This directory provides an overview of the 10 most common mental health conditions and sobriety-related topics globally, based on prevalence data from the World Health Organization (WHO), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and peer-reviewed studies. Content is strictly informational.
1. Anxiety Disorders
- Description: Characterized by excessive fear, worry, or avoidance. Includes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety.
- Prevalence: Affects 284 million people globally (WHO, 2021).
- Key Features: Physical symptoms (e.g., rapid heartbeat), persistent worry, and avoidance behaviors.
- Sources: WHO, NIMH.
2. Depressive Disorders
- Description: Persistent sadness or loss of interest. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common type.
- Prevalence: 280 million global cases (WHO, 2021).
- Key Features: Fatigue, changes in sleep/appetite, and feelings of worthlessness.
- Sources: WHO, NIMH.
3. Bipolar Disorder (BD)
- Description: Alternating episodes of mania/hypomania and depression.
- Prevalence: 40 million people globally (WHO, 2021).
- Key Features: Mood swings, elevated energy during manic phases, and depressive lows.
- Sources: WHO, NIMH.
4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Description: Develops after exposure to traumatic events (e.g., violence, disasters).
- Prevalence: Affects 3.9% of the global population (WHO, 2021).
- Key Features: Flashbacks, hypervigilance, and emotional detachment.
- Sources: WHO, NIMH.
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Description: Intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).
- Prevalence: 1-2% of the global population.
- Key Features: Ritualistic actions (e.g., handwashing) to alleviate anxiety.
- Sources: NIMH, APA.
6. Schizophrenia
- Description: A psychotic disorder involving distorted thinking, perceptions, and emotions.
- Prevalence: 24 million people globally (WHO, 2021).
- Key Features: Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech.
- Sources: WHO, NIMH.
7. Eating Disorders
- Description: Unhealthy relationships with food, weight, or body image. Includes anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder.
- Prevalence: ~9% of the global population.
- Key Features: Extreme dietary restrictions, purging, or binge-eating.
- Sources: WHO, NEDA.
8. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Description: Persistent inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity.
- Prevalence: 5-7% of children, 2.5% of adults (Global Burden of Disease Study).
- Key Features: Difficulty focusing, restlessness, and impulsive decisions.
- Sources: NIMH, CDC.
9. Substance Use Disorders
- Description: Dependence on alcohol, opioids, or other substances despite harm.
- Prevalence: 269 million people globally (WHO, 2021).
- Key Features: Cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and loss of control.
- Sources: WHO, SAMHSA.
10. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- Description: Emotional instability, intense relationships, and fear of abandonment.
- Prevalence: 1-2% of the global population.
- Key Features: Mood swings, self-harm behaviors, and identity disturbances.
- Sources: NIMH, APA.
Sobriety & Recovery
- Description: Sobriety refers to abstaining from substance use. Recovery involves ongoing management of substance use disorders.
- Key Statistics:
- 22.3 million Americans are in recovery from substance use (SAMHSA, 2020).
- Global alcohol abstinence rates range from 10-80% by country (WHO, 2021).
- Sources: SAMHSA, WHO.