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Types of Mental Health Disorders

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By Editorial Team

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: September 2023

Mental health disorders are conditions that affect a person's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. These disorders can show up in many ways and can lead to big challenges in daily life. By recognizing these conditions, you can take action to get the help you or a loved one deserves.1

Common mental health disorders

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), there are nearly 300 types of mental health disorders. The most common mental health disorders include:1-3

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression (major depressive disorder, or MDD)
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Eating disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • Postpartum depression
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Schizophrenia

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which is a type of disorder that affects how the brain works. Symptoms of ADHD include:3

  • Trouble paying attention or completing a task
  • Hyperactivity
  • Forgetfulness
  • Difficulty with motivation

ADHD often begins in childhood and can carry on into adulthood. Without proper treatment, ADHD affects a person’s school, work, and social functioning.3

Anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders involve persistent and excessive worry and/or fear. People with anxiety disorders also may have rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and trembling. These symptoms can greatly impact their quality of life.3

Examples of anxiety disorders include:3

  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
  • Panic disorder
  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Specific phobias (for example, a fear of spiders, which is known as arachnophobia)

Depression

Depression is marked by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, irritability, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It also can lead to changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe form of depression. It can reduce a person’s ability to function.3

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Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder involves extreme swings between episodes of mania (elevated mood and energy) and depression. This disorder disrupts a person's emotional stability. It also can lead to impulsive behaviors during manic episodes.3

Eating disorders

Eating disorders involve unhealthy relationships with body image and food. These disorders can have severe physical and psychological consequences. These effects may include malnutrition, organ damage, and emotional pain.3

Examples of eating disorders include:3

  • Anorexia nervosa – An intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of the body. People with anorexia restrict their food intake and/or over-exercise, often leading to extreme weight loss.
  • Bulimia nervosa – Having episodes of overeating (bingeing) followed by self-induced vomiting (purging), excessive exercise, or fasting. People with bulimia do this to compensate for the calories they take in. They also may be trying to manage feelings of guilt or anxiety about food.
  • Binge-eating disorder – Having episodes of consuming a large amount of food in a short period of time. People often have a loss of control during the binge episode and a sense of guilt or distress following the binge.

Personality disorders

Personality disorders include a range of conditions where a person’s pattern of thinking, feeling, and behaving differ from cultural norms. Examples of personality disorders and some of their main features include:3

  • Antisocial personality disorder – Disregard for the rights of others, lack of empathy, manipulative behaviors, and impulsive actions.
  • Avoidant personality disorder – Avoidance of social interactions and fear of rejection or criticism.
  • Borderline personality disorder – Intense mood swings, unstable relationships, impulsive behavior, distorted self-image, and a fear of abandonment. These often lead to emotional distress and challenges in daily functioning.
  • Paranoid personality disorder – Distrust and suspicion of others' motives. This results in being highly on guard for potential threats. It may lead to trouble forming and maintaining relationships.
  • Narcissistic personality disorder – Excessive sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, a constant need for admiration, and a pattern of taking advantage of others.
  • Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder – Intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at relieving anxiety.

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is a type of depression that affects some people after they have given birth. Symptoms can include:4

  • Persistent feelings of sadness
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty bonding with the baby
  • Changes in sleep and eating patterns
  • Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby

Seeking help from a healthcare provider is crucial, as there are effective treatments and support available to help manage and overcome postpartum depression.4

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD may develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. It can result from traumas such as car accidents, military combat, or abuse. Symptoms include:3

  • Intrusive memories
  • Nightmares
  • Heightened arousal
  • Avoidance of triggers

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that involves distorted thinking, hallucinations, and delusions. People with schizophrenia may struggle to tell the difference between what is real and what is not. This can make it a hard to navigate everyday life.3

Substance use disorders

Substance use disorders involve the misuse of alcohol, drugs, or other substances. These disorders range from mild to severe. These disorders lead to negative consequences for physical and mental health. They may require medical care and therapy to address underlying issues.3

Treatment will vary

Because there are so many types of mental illnesses, effective treatments vary depending on the disorder. A person might need 1 or more of the following:

  • Psychotherapy
  • Prescription drugs
  • Lifestyle changes
  • In-hospital treatment (for severe cases)
  • Professional supports

Early diagnosis plays a vital role in managing these disorders and preventing them from getting worse over time. If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health disorder, seek help from a mental health professional. They can make a big difference in your journey toward recovery.1