9 Most Common Psychological Disorders

Undoubtedly, mental illness is quite common and yet people are reluctant to discuss it. It is mainly due to the lack of awareness and stigmas attached to it. Most people who are suffering from psychological issues don't even know that they have a problem. Because of such reasons, people suffering from psychological disorders and mental health issues battle alone. According to a psychologist in Dubai, the majority of patients are hesitant to come forward and seek help from others.

Here are some of the most common mental health issues and disorders that can become chronic if left untreated.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is the condition in which the patient has persistent and excessive worry regarding different things. People suffering from GAD may expect disasters or can be overly possessive about money, health, family, work or anything else. As per a study, women are more prone to GAD than men. It usually occurs in patients who have a family history of stress and anxiety.

Bi-Polar Disorder (BPD):

More than 60 million people across the world suffer from BPD. Bipolar disorder causes unusual mood swings and energy shifts in patients. The patients may feel hyperactive, overexcited and during a manic episode, they may feel all-powerful and invincible.

Therapy is essential for patients suffering from BPD. Starting at an early age can help them and their therapists come to grasp the severity of their problem.

Eating Disorder:

Eating disorder is a mental illness that causes irregular eating habits. The patients suffering from ED show irregular eating patterns and are highly concerned about their body shape and physique. ED is very common with about 13% of women over the age of 50 showing signs of it. ED is a severe issue that needs to be treated because every hour one person dies because of it.

Psychotic Disorder:

Psychotic disorders are another common mental illness. These disorders cause abnormal thinking and perceptions in patients. People suffering from these disorders lose connection with reality. Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorders etc. are common types of psychotic disorders.

These are more serious and even permanent in nature. Help is essential for all patients from an early stage.

Panic Disorder (PD):

PD is a mental disorder in which the patient experiences panic episodes out of the blue. These attacks are sudden and cause intense episodes of fear that lead to palpitations, sweating, numbness, shaking etc.

As per a report, 2.7% of the total population in any state suffers from PD. Moreover, women are more affected by PD than men.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD):

Social Anxiety Disorder or Social Phobia is a serious mental health condition. It isn't just shyness that most people think of, rather it's a complex mental disorder that makes it difficult for the patient to socialize. The people suffering from SD experience a persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. This disorder is common in both males and females alike.

Specific Phobias:

Specific phobias are extraordinary and overwhelming fears of objects or situations that aren't dangerous. The fear is different from person to person, some people may fear pets, some have height phobia, others can have a fear of seeing blood.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):

OCD is a result of an anxiety disorder that a patient may have experienced earlier in their lives. This disorder causes repetitions of unwanted thoughts and sensations that urge patients to do things over and over again. A patient of OCD can be found rearranging and organizing desks, tables and their whole house furniture repeatedly.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD):

PTSD is also a result of a past anxiety disorder. It is usually triggered by a terrifying event and can cause flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxieties in the patient. People suffering from PTSD have intense and disturbing thoughts that are related to their traumatic experiences. They can experience fear, sadness or anger. Childhood abuse, exposure to severe harassment or war-like scenarios are major causes of PTSD.

Other than these psychological disorders, autism is becoming a concern for Emirati parents as the number of cases in UAE is rising. Therefore, it is essential for parents to immediately visit any center for autism treatment Dubai has to offer in order to start the treatment in time.