The 5 most common mental disorders and their symptoms

Learn about the most common mental disorders.

In the U.S., 5% of the population suffers from some type of mental disorder

Get to know the symptoms.

Do you know what the most common mental disorders are? Mental health care is a global priority.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly 20% of the world’s population lives with some type of mental disorder that significantly affects their quality of life.

Knowing what the most common issues are, as well as their symptoms, could help you better understand the challenges many face and ways to alleviate their suffering.

Read on to learn more about the most common mental disorders.

5. The most common mental disorders: Anxiety

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Generalized anxiety disorder affects nearly 7 million people in the United States, equivalent to approximately 3.1% of the total population.

However, one alarming fact for health authorities is that only 43% of those affected receive a diagnosis and personalized treatment.

One of the main anxiety disorders is generalized anxiety disorder, but there are also other variants such as panic disorder.

There is also social anxiety disorder, which leads sufferers to avoid situations where they have to interact with too many people.

4. Depression

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.7% of adults aged 18 and older in the United States have reported experiencing symptoms associated with depression.

These can include loss of interest or pleasure in certain things, fatigue, insomnia and recurring thoughts associated with suicide.

In the U.S., there are 14.5 suicides reported per 100,000 residents per year. Timely diagnosis and access to personalized treatments are usually key to improving the quality of life for those suffering from depression.

This also minimizes symptoms that hinder them from carrying out daily activities and feeling fulfilled.

3. Bipolar disorder

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According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, at least one in every 25 people lives with a mental disorder that negatively affects their quality of life, and among them is bipolar disorder.

This condition is characterized by extreme and cyclical changes in mood, which depletes energy and causes drastic changes in behavior.

People with bipolar disorder also experience episodes of mania and depression.

These are characterized by symptoms such as euphoria, lack of sleep, impulsive behavior, racing thoughts, changes in appetite, feelings of guilt, and persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

2. The most common mental disorders: PTSD

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A study by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs found that in the United States, 6 out of 100 people suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

This is a condition that usually develops after an event that has had a physical or emotional impact, such as experiencing or witnessing a serious accident.

This disorder is characterized by symptoms such as intrusive memories, where the sufferer relives flashbacks of the traumatic event, leading them to avoid situations, people or places that they find threatening.

Sleep disorders, mood changes and concentration problems are also symptoms of this disorder.

1. Schizophrenia

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According to the World Health Organization, schizophrenia is one of the most common mental disorders, affecting approximately 24 million people worldwide — equivalent to 1 in 300 people.

The life expectancy of people diagnosed with schizophrenia tends to be lower than that of people classified as healthy.

This condition manifests with changes in perception of reality and behavior.

It can includes symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking or extreme agitation that affects cognitive functioning.