Anxiety disorders encompass six main types: Panic Disorder, Phobias, Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. These conditions are characterized by excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily activities. Symptoms include persistent worry, irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. Panic Disorder specifically involves sudden intense fear (panic attacks) with physical symptoms such as palpitations and shortness of breath. While mild anxiety can be managed with exercise and relaxation techniques, severe anxiety disorders require medical treatment or psychotherapy. Medications include various anti-anxiety drugs, and the most common psychotherapy is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps patients understand and change negative thought and behavior patterns.

Bipolar Disorder, also known as Manic Depression, is characterized by extreme mood swings between depressive episodes and manic episodes. Depressive symptoms include persistent sadness, fatigue, hopelessness, loss of interest, and suicidal thoughts. Manic symptoms include increased energy, irritability, decreased need for sleep, rapid speech, grandiosity, and impulsive behavior. Treatments include medications such as mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium), antipsychotics, and antidepressants, as well as psychotherapies like CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and family therapy. Regular psychological support and self-management strategies are also important.

OCD is characterized by persistent obsessions and compulsions. Patients often have excessive concerns about contamination, dirt, or illness or doubt about performing certain behaviors. Compulsive behaviors include repetitive cleaning, checking, organizing, and hoarding. These behaviors are considered excessive, unreasonable, time-consuming, distressing, and disruptive to daily life. Treatments include medications (e.g., SSRIs, clomipramine) and psychotherapies such as Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy and CBT.

Phobias involve extreme or irrational fear of specific situations, objects, or activities. Common phobias include fear of heights, dogs, water, blood, driving, and flying. Treatments include systematic desensitization, exposure therapy, and CBT.

ADHD is a behavioral syndrome characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Symptoms include inability to complete tasks, difficulty concentrating, distractibility, blurting out answers, impatience, restlessness, difficulty organizing tasks, excessive talking, running around, and climbing. ADHD symptoms typically appear before age seven and can impair social, academic, and occupational functioning. Treatments include medication, such as central nervous system stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate and amphetamines) and non-stimulants (e.g., atomoxetine), as well as behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and social skills training.

Depression is an emotional disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. Symptoms include low mood, loss of interest, changes in appetite, sleep problems, restlessness, lack of energy, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of suicide. Depression can be triggered by biological, psychological, and environmental factors. If it impacts daily life, seeking professional help is essential. Treatments include medications (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs) and psychotherapies (e.g., CBT, psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy). Other treatments include Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS).

Panic Disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks, accompanied by concerns about future attacks, worry about the consequences of attacks, and behavioral changes related to the attacks. Symptoms include palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, chest pain, and fear of losing control. Treatments include medications (e.g., SSRIs, benzodiazepines) and CBT, especially exposure therapy.

PTSD is an anxiety disorder that occurs after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, serious accident, violent crime, or combat. Symptoms include recurrent intrusive memories of the trauma, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, heightened arousal (e.g., being easily startled, difficulty sleeping). These symptoms may persist for months or longer. Treatments include exposure therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and CBT. Medications include SSRIs and SNRIs.

ASD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, interests, and behavior. Symptoms include difficulty with social interactions, communication challenges, repetitive behaviors, and limited interests. ASD is not a mental or psychological illness but a lifelong developmental disorder. Patients perceive the world differently, and the severity varies greatly among individuals; some may have learning difficulties, while others have exceptional talents. Treatments include behavioral therapies (e.g., Applied Behavior Analysis, ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills training. Early intervention and individualized education plans (IEPs) are crucial.

Major Depressive Disorder is an emotional disorder characterized by severe depressive episodes. Symptoms include loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities, persistent sadness, pessimism, significant negative emotions, changes in appetite and weight, sleep problems, lack of energy, feelings of worthlessness, inappropriate guilt, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts. Treatments include SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and psychotherapies such as CBT and psychodynamic therapy.

Personality Disorders are characterized by rigid and unhealthy thinking, functioning, and behavior patterns that interfere with daily life. Specific types are classified into three clusters:

• Cluster A: Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal

• Cluster B: Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic

• Cluster C: Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive 

Treatments include psychotherapies such as CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic therapy. Medication can also help alleviate symptoms in certain cases.

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by a disconnect from reality, hallucinations (typically auditory), delusions, disorganized thinking and behavior, reduced emotional expression, lack of motivation, and impaired daily functioning. The cause is unknown, and symptoms vary widely. Treatments include antipsychotic medications, CBT, family therapy, and social skills training. Ongoing psychological support and social services are also crucial.