- Mental disorders can affect thoughts, emotions, behavior, and daily functioning, with symptoms varying widely by condition.
- Common types include anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and autism spectrum disorder.
- Treatment depends on the condition and may include psychotherapy, medication, and behavioral interventions.
Mental disorders are conditions that cause significant changes in thinking, emotional regulation, and/or behavior. These changes can cause distress or disability and interfere with social activities, work, and other areas of daily life.
There are many types of mental disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Symptoms vary depending on the condition and may affect a person's thoughts, emotions, behavior, or physical well-being.
If you have signs or symptoms of a mental disorder, talk to a healthcare provider or mental health professional. They can evaluate your symptoms, make a diagnosis, and recommend treatment, which may include psychotherapy and medication.
Some common types of mental and behavioral health conditions include:
1. Generalized anxiety disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental disorder characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday situations.
This condition can cause emotional and physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep problems.
How to treat: if generalized anxiety disorder is confirmed, a healthcare provider or mental health professional may recommend psychotherapy.
Medication may also be prescribed, including antidepressants or anxiety medication. Physical activity and stress-management techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation, may also help reduce anxiety symptoms.
2. Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental disorder that causes major changes in mood. These changes can range from depression, which involves sadness and low mood, to mania, which involves extreme euphoria or irritability, or hypomania, which is a milder form of mania.
Bipolar disorder can affect both men and women and may begin in late adolescence or early adulthood. Treatment is generally needed throughout life.
How to treat: treatment usually involves medications such as mood stabilizers or atypical antipsychotics. In some cases, antidepressants or medications for anxiety or sleep may be added to the treatment plan.
Psychotherapy is also an important part of bipolar disorder treatment and may be provided individually, with family members, or in groups.
3. Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a mental disorder that causes excessive anxiety and fear in social situations. Examples include meeting unfamiliar people, going to a job interview, or giving a presentation.
This condition can cause symptoms such as excessive sweating, heart palpitations, trembling, shortness of breath, dizziness, and nausea.
How to treat: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be recommended to help a person manage anxiety, gradually face feared social situations, and develop social skills.
Medication may also be prescribed, either alone or along with psychotherapy. Common options include antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
4. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder characterized by obsessions, which are recurring and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are intrusive and unwanted.
A person with OCD may also have compulsions. These include repetitive behaviors or mental acts that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to strict rules.
How to treat: if OCD is confirmed, a psychiatrist may prescribe antidepressants such as clomipramine, fluoxetine, or sertraline.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), exposure and response prevention (ERP), a type of cognitive behavioral therapy, can effectively reduce compulsive behaviors, including in people who have not responded well to medication.
5. Post-traumatic stress disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder characterized by symptoms such as intrusive memories, persistent avoidance of certain triggers, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in arousal and reactions.
PTSD can develop after traumatic events such as experiencing war, being assaulted, or experiencing sexual violence.
How to treat: treatment may involve trauma-focused psychotherapy, such as cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
In some cases, medication may also be recommended. Antidepressants such as sertraline, paroxetine, or venlafaxine may be prescribed to help relieve PTSD symptoms.
6. Autism spectrum disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes conditions that were previously diagnosed separately, such as autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.
A person with ASD may have difficulty with communication and social interaction and/or have restricted and repetitive behaviors or activities.
Autism symptoms can include repetitive use of objects, repetitive speech, a strong need to follow routines, limited interests, and increased or decreased sensitivity to sensory stimuli.
How to treat: treatment and support are individualized and may involve a multidisciplinary team, which can include a pediatrician, psychologist, psychiatrist, speech-language pathologist, and occupational therapist.
Occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other behavioral or developmental interventions may be recommended. Medications may also be prescribed to help manage certain symptoms or co-occurring conditions.
7. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by persistent symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. ADHD symptoms may include being easily distracted, having difficulty staying focused or completing tasks, excessive activity, or difficulty with self-control.
How to treat: if a diagnosis is confirmed, a doctor may prescribe ADHD medication, such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine to help manage symptoms. Stimulant medications are among the most commonly used treatments for ADHD.
Psychotherapy and behavioral interventions may also be recommended to help the person develop strategies for managing symptoms and daily challenges.
8. Depression
Depression is a mental disorder characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable.
With depression, sadness can be intense and last for a long time, affecting many areas of a person's life. It can make basic activities such as sleeping or eating difficult and, in some cases, lead to thoughts of death or suicide.
How to treat: treatment may include psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, or both. Antidepressants that may be prescribed include sertraline, amitriptyline, and venlafaxine.
9. Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder characterized by changes in thinking, emotions, and behavior. Its exact cause is unknown, but genetic, environmental, and brain-development factors may play a role.
Possible symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking or speech, reduced emotional expression, and difficulty with motivation or everyday functioning.
How to treat: treatment typically includes antipsychotic medication along with psychosocial therapies and support. A psychiatrist may prescribe medications such as risperidone, quetiapine, olanzapine, or, in some cases, clozapine.
10. Eating disorders
Eating disorders are serious conditions that involve significant changes in eating behavior. A person may go long periods without eating, frequently use laxatives, eat excessive amounts of food, and/or induce vomiting.
Eating disorders may be associated with a combination of biological, psychological, behavioral, and social factors.
How to treat: treatment may involve a multidisciplinary team that includes a doctor, psychologist or other mental health professional, and registered dietitian or registered dietitian nutritionist.
Treatment may include psychotherapy, medical monitoring, nutritional counseling, and medications when appropriate for the specific eating disorder or a co-occurring condition. Nutritional supplements may also be recommended if a person has nutritional deficiencies.
11. Borderline personality disorder
Borderline personality disorder is a mental disorder characterized by rapid changes in mood, fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, and impulsive behaviors.
Although there is no single known cause, borderline personality disorder appears to involve genetic, environmental, and social factors. It is also more common in people with a history of childhood abuse, neglect, or other traumatic experiences.
How to treat: according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), psychotherapy is the primary treatment for borderline personality disorder, while medication may sometimes be added to treat specific symptoms or co-occurring conditions.