Major psychological disorders are conditions that disrupt the way a person thinks, feels, or is able to relate to others and function daily. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 26.2 percent of Americans who are 18 years and older will suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. However, only 6 percent will suffer from a serious mental illness. Mental disorders are the leading cause of disability in the United States and Canada.
Depression
According to the Mayo Clinic, depression is an illness that affects the way people think, feel and behave. Clinical depression is more than a problem with the "blues" and requires intervention and long-term treatment. Most people who suffer from depression are able to find relief with medication, counseling and other treatment modalities. The exact cause is not known, but doctors believe various factors are involved, including biological changes in the brain, neurotransmitters, hormones, inherited traits, life events and trauma.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder is a combination of obsessive and compulsive behaviors that intrude on the ability to function in life. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, obsessions are irrational thoughts that are unwanted or impulses that repeatedly come to mind. This includes such disturbing thoughts as "My hands are contaminated" or "I may have left the gas stove on." Compulsions are repetitive rituals such as hand washing or repeatedly checking objects. Approximately 2 percent of the U.S. population will suffer from this disorder at some point in their lives.
Eating Disorders
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are three main types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. A total of 4.4 percent of the U.S. population will be diagnosed with one of these disorders. Women have a much higher risk of developing an eating disorder than men do and will be 75 percent more likely to develop binge eating disorder. The death of Karen Carpenter in 1983 from complications arising from anorexia nervosa brought this psychological disorder to media attention. The mortality rate for anorexia nervosa is estimated at 0.56 percent per year, which is 12 times higher than the annual rate for death of all causes in women between 15 and 24 years.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a psychological disorder that is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. Currently it is the most commonly diagnosed behavior disorder in children, but it is not limited to children. The behaviors often persist and may not be recognized until adulthood. Symptoms include a mixture of inability to pay close attention and increased activity levels. Children may not seem to listen or may have problems maintaining attention during organized activities. They are easily distracted, forgetful and may fidget or appear restless in situations where remaining seated is expected.
Schizophrenia
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, schizophrenia is a serious and challenging illness that now affects over 2 million U.S. adults. The illness interferes with the ability to think clearly and distinguish reality from fantasy. Individuals who suffer will have trouble managing their emotions, making decisions and relating to others. The illness appears in the late teen years to early 20s and has been identified as one of the 10 most debilitating diseases that affect human beings.
