Mental disorders

Key Facts
 1 in every 8 people in the world live with a mental disorder
 Mental disorders involve significant disturbances in thinking, emotional regulation, or
behavior
 There are many different types of mental disorders
 Effective prevention and treatment options exist
 Most people do not have access to effective care

Anxiety Disorders
In 2019, 301 million people were living with an anxiety disorder including 58 million children
and adolescents. Academic stress and its impact on mental health is a well-researched
topic. Research shows that academic stress leads to less well-being and an increased likelihood of
developing anxiety or depression. Additionally, students who have academic stress tend to do
poorly in school.

Anxiety disorders are distinguished by excessive fear and worry, as well as associated
behavioural problems. The symptoms are severe enough to cause significant distress or difficulty
in performing. There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety
disorder (excessive worry), panic disorder (panic attacks), social anxiety disorder (excessive
fear and worry in social situations), separation anxiety disorder (excessive fear or anxiety about
separation from those individuals with whom the person has a deep emotional bond), and others.
There is effective psychological treatment available, and medication may be taken depending on
age and condition.

Bipolar Disorder
In 2019, 40 million people were diagnosed with bipolar illness.
Bipolar patients have depressive episodes that overlap with times of manic symptoms. During a
depressive episode, they have a depressed mood or a loss of pleasure or interest in activities for
almost every day. Euphoria or irritability, increased energy, and other symptoms such as
increased talkativeness, racing thoughts, elevated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep,
distractibility, and impulsive reckless behaviour are all examples of manic symptoms. Suicide
is more likely among people who have bipolar disorder. However, effective treatment options
exist, including psychoeducation, stress reduction and social functioning enhancement, and
medication.
Post Dramatic Stress Disorder (PDSD)
The prevalence of PTSD and other mental disorders is high in conflict-affected settings.
PTSD can occur as a result of seeing an extraordinarily scary or traumatic event or set of
events. It is distinguished by the following characteristics. Reliving the traumatic incident or
events in the present (intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares.) Avoidance of thoughts and
memories of the event(s), or avoidance of activities, situations, or people associated with the
event(s). These symptoms last at least several weeks and significantly hinder functioning. There
is effective psychological treatment available .

Eating Disorders
In 2019, 14 million people experienced eating disorders including almost 3 million children
and adolescents.
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are characterised by abnormal
eating and food obsession, as well as severe body weight and shape concerns. The symptoms
or behaviours cause severe health risk or damage, significant distress, or significant impairment
in functioning. Anorexia nervosa typically begins in youth or early adulthood and is related
with premature death from medical issues or suicide. Individuals suffering from bulimia
nervosa are at a far higher risk of substance abuse, suicidality, and health issues. There are
effective therapeutic methods available, such as family-based treatment and cognitive-based
therapy.

Depression
In 2019, 280 million people were living with depression, including 23 million children and
adolescents.
Depression is distinct from normal mood swings and short-term emotional responses to ordinary
stress. During a depressive episode, the person feels unhappy, irritated, or empty for most of the
day, practically every day, for at least two weeks. Other symptoms may include impaired attention,
feelings of overwhelming guilt or low self-worth, hopelessness about the future, thoughts of dying
or suicide, disrupted sleep, changes in food or weight, and feeling particularly weary or low in
energy. Suicide is more likely in people who suffer from depression. However, efficient
psychological treatment is available, and medication may be taken depending on age and severity.

Who is in danger of developing a mental illness?

Although most people are resilient, those who are exposed to tragedy, such as poverty, violence,
disability, or discrimination, are at a higher risk. Individual psychological and biological
characteristics, such as emotional skills, as well as genetics, are both protective and risk
factors.