Top 5 Common Mental Health Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Mental health disorders can affect individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Several factors can trigger these disorders, and their severity can range from mild to severe.

Causes/Risk Factors of Mental Health Disorders

1. Genetics or Family History – 

A family history of mental illness can increase the risk.

2. Chemical Imbalance – 

Changes in brain chemistry can lead to disorders.

3. Environmental Factors – 

Experiencing trauma, accidents, divorce, or other life-changing events.

4. Pregnancy and Postpartum Complications – 

Hormonal changes in married women can contribute.

5. Chronic Illnesses – 

Long-term digestive issues, arthritis, or muscle disorders in older individuals.

1. Depression

Depression is a common mental health disorder. If you experience at least three of the following six symptoms for more than two weeks, you may be suffering from depression and should seek treatment:

• Changes in sleep and appetite (either increase or decrease)
• Persistent sadness and hopelessness
• Constant overthinking, anger, and irritability
• Loss of self-confidence due to sadness
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Lack of interest in activities and feelings of emptiness

2. Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety can take various forms and may last from weeks to years. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent fear, worry, and nervousness
• Rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath
• Thoughts of death or serious illness
• Chest pain and digestive issues
• Health anxiety, including concerns about heart disease or cancer
• Performance anxiety in men, leading to premature ejaculation

Most anxiety sufferers undergo medical tests such as ECG or Echo, which typically return normal results, proving the issue is psychological.

3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD occurs after experiencing a traumatic event such as:

• Terrorist attacks, physical assault, sexual abuse, pregnancy complications, death of a loved one, or natural disasters.

Symptoms:

• A combination of depression and anxiety symptoms
• It typically begins one month after trauma and may last for months.
• If distress occurs within three days toby one month after trauma, it is known as Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and is considered a normal human reaction.

4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is a chronic mental disorder in which individuals have uncontrollable, repetitive thoughts and behaviors, such as:

• Excessive counting, repeatedly checking if a door is locked
• Performing religious rituals excessively due to intrusive thoughts
• Excessive hand washing out of fear of germs
• Checking blood pressure multiple times a day

Despite recognizing these behaviors as unnecessary, OCD patients feel compelled to perform them due to the disorder.

5. Panic Attacks/Panic Disorder

Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear and anxiety, often without warning. When these attacks occur frequently, it is classified as Panic Disorder.

Symptoms:

• Sudden rapid heartbeat and excessive sweating
• Feeling an overwhelming sense of danger
• Dizziness and loss of control
• Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and pain
• Feeling like a heart attack is occurring or death is imminent

Although panic attacks are terrifying, they do not cause death and typically subside within minutes.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Mental Health Disorders

Mental health disorders are diagnosed based on symptoms and their duration. In anxiety cases, lab tests such as ECG and thyroid tests may be performed to rule out medical conditions.

Treatment Options:

• Psychotherapy: Counseling sessions with a psychologist can help manage symptoms.
• Medication: The type and duration of medication vary per patient. Some recover within months, while others require years of treatment.
• Regular Treatment: Patients should take prescribed medications regularly and avoid self-medication or abrupt discontinuation.

Seeking help for mental health issues is crucial. There is no shame in getting the necessary treatment to lead a healthier life.