Mental Disorders

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders involve intense fear, worry, or avoidance that feels out of proportion to the situation or object causing it. These feelings can become overwhelming and interfere with daily life. While panic attacks commonly occur with anxiety disorders, they can also appear in other conditions.

Agoraphobia – Fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult, often leading to avoidance of crowded places or leaving home.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – Persistent, excessive worry about everyday life events or responsibilities.
Panic Disorder – Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and worry about having more attacks.
Separation Anxiety Disorder – Intense fear or anxiety about being apart from loved ones.
Specific Phobias – Strong fear of a specific object or situation, such as heights, animals, or flying.
Postpartum Anxiety – Anxiety that occurs after childbirth, often involving excessive worry about the baby or personal health.
Social Anxiety Disorder – Intense fear or avoidance of social situations due to worries about being judged or embarrassed.

Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are mental health conditions that affect how you feel day-to-day. These conditions can influence your emotions, energy levels, and ability to function.

Depressive Disorders – Characterized by ongoing sadness, emptiness, or irritability, often with changes in sleep, appetite, energy, or thinking.

Major Depressive Disorder – Severe, persistent depression affecting daily life.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) – Long-lasting, less severe depressive symptoms.
Peripartum Depression – Depression during pregnancy.
Postpartum Depression – Depression after childbirth.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) – Severe mood changes before menstruation.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Depression that occurs during certain seasons, often winter.
Situational Depression – Depression triggered by specific life events or stressors.

Bipolar Disorders – Involve shifts between high-energy, elevated moods and low, depressive states.

Bipolar Disorder – Alternating periods of mania/hypomania and depression.
Major Depressive Episode – Period of significant depression.
Hypomanic Episode – Period of elevated or irritable mood that is less severe than full mania.
Manic Episode – Period of very high energy, mood, or activity levels that may impair functioning.
Mixed Features – Symptoms of mania and depression occurring together.
Cyclothymic Disorder – Milder, chronic mood swings that don’t meet full criteria for bipolar disorder.
Additional Specifiers for Bipolar Disorders – Extra details clinicians use to describe specific patterns or features.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders begin in early childhood, often before a child starts school. They involve developmental differences that can affect learning, behavior, communication, and daily functioning in personal, social, or school life.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – Difficulty with attention, focus, impulse control, or hyperactivity that can affect school, work, and relationships.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – Challenges with social communication, behavior, and sensory experiences, varying widely in severity.
Asperger’s Syndrome – A form of autism characterized by social difficulties and focused interests, often with average or above-average intelligence.
Rett Syndrome – A rare genetic disorder affecting brain development, leading to loss of motor and communication skills.
Expressive Language Disorder – Difficulty expressing thoughts or ideas clearly through speech or writing.
Intellectual Disability – Limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive skills, affecting daily life and learning.
Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder – Challenges with social use of language, such as understanding context, taking turns, or changing communication for different situations.
Specific Learning Disorder – Difficulties learning or using academic skills, such as reading, writing, or math, that are below expected age levels.
Stereotypic Movement Disorder – Repetitive, non-functional movements, such as hand waving or rocking, that interfere with daily life.
Transient Tic Disorder – Short-term, involuntary movements or sounds (tics) that typically resolve within a year.

Trauma & Stressor-Related Disorders

Trauma and stressor-related disorders occur after experiencing significant stress or traumatic events. They can affect emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and relationships, sometimes overlapping with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, or dissociative disorders.

Acute Stress Disorder – Short-term reactions to a traumatic event, including anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or flashbacks, usually lasting up to a month.
Adjustment Disorder – Emotional or behavioral responses to a stressful life change, such as moving, job loss, or relationship issues, that are stronger than expected.
Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder – A condition often seen in children who have experienced neglect, leading to overly familiar behavior with strangers.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Long-lasting reactions to trauma, including flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, and heightened anxiety.
Reactive Attachment Disorder – A condition in children caused by early neglect or insufficient caregiving, resulting in difficulty forming healthy attachments.

Schizophrenia & Related Disorders

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders involve disruptions in how a person thinks, perceives reality, and behaves. These conditions may include one or more of the following: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking or speech, unusual movements (including catatonia), and “negative symptoms” such as reduced motivation, limited emotional expression, or decreased pleasure in activities. Symptoms can vary widely from person to person but often create challenges in daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being.

Brief Psychotic Disorder – Sudden, short-term psychotic episodes that resolve within a month.
Catatonia – Unusual movement or behavior, including rigidity or lack of response to the environment.
Delusional Disorder – Persistent false beliefs despite evidence to the contrary.
Postpartum Psychosis – Severe mental health condition that occurs shortly after childbirth, including confusion, hallucinations, or delusions.
Psychotic Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) – Psychotic symptoms that don’t fit other categories but affect functioning.
Schizophrenia – Chronic disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and negative symptoms.
Schizoaffective Disorder – Symptoms of schizophrenia along with mood disorder symptoms.
Schizophreniform Disorder – Short-term version of schizophrenia lasting less than six months.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder – Patterns of social discomfort, unusual thoughts, and eccentric behavior.

Alcohol & Substance Use Disorders

These disorders involve changes in brain chemistry that lead to dependence on alcohol or other substances, causing cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and problems in daily life.

Alcohol Use Disorder – Difficulty controlling drinking despite negative effects on health or life.
Opioid Use Disorder – Dependence on prescription or illegal opioids, often with cravings and withdrawal.
Substance Use Disorder – Dependence on or misuse of other substances, such as stimulants, sedatives, or cannabis, affecting health or functioning.

Anxiety Disorders

Mood Disorders

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Trauma & Stressor-Related Disorders

Schizophrenia & Related Disorders

Alcohol & Substance Use Disorders

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
& Related Disorders

These disorders involve intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions), which can interfere with daily life. Some conditions are considered related but distinct from OCD.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder – Obsessive focus on perceived flaws in appearance.
Hoarding Disorder – Difficulty discarding possessions, leading to clutter and impaired living spaces.
Dermatillomania (Skin-Picking Disorder) – Repetitive picking of the skin causing tissue damage.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety.
Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder) – Recurrent pulling out of one’s hair, leading to noticeable hair loss.

Feeding & Eating Disorders

Feeding and eating disorders involve disruptions in eating patterns that can affect how much you eat or how your body processes food. These patterns can have a serious impact on physical health, as well as personal, social, work, or school life.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) – Limited food intake due to lack of interest, sensory issues, or fear of negative consequences, leading to nutritional deficiencies.
Anorexia Nervosa – Restricting food intake and fear of gaining weight, often resulting in significant weight loss and health complications.
Binge Eating Disorder – Recurring episodes of eating large amounts of food with a feeling of loss of control, often accompanied by guilt or shame.
Bulimia Nervosa – Cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or fasting.
Pica – Eating non-food substances, such as dirt, clay, or paper, over a period of time.
Rumination Disorder – Repeatedly regurgitating food, which may be re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out, without a medical cause.

Sexual Dysfunctions
& Paraphilic Disorders

Sexual dysfunctions involve significant difficulties with sexual arousal, desire, or pleasure. Some individuals may experience more than one of these conditions at the same time.

Common Sexual Dysfunctions

Erectile Disorder (ED) – Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual activity.
Female Sexual Arousal Disorder – Difficulty becoming sexually aroused or maintaining arousal.
Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder – Pain, discomfort, or anxiety associated with vaginal penetration.
Dyspareunia – Pain during sexual activity.
Vaginismus – Involuntary tightening of vaginal muscles that makes penetration difficult or impossible.
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder – Low or absent sexual desire.
Orgasmic Disorders – Difficulty reaching orgasm despite sexual stimulation.

Paraphilic Disorders

Exhibitionistic Disorder – Sexual arousal from exposing one’s genitals to an unsuspecting person.
Fetishistic Disorder – Sexual focus on non-living objects or specific body parts.
Frotteuristic Disorder – Sexual arousal from touching or rubbing against a non-consenting person.
Pedophilic Disorder – Sexual attraction to prepubescent children.
Sexual Masochism & Sadism – Sexual arousal from being humiliated or causing humiliation/pain to others.
Transvestic Disorder – Sexual arousal from cross-dressing.
Voyeuristic Disorder – Sexual arousal from observing others who are naked or engaged in sexual activity.

Other Sexual Conditions

Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD) – Uncontrollable, persistent genital arousal unrelated to sexual desire.
Premature (Early) Ejaculation – Ejaculation that happens sooner than desired during sexual activity.

Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative disorders involve disruptions in normal awareness, memory, identity, or perception. These disorders often develop as a response to trauma or extreme stress.

Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder – Feeling disconnected from your body, thoughts, or surroundings, like watching yourself from outside or feeling the world isn’t real.
Dissociative Amnesia – Difficulty remembering important personal information, usually related to trauma or stress.
Dissociative Fugue – A rare condition where someone suddenly travels or wanders and cannot recall their past.
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) – Presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states that control behavior at different times.
Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (DDNOS) – Dissociative symptoms that don’t fit into the other categories but still significantly affect functioning.

Personality Disorders

Personality disorders involve long-term patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that differ from cultural expectations. These patterns often cause challenges in relationships, work, or other areas of life.

Antisocial Personality Disorder – Disregard for the rights of others, impulsive behavior, and difficulty following rules or social norms.
Avoidant Personality Disorder – Extreme shyness, fear of criticism, and avoidance of social situations despite wanting connection.
Borderline Personality Disorder – Intense emotions, unstable relationships, and fear of abandonment.
Dependent Personality Disorder – Excessive reliance on others for decision-making and a strong fear of being alone.
Histrionic Personality Disorder – Pattern of seeking attention, emotional overexpression, and dramatic behavior.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder – Inflated sense of self-importance, need for admiration, and lack of empathy for others.
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder – Preoccupation with order, perfectionism, and control, which can interfere with flexibility and efficiency.
Paranoid Personality Disorder – Distrust and suspicion of others’ motives, often leading to difficulty forming close relationships.
Schizoid Personality Disorder – Preference for solitude, limited emotional expression, and detachment from social relationships.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder – Unusual thoughts, perceptions, and behaviors, along with social discomfort and eccentricity.

Sleep-Wake Disorders

Sleep disorders affect the quality, timing, or amount of sleep you get. They often cause distress or difficulties during the day, interfering with daily functioning, mood, and overall health.

Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorder – Difficulty sleeping at the times your body expects, causing misalignment between your internal clock and daily schedule.
Hypersomnolence – Excessive sleepiness during the day, even after a full night’s rest.
Insomnia – Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restful sleep.
Nightmare Disorder – Frequent, disturbing dreams that cause fear or anxiety.
Narcolepsy – Sudden, uncontrollable episodes of sleep during the day, often accompanied by cataplexy (muscle weakness).
Restless Legs Syndrome – Uncomfortable sensations in the legs that create an irresistible urge to move, especially at night.
Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) Sleep Arousal Disorders – Partial awakenings during NREM sleep, including confusion or unusual behaviors.
Sleep Terror Disorder – Episodes of intense fear or screaming during sleep, often without fully waking.
Sleepwalking Disorder – Walking or performing complex behaviors while still asleep.
Sleep Paralysis – Temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up, sometimes accompanied by hallucinations.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorde & Related Disorders

Feeding & Eating Disorders

Sexual Dysfunctions & Paraphilic Disorders

Dissociative Disorders

Personality Disorders

Sleep-Wake Disorders

Childhood Mental Health Disorders

Childhood mental health disorders, sometimes called developmental or learning disorders, usually appear and are diagnosed during school-age years. While some symptoms may continue into adulthood, they generally must have started in childhood to receive a diagnosis. These disorders can affect behavior, learning, emotions, and social interactions.

Conduct Disorder – Persistent patterns of behavior that violate rules, the rights of others, or societal norms.
Disorder of Written Expression – Difficulty expressing ideas in writing that is below expected age or grade level.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder – Severe temper outbursts and chronic irritability in children.
Encopresis – Repeated, involuntary defecation in inappropriate places, often in children who are toilet-trained.
Enuresis – Repeated urination into bed or clothing, typically in children who are expected to have bladder control.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) – Frequent anger, irritability, arguing, or defiance toward authority figures.
Reading Disorder – Difficulty with reading accuracy, fluency, or comprehension beyond what is expected for age.
Selective Mutism – Inability to speak in certain social situations despite speaking normally in others.
Tourette Syndrome – Repetitive, involuntary movements or vocalizations called tics.

Other Mental Health Disorders
& Symptoms

In addition to the major categories of mental health disorders, there are a variety of other conditions and symptoms that can affect emotional well-being, behavior, and daily functioning.

Bereavement – Intense grief and emotional distress following the loss of a loved one.
Conversion Disorder – Neurological symptoms (such as paralysis, numbness, or seizures) that are not explained by medical conditions, often triggered by psychological stress.
Diabulimia – A pattern of manipulating insulin doses in people with diabetes to control weight.
Gaming Disorder – Persistent and excessive gaming that interferes with daily life, work, or relationships.
Gender Dysphoria – Distress or discomfort resulting from a mismatch between a person’s gender identity and their assigned sex at birth.
Illness Anxiety Disorder (formerly Hypochondriasis) – Excessive worry about having a serious illness despite minimal or no medical evidence.
Intermittent Explosive Disorder – Repeated, sudden episodes of impulsive, aggressive, or violent behavior.
Kleptomania – Impulsive urge to steal items not needed for personal use or monetary value.
Psychotic Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) – Psychotic symptoms that do not fully fit other psychotic disorder categories but affect functioning.
Pyromania – Compulsive urge to set fires.
Sex Addiction – Persistent, compulsive sexual behavior that causes distress or interferes with daily life.
Shared Psychotic Disorder (Folie à Deux) – Psychotic beliefs or delusions shared between two or more people in close association.
Somatic Symptom Disorder – Physical symptoms causing significant distress or disruption, often without a clear medical cause.
Stuttering – Disruptions in the flow of speech, such as repetitions or prolongations of sounds or syllables, affecting communication.

Neurocognitive Disorders

Neurocognitive disorders involve a decline in thinking skills, memory, and other cognitive abilities that were previously acquired. These changes are not present from birth but develop later in life, often affecting daily functioning, independence, and quality of life.

Alzheimer’s Disease – A progressive condition causing memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with daily activities.
Major Neurocognitive Disorder – Significant cognitive decline that interferes with independence and everyday functioning.
Mild Neurocognitive Disorder – A less severe decline in thinking skills that may not fully disrupt daily life but can affect complex tasks.
Parkinson’s Disease – A neurological disorder primarily affecting movement, which can also cause cognitive changes over time.

Childhood Mental Health Disorders

Other Mental Health Disordes & Symptoms

Neurocognitive Disorders