As technology is growing, so is the awareness of different health issues. As of now, various people have recognized mental health disorders and their severity. However, many are still unaware of what mental health disorders really are, their symptoms, and how they can be treated.
If you’re among those who barely know about mental health conditions, this mini-guide has got you covered. The following are a few common mental health disorders that are taking over the world:
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder is a mood disorder, one of the most common mental health issues. According to the WHO fact sheet, more than 264 million people from around the world have depression and it is equally common among both men and women.
Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder
- Persistent sadness and pessimism
- Loss of interest in everyday life activities
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Binge eating or loss of appetite
- Body aches, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts
Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
- Antipsychotics and benzodiazepines
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Regular exercise and a healthy diet
- Herbs and plants like lizard king mushrooms and passionflower
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder, aka GAD, is the most common out of all anxiety disorders. It’s characterized by persistent worries and fears that eventually leave you incapable of functioning normally in your day-to-day life. It is said that GAD is more prevalent among females.
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Constant restlessness and irritability
- Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
- Muscle tension and fatigue
- Trembling and shaking
- Sleep and appetite disturbances
Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake (SNRIs)
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Exercise, preferably yoga
- Herbs and plants like chamomile and lavender
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder lies somewhere between mood and psychotic disorders. As per the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 2.8% of the American population is diagnosed with bipolar disorder annually. It’s slightly more common in males compared to females.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
- Feelings of sadness and irritability
- Loss of interest in everyday life activities
- Difficulty concentrating and retaining information
- Self-doubt and pessimism
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
- Antipsychotics and antidepressants
- Mood stabilizers and nerve relaxants
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Electroconvulsive shock treatment (ECT)
- Individual and family-focused therapy
Schizophrenia
Last but not least, schizophrenia is becoming more and more common by the day. Known as the mother of all mental health disorders, schizophrenia is a life-long illness, similar to diabetes and hypertension. The only way to manage the symptoms of schizophrenia is by continuing the treatment.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Bizarre delusions and irritability
- Disorganized speech and overall behavior
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Worsening hygiene and absence of insight
Treatment of Schizophrenia
- First and second-generation antipsychotics
- Antidepressants in case of chronic stress
- Electroconvulsive shock treatment (ECT)
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Family-focused and individual therapy sessions
- A balanced diet and healthy sleep cycle
The Final Word…
Apart from the ones mentioned above, mental health disorders like PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, agoraphobia, and social anxiety disorder are also quite common these days. However, there’s nothing to worry about as all these disorders can be managed with early diagnosis and proper treatment. I wish you all the best, my pals!