Psychological disorders, also referred to as mental illnesses, are conditions that affect a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, or behavior. These conditions can be short-term or chronic and may affect someone's ability to relate to others and function each day. While society has made significant progress in reducing stigma, many misconceptions still surround mental health disorders. Understanding the full spectrum of psychological illnesses is essential for education, empathy, and effective intervention.
The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) by the World Health Organization (WHO) offer standardized criteria for diagnosing mental disorders. These classifications serve as global references for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers.
This article outlines the major categories of psychological disorders, explains their characteristics, and provides real-world relevance to foster a clearer understanding of mental health.
1. Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, characterized by excessive fear or worry that interferes with daily life.
Common Types:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Panic Disorder
- Phobias
- Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
- Separation Anxiety Disorder
Symptoms:
- Restlessness
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbances
- Avoidance behavior
- Sweating and heart palpitations
2. Mood Disorders (Affective Disorders)
Mood disorders involve persistent disturbances in emotion that affect functioning and quality of life.
Common Types:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Bipolar Disorder (BD)
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
- Cyclothymic Disorder
Symptoms:
- Low energy
- Suicidal thoughts
- Changes in appetite
- Irritability or euphoria (in bipolar)
- Sleep disturbances
3. Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
These disorders involve unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce distress.
Examples:
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
- Hoarding Disorder
- Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder)
- Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder
Symptoms:
- Ritualistic behavior
- Intrusive thoughts
- Anxiety relief through repetition
- Impaired functioning
4. Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders
These disorders are triggered by traumatic or highly stressful events.
Common Types:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Acute Stress Disorder
- Adjustment Disorders
Symptoms:
- Emotional numbness
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
- Avoidance of reminders of trauma
- Distorted beliefs
5. Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic disorders involve distorted thinking and awareness, including delusions and hallucinations.
Major Disorders:
- Schizophrenia
- Schizoaffective Disorder
- Delusional Disorder
- Brief Psychotic Disorder
Symptoms:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Disorganized speech and behavior
- Social withdrawal
6. Neurodevelopmental Disorders
These conditions begin in childhood and affect brain development, learning, and behavior.
Includes:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Intellectual Disabilities
- Learning Disorders
- Tic Disorders
Symptoms:
- Delayed milestones
- Social challenges
- Academic difficulties
- Inattention or hyperactivity
7. Personality Disorders
Personality disorders involve enduring patterns of behavior and inner experiences that deviate from cultural expectations.
Clusters:
- Cluster A: Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal
- Cluster B: Borderline, Narcissistic, Antisocial, Histrionic
- Cluster C: Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive
Symptoms:
- Emotional instability
- Manipulative behaviors
- Difficulty maintaining relationships
- Distorted self-image
8. Eating Disorders
These involve disturbances in eating behavior and related thoughts and emotions.
Common Types:
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Binge-Eating Disorder
Symptoms:
- Severe calorie restriction or overeating
- Guilt and shame
- Medical complications
- Obsessive thoughts about weight
9. Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders
These disorders manifest as physical symptoms that have no medical explanation but cause significant distress.
Includes:
- Somatic Symptom Disorder
- Illness Anxiety Disorder
- Conversion Disorder
- Factitious Disorder
10. Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
These disorders are related to the use and abuse of substances or behaviors that activate the brain’s reward system.
Includes:
- Alcohol Use Disorder
- Opioid Use Disorder
- Stimulant Use Disorder
- Cannabis Use Disorder
- Gambling Disorder
Symptoms:
- Cravings
- Tolerance and withdrawal
- Social or occupational decline
- Continued use despite harm
11. Dissociative Disorders
These involve a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory.
Types:
- Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
- Dissociative Amnesia
- Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder
12. Sleep-Wake Disorders
These disorders impact the quality, timing, and amount of sleep, leading to daytime distress or impairment.
Includes:
- Insomnia Disorder
- Narcolepsy
- Sleep Apnea
- Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorders
- Parasomnias
13. Gender Dysphoria
This condition refers to a significant incongruence between a person’s experienced gender and the one assigned at birth, accompanied by distress or dysfunction.
14. Paraphilic Disorders
These involve abnormal sexual interests that cause distress or involve harm to others.
Examples:
- Exhibitionistic Disorder
- Fetishistic Disorder
- Pedophilic Disorder
- Voyeuristic Disorder
- Sexual Masochism or Sadism Disorder
Conclusion
Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being. The diversity of psychological disorders reflects the complexity of the human brain and behavior. While these conditions differ in symptoms and severity, they all deserve serious attention, compassionate care, and professional treatment. Advances in neuroscience, therapy, and psychopharmacology offer hope and healing for millions affected worldwide.
Raising awareness and promoting early diagnosis are crucial. Whether you're experiencing symptoms yourself or supporting someone who is, understanding these disorders is the first step toward better mental health.
References：
1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
2. World Health Organization. (2019). International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11). https://icd.who.int/en
3. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Mental Health Information. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health
4. Mayo Clinic. Mental Health Disorders A-Z. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions
5. Harvard Medical School. Understanding Mental Illness. https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/mental-health
