5 Common Types of Mental Illness

Mental illness is more common than you might think: With nearly one in five Americans suffering from some form of mental illness, it’s more important than ever to understand the major types of mental illness that could be affecting you or a loved one.

While there are many types of mental illness, they typically fall into one of five major categories:

• Anxiety disorders cause feelings of fear, dread, or overall anxiousness in patients. Common examples include specific phobias and social anxiety. These can generally be treated through medication and therapy.
• Mood disorders affect the overall mood of patients, with the most common examples including depression and bipolar disorder. Like with anxiety disorders, these can also be treated through a combination of medication and therapy.
• Psychotic disorders “distort” the patient’s view of reality to the point where they may suffer delusions or engage in strange behavior. These disorders, such as schizophrenia, often require special anti-psychotic medication and, in some cases, hospitalization.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) forces patients to think unwanted thoughts, often forcing them to perform obsessive tasks and rituals in a certain way. OCD is treated primarily through psychotherapy and relaxation, though medication and brain therapies can also help.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) causes patients to relive past traumas, such as those encountered during military combat or a near-death experience. PTSD often comes in “waves” triggered by sounds, places, or other stimuli that remind the patient of the trauma. This disorder is often treated with medication.

Most mental illness are readily treatable with the right combination of medical care, medication, and therapy. For more information on mental illness and how they are diagnosed and treated, explore the infographic below or call the Crystal Run Healthcare team of mental healthcare professionals.