While mental health conditions are diverse and often overlap, experts commonly group them into seven broad categories based on symptoms, causes, and treatment approaches. This classification helps clinicians diagnose and treat effectively.
1. Anxiety Disorders
These involve excessive fear or worry. Examples include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, phobias, and social anxiety. People may experience racing thoughts, restlessness, or physical symptoms like a fast heartbeat.
2. Mood Disorders
Also called affective disorders, these affect emotional states. Major depression, bipolar disorder, and persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) fall here. Symptoms include prolonged sadness, mood swings, or loss of interest in life.
3. Psychotic Disorders
These involve distorted thinking and a loss of contact with reality. Schizophrenia is the most well-known, but also includes schizoaffective disorder and brief psychotic disorder. Hallucinations and delusions are common signs.
4. Personality Disorders
These involve enduring patterns of thinking and behaving that differ greatly from cultural norms. Examples: borderline, antisocial, and narcissistic personality disorders. They often cause relationship and functioning problems.
5. Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders
These arise after exposure to a traumatic or stressful event. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder are key examples. Symptoms include flashbacks, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness.
6. Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
Characterized by unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Includes OCD, hoarding disorder, and body dysmorphic disorder. These behaviors are often attempts to reduce anxiety.
7. Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
These involve problematic use of alcohol, drugs, or medications—leading to health, social, or work problems. Gambling disorder is also included here as a behavioral addiction.
Other important categories—like eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia) and neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, autism)—are sometimes listed separately but may overlap with these groups.
The 7 main types of mental disorders are: anxiety, mood, psychotic, personality, trauma-related, obsessive-compulsive, and substance-related disorders. Accurate diagnosis within these types guides effective, compassionate care—and recovery is possible for all.