Ten common mental illnesses include:
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Anxiety Disorders: These disorders involve excessive fear and worry, impacting daily life. Examples include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias. [Source: WHO, MedlinePlus]
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Depression: Characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and changes in sleep and appetite. [Source: WHO, Better Health Channel]
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Bipolar Disorder: This involves extreme mood swings between manic highs and depressive lows. [Source: WHO, Better Health Channel, Healthdirect]
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, causing flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors. [Source: WHO, MedlinePlus]
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Schizophrenia: A severe mental illness affecting thought processes, emotions, and behavior. Symptoms include hallucinations and delusions. [Source: WHO]
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Eating Disorders: Characterized by disturbed eating habits and body image issues. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are examples. [Source: WHO]
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Involves recurring unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) to reduce anxiety. [Source: MedlinePlus]
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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Primarily affects children and involves inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. [Source: Implied from general knowledge and frequent mention in sources on child mental health].
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Personality Disorders: Long-standing patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior that differ significantly from cultural norms and cause distress or impairment. Examples include borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder. [Source: Healthdirect]
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A neurodevelopmental disorder impacting social interaction, communication, and behavior. [Source: Implied from WHO reference on neurodevelopmental disorders].
This list represents a small fraction of the many mental illnesses recognized. It's crucial to remember that mental health is complex, and these are simplified descriptions. For accurate diagnosis and treatment, consult a qualified mental health professional.
