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What are the top 5 mental health problems?

Mental health issues, which are also referred to as illnesses, have an impact on a person's thoughts, moods, and behaviors.

By Januka RathnayakaPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
What are the top 5 mental health problems?
Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash

Although there is no conclusive evidence linking genetics to the probability of developing a mental health illness, lifestyle variables like food and activity level might affect the emergence of diseases like depression and anxiety.

Disorders of the mind can be sporadic or ongoing. They also have an impact on a person's capacity to interact with people and carry out daily tasks. There are ways to enhance general mental health, but some diseases are more severe and may call for expert help.

The five most prevalent mental health issues in America, along with the associated symptoms, are listed below:

Mood Disorders

About 40 million persons in America who are 18 years of age and older are affected by the most prevalent category of mental health illnesses. People who suffer from anxiety disorders frequently and distressingly feel afraid and uneasy. While many people might feel these things, for example, at a job interview or a public speaking event (as that might be a normal reaction to stress), persons who have anxiety disorders frequently feel these things and in situations that are generally not stressful. Additionally, anxiety attacks might linger for up to six months or longer. The word "anxiety" really refers to a wide range of distinct conditions, including:

  • Disorder of generalized anxiety (GAD)
  • Disorder of compulsive behavior (OCD)
  • panic attack
  • trauma-related stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Disordered social anxiety

Mood Issues

An estimated 1 in 10 persons experience a mood condition of some kind. While mood fluctuations are common, persons with mood disorders suffer more severe and persistent symptoms that might interfere with their everyday life. Depending on the exact condition, a person may always feel down, worried, or "empty," as well as have poor self-esteem, excessive guilt, a lack of energy, and thoughts of hopelessness. Treatment options for mood disorders include therapy, medications, and self-care. The most widespread mood disorders include:

  • a severe depression
  • Dysthymia
  • Bipolar illness
  • addiction-related mood disorder

Psychotic Conditions

People with psychotic illnesses may not be able to distinguish between what is genuine and what is not. These mental illnesses alter a person's perception of reality. The development of psychotic diseases may be influenced by a variety of factors, including infections, issues with certain brain circuits, acute stress or trauma, and some drug usage, according to scientists. The most prevalent psychotic conditions include:

  • Schizophrenia
  • Psychopathic disorder
  • for a brief period of time
  • Delusional illness
  • addiction-related psychotic disorder

Dementia

Dementia, despite incorrectly believed to be a single sickness, is really a word that refers to a variety of distinct mental ailments. Dementia-related illnesses can cause cognitive decline, which is sometimes so severe that it interferes with everyday living and independent function. Alzheimer's disease is responsible for 60 to 80 percent of instances of dementia, despite the fact that this group comprises a wide range of illnesses. It gradually robs one of their capacity to perform even the most basic duties by destroying their memory and reasoning abilities. Other varieties of dementia include:

  • Parkinson's condition
  • dementia frontotemporal
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Syndrome Wernicke-Korsakoff

disorders of eating

There is more to eating disorders than just a person's connection with food. They are complicated mental illnesses that frequently need professional medical and psychological assistance. Unhealthy eating patterns, such as a fixation with food, body weight, or body form, are brought on by these disorders. When eating disorders are severe, they can have detrimental effects on health and, if addressed, can even be fatal. Severe dietary restriction, eating binges, or purging behaviors like vomiting or excessive exercise are common symptoms. The most typical forms of eating disorders consist of:

  • Nervous anorexia
  • Anorexia nervosa
  • Anorexia nervosa
  • eating disorder pca
  • Rationing disorder

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mental health

About the Creator

Januka Rathnayaka

Exercising regularly, every day if possible, is the single most important thing you can do for your health.

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