Mental disorders list
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Major Mental Disorders: Classification Systems and Lists
Diagnostic Manuals and Classification Systems for Mental Disorders
The most widely used systems for listing and classifying mental disorders are the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association, and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), published by the World Health Organization. The DSM provides detailed criteria for diagnosing mental disorders and is considered the primary diagnostic manual in the United States and many other countries. The ICD covers all diseases, but its mental disorders section is harmonized with the DSM to a large extent 59. Both systems are updated regularly to reflect new research and clinical understanding, and each new edition tends to include more specific disorders or subtypes as knowledge advances 49.
Commonly Recognized Mental Disorders
Across these classification systems, the most commonly recognized mental disorders include:
- Depressive disorders (such as major depressive disorder)
- Anxiety disorders (including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias)
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Eating disorders (such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Conduct disorder
- Intellectual developmental disorders
- Tourette syndrome 710
These disorders are consistently included in global burden studies and genetic classification research, highlighting their prevalence and impact 710.
Essential Medicines and Treatment for Mental Disorders
The World Health Organization maintains an Essential Medicines List (EML) that includes medications for the treatment of mental disorders. The list typically covers medicines for psychotic disorders (antipsychotics), depressive disorders (antidepressants), bipolar disorder (mood stabilizers), and anxiety disorders (anxiolytics). Some national lists also include drugs for substance use disorders, such as those for alcohol, nicotine, and opioid dependence 13. The number and types of medicines included can vary by country, often depending on economic status and regional health priorities 13.
Burden and Prevalence of Mental Disorders
Mental disorders are among the most costly and burdensome health conditions worldwide. They account for a significant proportion of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and years lived with disability (YLDs) globally, with depressive and anxiety disorders being particularly prevalent. In conflict-affected settings, the prevalence of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia is especially high 678.
Evolving Approaches to Classification
Recent research has explored genetic relationships among mental disorders, suggesting that many conditions are interrelated and may be grouped based on shared genetic factors. For example, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and PTSD often cluster together genetically, while OCD, anorexia nervosa, and Tourette syndrome form another cluster. This genetic perspective may help refine future diagnostic frameworks .
Conclusion
Mental disorders encompass a broad range of conditions, including mood, anxiety, psychotic, neurodevelopmental, and substance use disorders. The DSM and ICD provide the main frameworks for listing and diagnosing these disorders, and the WHO Essential Medicines List guides treatment options. Ongoing research continues to refine our understanding of how these disorders are related and how best to classify and treat them, with the goal of improving mental health care worldwide 1345+5 MORE.
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