Introduction
Common mental disorders (CMDs), including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, affect millions worldwide. Unlike severe psychiatric conditions, CMDs often involve subjective distress while preserving personality and reality contact. This guide covers types of CMDs, their symptoms, causes, and evidence-based treatments to help patients, caregivers, and mental health professionals.
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Whether you're seeking self-help strategies or professional insights, this resource provides actionable information.
What Are Common Mental Disorders (CMDs)?
Definition & Classification
CMDs are characterized by emotional distress and functional impairment but do not involve psychosis. The ICD-10 classifies them under:
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Anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety, panic disorder)
Depressive disorders (e.g., major depression, dysthymia)
Somatoform disorders (physical symptoms without medical cause)
Dissociative disorders (e.g., amnesia, identity disruption)
Adjustment disorders (stress-related emotional disturbances)
"15.3% of people experience depression in their lifetime, with higher rates in women."
1. Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Symptoms: Excessive worry, restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension.
Duration: ≥6 months.
Prevalence: 5% globally; twice as common in women.
Panic Disorder
Symptoms: Sudden palpitations, sweating, choking sensations, fear of dying.
Triggers: Stress, genetics (30–40% heritability).
Management:
Medication: SSRIs, benzodiazepines (short-term).
Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy.
Phobias
Types:
Agoraphobia: Fear of open spaces.
Social phobia: Fear of humiliation.
Specific phobias: Fear of objects (e.g., spiders).
Treatment: Exposure therapy, CBT.
2. Depressive Disorders
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Symptoms: Persistent sadness, sleep/appetite changes, guilt, suicidal thoughts.
Risk Factors: Family history, chronic illness, trauma.
Dysthymia
Symptoms: Chronic low mood (≥2 years), fatigue.
Complications: Linked to heart disease, cancer.
Postpartum Depression
Symptoms: Extreme sadness, neglect of baby, suicidal ideation.
Treatment: Antidepressants, interpersonal therapy.
Management
Pharmacotherapy: SSRIs, SNRIs.
Psychotherapy: CBT, psychodynamic therapy, support groups.
3. Somatoform & Dissociative Disorders
Somatoform Disorders
Symptoms: Unexplained pain, health anxiety ("hypochondriasis").
Treatment: CBT, relaxation techniques.
Dissociative Disorders
Symptoms: Memory gaps, identity confusion (e.g., dissociative amnesia).
Triggers: Trauma, stress.
Therapy: Behavioral therapy, supportive psychotherapy.
4. Stress-Related Disorders
Adjustment Disorder
Causes: Job loss, divorce, illness.
Symptoms: Emotional distress within 1 month of stressor.
Treatment: Short-term counseling, family therapy.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Symptoms: Flashbacks, hypervigilance, emotional numbness.
Prevalence: 5–12% lifetime risk.
Interventions:
Early: Crisis counseling, community support.
Long-term: Trauma-focused CBT, EMDR.
Key Takeaways for Patients & Practitioners
Early intervention improves outcomes for CMDs.
Combined therapies (medication + CBT) are most effective.
Social support (family, groups) aids recovery.
Conclusion
Understanding common mental disorders empowers individuals to seek help and reduces stigma. From anxiety to PTSD, evidence-based treatments like CBT and medication offer hope.
Call to Action: Share your experiences or questions in the comments, or explore our mental health resources for further reading!
FAQ Section
Q: How is GAD different from normal anxiety?
A: GAD involves excessive, uncontrollable worry lasting ≥6 months, impairing daily life.
Q: Can PTSD develop years after trauma?
A: Yes, delayed-onset PTSD may appear months or years later.
Q: What’s the first-line treatment for depression?
A: SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine) and CBT are first-line options.
🔹 Social Work Material – Essential guides and tools for practitioners.
🔹 Social Casework – Learn client-centered intervention techniques.
🔹 Social Group Work – Strategies for effective group facilitation.
🔹 Community Organization – Methods for empowering communities.
