Mental illnesses (or mental disorders) are disorders that affect a person’s mood, thinking, and behavior. Some common mental illnesses are characterized by obvious symptoms, while others are more difficult to diagnose.
What are the most common mental illnesses?
Mental disorders have become a topic of media, political, and social attention. Even the World Health Organization states that mental illness has increased in recent years.
If we look at the statistics, the most common mental illnesses fall into three categories:
- Anxiety disorders. The most common mental illness is anxiety. Although it’s a natural response of the body to stressful situations, it can become pathological when prolonged. We also distinguish between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder, among others.
- Eating disorders. Such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, or binge eating disorder.
- Mood disorders. This category includes depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.
- Developmental disorders. These usually have a neurological basis. Particularly notable are attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the autism spectrum, and language and learning difficulties such as dyslexia.
Indeed, mental illnesses are many and varied. Some have their origins in hereditary or neuronal factors, while others are linked to context or experiences.
Common mental illnesses and how they affect daily life
The most common mental illnesses have diverse origins and affect daily life in different ways. The most serious ones can make it impossible to develop a daily and social life.
Others, however, can be treated to relieve symptoms and even lead a completely normal life thanks to the follow-up of a specialist.
It’s important to keep in mind that common mental illnesses can behave differently in individuals who suffer from them. Autism, for example, presents very different degrees and facets. Sometimes its symptoms are evident from childhood, while other times autism is diagnosed in adulthood.
Next, we will explore the most common psychological disorders and their main characteristics.
The 10 most common mental disorders and their symptoms
These are the 10 most common mental disorders in Spain.
1. Depression: the most common mental illness
According to a 2021 Fundamed report, nearly 3 million people in Spain are diagnosed with depression. It is, therefore, the most common mental illness in our country.
Depression is characterized by a state of profound sadness for no apparent reason. Often, the person cannot identify the specific source of their discomfort, even though they feel that something is wrong with themselves or their surroundings.
These are the main symptoms of depression :
- Tendency to isolation.
- Feeling of hopelessness, guilt, or helplessness.
- Loss of interest in things that were previously enjoyed.
- Irritability or anger.
- Apathy or lack of energy.
2. Anxiety: one of the most common psychological pathologies
By definition, anxiety is the body’s response to prepare for situations of danger, stress, or alertness. In small doses, it is not harmful and is common.
However, for some people, anxiety can become chronic. This happens when the triggering stimulus disappears, but the characteristic nervousness persists.
Anxiety disorders are common mental illnesses with a variety of manifestations. Their main symptoms are :
- Rapid breathing.
- Feeling of agitation, nervousness, or tension.
- Increased heart rate.
- Weakness or tiredness.
- Sweating.
- Difficulty concentrating.
3. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder ( also known by its acronym, OCD) can be very limiting in daily life. Its main symptom is that the person experiences obsessive thoughts, behaviors, or feelings that translate into compulsive behaviors.
For example, a person might feel they can’t leave home without completely wiping down their countertops. This common mental illness would lead them to compulsively clean their countertops.
The most common obsessions are usually related to:
- Fear of contamination and germs.
- Fear of losing something.
- Need to place certain elements in perfect locations or arrange them in a very specific way.
- Forbidden thoughts related to religion or sex.
- Aggressive thoughts towards oneself or others.
The most common compulsions that are triggered are:
- Excessive cleanliness or hygiene.
- Repeatedly checking that something is properly placed. For example, the lights in your home are off.
- Compulsive counting.
4. Borderline personality disorders
Common mental health conditions include borderline personality disorder. People with these disorders tend to view life in extreme ways, change their tastes suddenly, or change the opinions they share with others from one day to the next.
Some of its symptoms include a rapid shift from euphoria to sadness. Sometimes, they experience sudden anger or self-harm.
Personality disorders do not tolerate loneliness. Some people are more likely to use addictive substances. They also often maintain toxic or chaotic relationships with others.
5. Sleep disorders: a common mental health condition
More and more people are experiencing difficulty sleeping. When this problem persists, it becomes one of the most common psychological syndromes today.
The frequent symptoms of this pathology are:
- Difficulty falling asleep.
- Wake up early.
- Poor performance during the day.
- Physical exhaustion.
- Night terrors.
- Narcolepsy.
- Somnambulism.
- Sleep apnea.
6. Schizophrenia
This mental illness is classified as a psychotic disorder. People who suffer from it often experience hallucinations or disturbing thoughts. It is a serious disorder for which there is no cure, although it can be treated with medication and professional follow-up.
7. Eating disorders
Also known as eating disorders, they are usually treated as mental problems, more common in young people, especially women. However, more and more people from diverse population groups suffer from them.
Some of these are anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and eating disorder not otherwise specified.
8. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Another of the most common mental health problems is post-traumatic stress disorder. It arises after experiencing a traumatic or terrifying situation, such as a traffic accident, a kidnapping, or sexual abuse, among others.
Its usual symptoms are:
- Intrusive thoughts.
- Flashbacks or reminiscences of the traumatic event.
- Hallucinations due to stress.
- Try to avoid places or activities related to the traumatic situation.
- Appear tense or defensive.
- Feelings of guilt.
9. Phobias
Understood as an extreme fear. When we talk about phobias, especially those related to snakes, spiders, or sharks, it doesn’t imply a common anguish given the danger these animals pose.
Phobias should be understood as the inability to tolerate that fear. The phobic stimulus can also be caused by a specific object or situation.
10. Dementia
Another common mental illness is dementia. It results from a progressive deterioration of intellectual functions such as language, memory, and recognition of people in the environment.
Alzheimer ‘s is the most common cause of this mental disorder. It is particularly common in older people.
Common mental illnesses in adolescents
Preadolescence and adolescence are periods of discovery. During this stage, fears, insecurities, and anxieties arise that can lead to mental illness. Some of these are particularly common in this age group:
- Anxiety and depression.
- Eating disorders.
- Social phobia.
- Learning disorders.
- Substance abuse.
- Hyperactivity.
- Conduct disorders.
Rare mental illnesses
And what about rare mental illnesses? Although they affect a small percentage of the population, we mustn’t neglect their risk factors or make them invisible.
These are the rarest mental illnesses in Spain:
- Bálint’s syndrome. People who suffer from it experience disturbances in image processing and movement coordination.
- Alien Hand Syndrome. Those who suffer from it experience one of their hands acting of its own volition.
- Cotard’s syndrome. This psychiatric illness, related to hypochondria, causes people to feel dead or live in a reality that doesn’t correspond to them. They believe themselves to be inert beings.
- Crystal delusion. This affects people who believe their bodies are extremely fragile and vulnerable. It is one of the rarest mental illnesses.
- Anton’s syndrome. People with this neurological condition claim to be able to see despite their blindness.
- Othello Syndrome. This syndrome causes unrealistic thoughts associated with their partners’ infidelity. People who suffer from it believe they are being cheated on and create irrational assumptions to justify it.
How to treat the most common psychological disorders
The most common psychological disorders require specific treatment tailored to both the illness and the individual. Medical follow-up is recommended.
Therapies
Therapies are not limited to those provided by professionals in psychology, psychiatry, or mental health. Family and couples therapies have also demonstrated positive effects on the recovery of many patients.
Medication and psychiatric treatment
Some conditions require psychiatric treatment accompanied by specific medication. Some cases where medication offers great results are in treatments for schizophrenia or depression.
The role of family support
All experts consider the family to be one of the most important elements in the treatment of mental illness. Family members can provide patients with the emotional and social support they need to improve their quality of life.
Prevention strategies for the most common mental health illnesses
Although many common mental illnesses are genetically based, others are closely linked to behavioral factors.
Healthy habits
Leading a healthy lifestyle drastically reduces the likelihood of suffering from a mental illness. Factors such as proper nutrition, getting a good night’s rest, and exercising are excellent prevention strategies.
We can’t neglect our social environments either. Maintaining quality social relationships can also prevent some psychological disorders.
How to detect early signs
If you have identified with the symptoms of any of the common mental illnesses we have mentioned in the article, it is advisable to consult a specialist.
Detecting the earliest signs of a disease is sometimes essential for finding the most effective treatment. We must observe them from childhood with our children, and engage in personal introspection as we grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common mental illness in the world?
The most common mental illness is anxiety disorder, which sometimes leads to depression. It affects nearly 7% of the world’s population.
What common mental health conditions affect teenagers the most?
Eating disorders, depression, conduct disorders, and anxiety are the most common mental illnesses among adolescents.
How can I tell if someone has a common mental illness?
Some symptoms associated with the disorder can give us clues, although the diagnosis of a mental illness should always be made by a specialist.
What treatments are available?
Treatments for mental health problems include professional therapy, medication, and family support.