1. Common Adult Psychiatric Disorders
Mental disorders like depression and anxiety are more common or familiar to the general public than others. Rare mental disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder, have become popular in the media. Monica, one of the main characters of the television sitcom "Friends," supposedly was afflicted with OCD, thus creating the illusion that OCD is glamorous or hip. In reality, OCD can be a highly debilitating illness that is difficult to overcome.
2. The Numbers
Approximately 26 percent of Americans suffer from a mental disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Most mental illnesses are fairly benign; however, about 6 percent of Americans suffer from a serious mental illness. The most serious mental disorders, partly due to difficulty with treatment options, are clearly schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Medication compliance and lack of effective medication can create obstacles to treatment. However, schizophrenia is a rare disorder affecting approximately 2.4 million American men and women.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety is the most common psychiatric disorder in the United States, affecting over 40 million Americans. There are five prevalent anxiety disorders: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), general anxiety disorder (GAD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), panic disorder and social phobia. People afflicted with OCD experience persistent overwhelming thoughts or obsessions followed by repetitive, ritualistic behaviors or compulsions that interfere with their daily life.
GAD is constant, disproportionate, irrational worrying for over a six-month period about daily events. PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that causes intense anxiety after a person has experienced or witnessed an extremely traumatic event. People suffering from panic disorder experience terrifying, unpredictable, overwhelming feelings of losing control. Social phobia occurs when a person feels overwhelmingly uneasy and self-consciousness in everyday social situations to the point of avoidance.
4. Mood Disorders
Major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and dysthymic disorder fall under the umbrella of mood disorders. Mood disorders affect approximately 20.9 million Americans, according to NIMH.
Major depressive disorder, better known as depression, affects about 14 million Americans. Depressive symptoms include feeling sad or depressed for most of the day, being uninterested in previously enjoyed activities, sleeping too much or too little, changes in appetite, inability to focus or concentrate, feeling fatigued, appearing sluggish and suicidal ideation for over a two-week period.
Dysthymic disorder is similar to mild depression, but the symptoms remain active for over two years.
Bipolar disorder is a more complicated disorder to manage and treat. The major symptom of bipolar disorder is the occurrence of a manic episode, which is when a person has a significantly, noticeably elevated or irritable mood for over a week. The mood is marked by rapid speech, uncontrollable racing thoughts, significantly decreased need for sleep, feelings of exaggerated self-importance, a drive to accomplish goals in an unreasonable time frame and risky behaviors. For example, excessive spending or engaging in sexually promiscuous activities are examples of risky behaviors. Three or more of the symptoms must be active with an elevated mood for diagnosis.
5. Treatment
Common mental disorders are treatable with the right combination of medication and talk therapy. If a disorder is mild, medication might not be necessary. Please seek advice from a mental health professional. Some psychiatric disorders, like a mood disorder, if not managed appropriately could lead to suicide.
