsychiatry.com or call Evolve Psychiatry at (631) 773-1096 for an appointment in our Massapequa office.

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