Mental Health Conditions: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Mental health conditions involve problems with mood, thinking, and behavior. They range from issues like anxiety and depression to more severe disorders such as schizophrenia, affecting how people handle daily life.

The main types of mental health disorders include anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and Schizophrenia.

Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive fear or worry, while depressive disorders are marked by prolonged sadness and loss of interest. PTSD develops after trauma, causing flashbacks and anxiety, while schizophrenia affects thoughts and behaviors, often causing hallucinations.

Eating disorders involve dangerous eating behaviors and disruptive behavior, and dissocial disorders manifest as uncooperative or hostile actions. Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ASD and ADHD, appear early in development, affecting social and behavioral functions.

People with mental disability experience persistent feelings of sadness, excessive worrying, mood swings, hallucinations, and social withdrawal. These symptoms disrupt daily activities, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Mental health problems arise from various causes, including genetic predisposition, biological factors, environmental stressors, psychological factors, and bodily triggers. The key risk factors include a family history of mental illness, chronic medical conditions, traumatic experiences, substance abuse, and high levels of stress. These causes and risk factors interact in complex ways, increasing the likelihood of developing mental health issues.

Treatments for mental health illness involve medications, psychotherapy, brain stimulation treatments, and intensive hospital or residential programs. Effective treatment requires a combination of therapies to address symptoms and improve quality of life.

What are Mental Health Conditions?

Mental health conditions are disorders characterized by significant disruptions in cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior, reflecting dysfunctions in psychological, biological, or developmental processes. 

Mental health conditions include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. These disorders are typically associated with significant distress or disability in social, occupational, or other important activities, as explained by the American Psychiatric Association, 2013, ‘Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).’ ^[1]

There are nearly 300 different types of mental health conditions, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These range from common disorders like depression and anxiety to more severe illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Good mental health enables individuals to handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices, according to Gautam S. et al. 2024, ‘Concept of mental health and mental well-being, its determinants and coping strategies.’ ^[2] 

About 20% of adults in the U.S. experience a mental health condition each year, and approximately one in 25 adults live with a severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, as indicated by The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports. Among youth, around 21% of American teenagers aged 13 to 18 have experienced a severe mental health disorder. 

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What are the Types of Mental Health Conditions?

The types of mental health conditions include a range of disorders, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, and others. These conditions are broadly categorized into several groups, including mood disorders, which encompass depression and bipolar disorder, characterized by disturbances in a person’s emotional state. 

The most important types of mental health conditions, according to a World Health Organization 2022 report titled ‘Mental disorders’ ^[3] are given below:

• Anxiety Disorder
• Depressive Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Eating Disorder
• Disruptive Behavior and Dissocial Disorder
• Neurodevelopmental Disorder
• Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD)
• Personality Disorder
• Impulse Control and Addiction Disorder

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive fear or worry caused by genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health illnesses, affecting nearly 19.1% of adults in the U.S. each year, according to “Any Anxiety Disorder” by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) ^[4]. 

Common anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Symptoms of anxiety disorder include persistent worrying, restlessness, and physical signs such as increased heart rate. Treatment of anxiety disorder involves psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medications like anti-anxiety drugs. 

Anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors, according to Chand S P, Marwaha R., et al. 2023, ‘Anxiety.’^[5] Genetics predispose individuals to anxiety, while imbalances in brain chemistry and neurobiological factors play a role. Environmental stressors, such as trauma or chronic stress, and psychological factors, including negative thought patterns and coping skills, also contribute to the development of anxiety disorders.

Depressive Disorder (Depression)

Depression, or major depressive disorder, is characterized by prolonged feelings of sadness and loss of interest. Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting over 264 million people, according to ‘Facts about Depression’ by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The causes of depression include genetic predisposition, significant life events, and biochemical imbalances. Symptoms of depressive disorder include persistent sadness, fatigue, and changes in sleep patterns. Treatment methods for depression involve antidepressants and psychotherapy, as explained by Bains, N., & Abdijadid, S. et al. 2023, ‘Major Depressive Disorder.’^[6]

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). About 2.8% of U.S. adults have experienced bipolar disorder in the past year, as mentioned in ‘Bipolar Disorder’ by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). 

The causes of bipolar disorder are a mix of genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors, according to Jain A, Mitra P. et al. 2023, ‘Bipolar Disorder.’^[7] Bipolar disorder symptoms include periods of unusual energy, activity, and restlessness, followed by depressive episodes with symptoms like sadness and hopelessness. Treatment options for bipolar disorder involve mood stabilizers and psychotherapy. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an intense, lingering feeling of fear or distress after experiencing a traumatic event. PTSD affects approximately 3.5% of U.S. adults each year, according to Shalaby R. et al. 2021, ‘Prevalence, Demographic, and Clinical Correlates of Likely PTSD in Subscribers of Text4Hope during the COVID-19 Pandemic.’^[8]

PTSD causes range from military combat to personal assault, while the symptoms include flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Treatment of Post-traumatic stress disorder involves psychotherapy, such as CBT and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and medications like antidepressants.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a condition where someone has trouble distinguishing between what’s real and what isn’t, affecting how they think, feel, and behave. Schizophrenia affects more than 24 million people worldwide and is one of the most disabling psychiatric disorders, as indicated by ‘Schizophrenia-2022’ by the WHO. 

The causes of schizophrenia are believed to include physical, genetic, psychological, and environmental factors, according to John H. Gilmore J H et al. 2010, ‘Understanding What Causes Schizophrenia: A Developmental Perspective.’ ^[9]

Schizophrenia symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Schizophrenia is treated by taking antipsychotic medications and psychotherapy. 

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders involve preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape, leading to dangerous eating behaviors. Eating disorders affect at least 9% of the population worldwide, according to the ‘Eating Disorder Statistics’ published by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). 

Genetic, psychological, and cultural factors cause eating disorders. Symptoms of eating disorders vary by disorder but include severe food restriction, binge eating, and purging behaviors. Eating disorders are treated by nutritional counseling, psychotherapy, and medications. 

Disruptive Behavior and Dissocial Disorder

Disruptive behavior and dissocial disorders involve ongoing patterns of uncooperative, rebellious, and hostile behaviors. Disruptive behavior and dissocial disorders, such as conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder, affect approximately 3-5% of school-age children, according to the ‘Conduct Disorder’ published by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) in 2018. 

The causes of disruptive behavior include genetic and environmental influences. Disruptive behavior and dissocial disorder symptoms include aggressive behavior, deceitfulness, and violation of rules. Treating disruptive behavior and dissocial disorder involves behavioral therapy and family counseling. 

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions that affect how the brain and nervous system develop, starting from early life. Neurodevelopmental disorders include autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and impact skills like learning, communication, and behavior. 

About 1 in 36 children have been identified with ASD in a report, ‘Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder’ by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Genetic mutations and environmental factors cause neurodevelopmental disorders. 

The symptoms of ASD include difficulties in social communication and repetitive behaviors, while ADHD symptoms include inattentiveness and hyperactivity. Treating Neurodevelopmental disorders involves behavioral interventions and medications.

Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD)

Paranoid personality disorder (PPD) is characterized by paranoia, irrational suspicion, and mistrust of others. PPD affects about 1.21% of the general population, as indicated by Hashmani, T. et al. 2018 ‘Personality Disorders.’ 

Causes of PPD include genetic factors and early childhood experiences, and the symptoms include being overly suspicious, bearing grudges, and perceiving attacks on one’s character. Treating paranoid personality disorders involves psychotherapy, with a focus on cognitive-behavioral techniques. 

Personality Disorders

Personality disorders involve enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate from cultural expectations. The DSM-5 lists several types of personality disorders, including borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder. 

Personality disorders affect approximately 9.1% of adults in the U.S., according to the ‘Mental Health Information Statistics on Personality Disorders’ by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). 

Genetic predispositions and early life experiences cause personality disorder, and the symptoms vary widely, including difficulties in interpersonal relationships, inflexible thinking, and maladaptive behavior. Treating personality disorders involves psychotherapy and medications. 

Impulse Control and Addiction Disorders

Impulse control and addiction disorders involve an inability to resist urges or impulses that could harm oneself or others. Substance use disorders affect about 19.3 million adults in the U.S., highlighting the prevalence and impact of these common mental disorders, according to ‘Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders’ by the NIMH. ^[10]

Genetic, psychological, and social factors cause addiction disorders. Substance use disorder symptoms include compulsive behaviors and substance abuse. Impulse control and addiction disorders are treated using behavioral therapies and medications. 

What are the Symptoms of Mental Health Conditions?

The most observed symptoms of mental health disorders are changes in mood, alterations in thinking, and disruptions in behavior. These symptoms vary widely depending on the specific condition and individual, but they interfere significantly with daily functioning and quality of life.

The most common symptoms of mental health issues are given below:

• Persistent Sadness: Persistent sadness involves prolonged feelings of unhappiness or hopelessness, leading to a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, fatigue, and poor concentration. Approximately 280 million people in 2023 worldwide suffered from depression, according to ‘Depressive Disorder (Depression)’ by the World Health Organization.

  Prolonged sadness is a hallmark of depressive disorders and lasts for weeks or months without treatment. 

• Excessive Worrying: Excessive worrying is characterized by chronic, irrational anxiety about everyday situations, causing significant distress and disruption to daily activities. Anxiety disorders affect around 19.1% of U.S. adults annually, as mentioned in ‘Any Anxiety Disorder’ by the Statistics section of the National Institute of Mental Health.

  Worrying is triggered by stress or trauma and leads to physical symptoms like restlessness and increased heart rate.

• Mood Swings: Mood swings are rapid and extreme changes in the emotional state commonly associated with bipolar disorder. About 2.8% of U.S. adults in 2023 experience bipolar disorder annually, characterized by these mood swings, as reported by the National Institute of Mental Health in ‘Bipolar Disorder.’ Mood fluctuations range from manic highs to depressive lows and significantly impact relationships, work, and daily life. 
• Hallucinations: Hallucinations are sensory experiences that appear real but are created by the mind, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not present.

  Hallucinations, a key feature of schizophrenia, affected approximately 24 million people or 1 in 300 people (0.32%) worldwide in 2023, as reported in “Schizophrenia” by the World Health Organization.

• Delusions: Delusions are persistent, false beliefs held despite contrary evidence, as seen in psychotic disorders. Schizophrenia, characterized by delusions, affects approximately 24 million people or 1 in 300 people (0.32%) worldwide, as stated in “Schizophrenia” by WHO. Delusions lead to paranoia and erratic behavior, significantly disrupting personal and social life. 
• Social Withdrawal: Social withdrawal is the avoidance of social interactions and activities commonly associated with depression and schizophrenia.

  Major depressive disorder has affected about 6.7% of U.S. adults in 2023, as reported by the National Institute of Mental Health in ‘Major Depression.’ Social withdrawal leads to isolation and heightens feelings of loneliness and distress. 

• Fatigue: Fatigue involves persistent tiredness that hinders concentration and daily functioning, as seen in depressive and anxiety disorders. Around 30% of individuals with depression report significant fatigue, according to a study ‘Major Depression’ by the National Institute of Mental Health.

  Chronic stress and poor sleep exacerbate this symptom.

• Changes in Appetite or Weight: Significant changes in appetite or weight are common in mental health conditions like eating disorders and depression. Eating disorders affect approximately 9% of the global population, as reported in ‘Eating Disorder Statistics’ by the National Eating Disorders Association.

  Changes in appetite and weight lead to serious health issues, including malnutrition or obesity. 

• Sleep Disturbances: Sleep disturbances are problems that interrupt sleep, making it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. These include frequent waking up during the night or waking up too early.

  For example, around 50% of individuals with depression experience sleep disturbances, according to a study ‘Major Depression’ by the National Institute of Mental Health. Sleep issues negatively impact overall health and exacerbate other symptoms. 

• Concentration Problems: Concentration problems involve difficulty focusing or making decisions, which is common in ADHD and depression.

  ADHD affects approximately 5% of children and 2.5% of adults, according to ‘Data and Statistics on ADHD’ from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lack of concentration impairs daily activities and academic or occupational performance. 

What are the Causes of Mental Health Conditions?

The causes of mental health conditions are multifaceted, involving a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.

Understanding these causes provides insight into the development and progression of mental health issues and highlights the importance of addressing them comprehensively.

The most common causes of mental health issues are given below:

• Genetic Predisposition: Genetic predisposition refers to inherited traits that increase the likelihood of developing mental health conditions. Individuals with a family history of disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are at higher risk.

  About 80% of the risk for schizophrenia is attributed to genetic factors, according to Hany M, Rehman B et al. 2024, “Schizophrenia.” Genetics alone do not cause these conditions but increase susceptibility when combined with environmental factors, according to Brown AS. et al. 2011, “The environment and susceptibility to schizophrenia.”

• Biological Factors: Biological factors include imbalances in brain chemistry, hormonal changes, and neurodevelopmental abnormalities that affect mental health. In 2023, neurotransmitter imbalances were present in up to 70% of individuals with depression, as reported by the National Institute of Mental Health in ‘Major Depression.’ Neurotransmitter imbalances are linked to depression and anxiety, according to Hasler G. et al. 2010, “Pathophysiology of depression: do we have any solid evidence of interest to clinicians?” 
• Environmental Stressors: Environmental stressors encompass external factors such as trauma, abuse, or significant life changes that trigger or exacerbate mental health conditions.

  More than 70% of adults worldwide are exposed to a traumatic event at least once in their lifetime, and approximately 10% of individuals develop PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event, as mentioned by Du J. et al. 2022, in their study titled ‘Post-traumatic stress disorder: a psychiatric disorder requiring urgent attention.’ Experiences like childhood abuse or sudden loss lead to conditions such as PTSD or anxiety disorders, according to the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (US). 2014, ‘Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services.’

• Psychological Factors: Psychological factors include personal coping mechanisms, cognitive patterns, and early life experiences that influence mental health.

  Up to 50% of individuals with depression report negative cognitive patterns, according to “Depression” by the National Institute of Mental Health. Early experiences such as neglect or insecure attachment affect psychological resilience according to Martín Quintana JC, Alemán Ramos PF, Morales Almeida P., et al. 2023, “The Influence of Perceived Security in Childhood on Adult Self-Concept: The Mediating Role of Resilience and Self-Esteem.”

• Bodily Triggers: Bodily triggers are physical health issues, such as chronic illness or neurological disorders, that impact mental health.

  Conditions like chronic pain or epilepsy increase the risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, according to López-Gómez M and Sosa AL. et al. 2008, ‘Clinical presentation of anxiety among patients with epilepsy.’ Chronic pain conditions are associated with a 30% increased risk of depression, as discussed in a report, ‘Chronic Pain Among Adults.’ by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

What are the Risk Factors for Mental Health Conditions?

The common risk factors for mental health issues include genetic predisposition, trauma, chronic stress, and substance abuse. Identifying these risk factors helps understand the likelihood of developing mental health conditions and implement preventive measures.

The most common risk factors for mental health issues are given below:

• Genetic Predisposition: Genetic factors contribute to susceptibility to disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. It is estimated that 40–60 percent of an individual’s vulnerability to substance use disorders is attributable to genetics, as mentioned in the research report ‘Why is there comorbidity between substance use disorders and mental illnesses?’ by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
• Trauma: Experiencing traumatic events, such as abuse, violence, or severe accidents, significantly raises the risk of mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety disorders, and depression, according to Kleber RJ. et al. 201, “Trauma and Public Mental Health: A Focused Review.” An estimated 7-8% of the U.S. population has experienced PTSD at some point in their lives, according to “How Common is PTSD in Veterans?” by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
• Chronic Stress: Prolonged exposure to stressful situations, including those related to work, relationships, or financial issues, contributes to mental health problems like anxiety and depression, according to Daviu N and Beyeler A. et al. 2019, “Neurobiological links between stress and anxiety.” Around 24% of Americans report experiencing anxiety disorder, as reported in “Stress in America 2023” by the American Psychological Association.

  Chronic stress affects the brain’s structure and function, increasing the risk of developing more severe psychological issues over time. 

• Substance Abuse: The misuse of drugs or alcohol significantly increases the risk of developing mental health conditions, exacerbating existing issues or triggering new ones, such as depression or anxiety disorders, according to “Part 1: The Connection Between Substance Use Disorders and Mental Illness,” by National Institute on Drug Abuse. According to the United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) 2022, “Alcohol and Drug Abuse Statistics (Facts About Addiction),” 46.8 million (16.7%) Americans (aged 12 and older) battled a substance use disorder in 2021. 

What are the Treatments of Mental Health Conditions?

Treatments for mental health conditions include medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anxiolytics, as well as psychotherapies like CBT, DBT, and interpersonal therapy.

Psychotherapy paired with medication is the most effective way to promote recovery, according to “Mental Health Treatments” by Mental Health America. 

Medications

Medications for mental health conditions are used to balance brain chemicals that influence mood, thought patterns, and behavior, thereby alleviating symptoms and improving overall functioning. 

Around 16.5% of individuals in the US had taken prescription medication for their mental health in 2020, according to Mental Health Treatment Among Adults: United States, 2020 by the National Center for Health Statistics.

The following 4 types of medicines are used to treat mental health conditions:

• Antidepressants: Antidepressants are medications used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. They increase levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, improving mood and reducing symptoms of these conditions.
• Anti-anxiety Medications: Anti-anxiety medications are used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders.

  They enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA, which helps calm the brain and reduce feelings of anxiety.

• Antipsychotics: Antipsychotics are medications prescribed for conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They work by modifying the effects of neurotransmitters in the brain to manage symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
• Mood Stabilizers: Mood stabilizers are medications primarily used to treat bipolar disorder.

  They help regulate mood swings and prevent severe episodes of mania and depression by balancing neurotransmitter levels in the brain.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, involves discussing one’s thoughts and feelings with a trained therapist to address mental health issues. Psychotherapy helps individuals understand their condition, develop coping strategies, and make positive life changes, according to Cuijpers P. et al. 2019, “Targets and outcomes of psychotherapies for mental disorders: an overview.”

The following types of psychotherapies are practiced to treat mental health conditions:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach that aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It is effective in treating anxiety disorders, depression, and PTSD by helping individuals identify and modify distorted thinking and maladaptive behaviors.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that focuses on balancing acceptance and change.

  It is particularly effective for treating borderline personality disorder by helping individuals manage emotional dysregulation and improve interpersonal relationships.

• Psychodynamic Therapy: Psychodynamic Therapy is a therapeutic approach that explores unconscious patterns and past experiences that influence current behavior. It is useful for addressing various mood disorders and anxiety issues by helping individuals gain insight into how past experiences shape their present behavior.
• Humanistic Therapy: Humanistic Therapy is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes self-development and achieving personal potential.

  It is used to address personal growth and self-esteem issues by focusing on individuals’ capacity for self-improvement and self-fulfillment.

Brain-Stimulation Treatments

Brain stimulation treatments involve using various techniques to alter brain activity and help alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions, especially when other treatments have been ineffective.

The brain-stimulation treatment options for mental health conditions include:

• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) involves applying electrical currents to the brain to induce controlled seizures. It is used for severe depression and other mood disorders that have not responded to other treatments.
• Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS): Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.

  It is commonly employed for depression that does not respond to medication.

• Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) involves implanting a device that sends electrical impulses to the vagus nerve. It is used for treatment-resistant depression and epilepsy.

Hospital and Residential Treatment Programs

Hospital and residential treatment programs provide intensive support for individuals with severe mental health conditions.

These programs offer structured environments where patients receive comprehensive care, including therapy, medication management, and support for daily living.

The hospital and residential treatment program for treating mental health conditions include:

• Inpatient Hospitalization: Inpatient hospitalization involves 24-hour care in a hospital setting for individuals experiencing acute mental health crises or requiring close monitoring. It is used for severe episodes of mental illness or emergencies.
• Residential Treatment Programs: Residential treatment programs provide long-term care in a non-hospital setting. These programs offer therapeutic activities, skill-building, and support in a more homelike environment, suitable for chronic conditions or ongoing treatment needs.