Mental disorders list
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Comprehensive Overview of Mental Disorders
Classification Systems for Mental Disorders
International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
The classification of mental disorders is primarily guided by two major diagnostic manuals: the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The ICD, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), provides a global standard for diagnosing all diseases, including mental disorders, and is widely used internationally 6. The DSM, published by the American Psychiatric Association, is predominantly used in the United States and offers a detailed system for the definition, organization, and classification of mental disorders 710. Both systems aim to harmonize their criteria to ensure consistency in diagnosis and treatment across different regions 10.
Three-Fold Classification Approach
A proposed three-fold classification system suggests categorizing mental disorders based on three aspects: category or gross syndrome, specified main syndrome, and main etiology or eliciting factor. This approach aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of mental disorders by considering multiple dimensions simultaneously 1.
Prevalence of Mental Disorders
General Population and Conflict Settings
Mental disorders are prevalent across various populations, with significant variations observed in different settings. In conflict-affected populations, the prevalence of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia is notably high, with an estimated point prevalence of 22.1% 2. In older adults in Western countries, the most common mental disorders include dimensional depression (19.47%), lifetime major depression (16.52%), and lifetime alcohol use disorders (11.71%) 4.
Genetic Classification of Mental Disorders
Recent studies have explored the genetic basis of mental disorders, revealing that conditions such as ADHD, anorexia nervosa, anxiety disorder, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, and Tourette syndrome are genetically inter-correlated. These disorders can be grouped based on their genetic relationships, which may inform future diagnostic frameworks and treatment strategies 5.
Common Mental Disorders
Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent mental disorders globally. They often co-occur and can range from mild to severe forms. In conflict-affected populations, the mean comorbidity-adjusted, age-standardized point prevalence for mild forms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD is 13.0%, while severe forms have a prevalence of 5.1% 2.
Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia
Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are severe mental disorders with significant impacts on individuals' lives. The prevalence of these disorders in conflict-affected populations is included in the overall estimate of severe mental disorders 2. These conditions are also genetically linked to other mental disorders, highlighting the importance of understanding their genetic underpinnings 5.
Substance Use Disorders
Substance use disorders, including alcohol and drug use disorders, are also common. In older adults in Western countries, lifetime alcohol use disorders have a prevalence of 11.71%, while current and lifetime drug use disorders have much lower prevalence rates (0.34% and 0.19%, respectively) 4.
Conclusion
The classification and prevalence of mental disorders are complex and multifaceted. The ICD and DSM provide essential frameworks for diagnosing and understanding these conditions, while emerging genetic research offers new insights into their underlying mechanisms. Addressing the high burden of mental disorders, particularly in conflict-affected populations, requires scalable mental health interventions and continued research to refine diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
STANDARD LISTS FOR THREE‐FOLD CLASSIFICATION OF MENTAL DISORDERS
The proposed three-fold classification of mental disorders, based on category, main syndrome, and main aetiology, is a step in the right direction.
New WHO prevalence estimates of mental disorders in conflict settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis
The prevalence of mental disorders is 22.1% in conflict-affected populations, highlighting the urgent need for scalable mental health interventions to address this burden.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedPsychiatric diagnosis: lessons from the DSM-IV past and cautions for the DSM-5 future.
The DSM-5 should be developed under the Institute of Medicine, focusing on broad representation, evidence-based approaches, disinterested recommendations, and careful attention to risks and benefits for patients, public policy, and forensic applications.
Highly CitedThe prevalence of mental disorders in older people in Western countries – a meta-analysis
Major depression, panic disorder, and social phobia are the most prevalent mental disorders in older adults in Western countries.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedClassifying major mental disorders genetically
This study reveals that ten mental disorders are genetically inter-correlated and can be classified hierarchically, potentially improving diagnostic frameworks and treatment regimens for mental disorders.
Observational StudyThree Approaches to Understanding and Classifying Mental Disorder: ICD-11, DSM-5, and the National Institute of Mental Health’s Research Domain Criteria (RDoC)
Three diagnostic systems, ICD-11, DSM-5, and the National Institute of Mental Health's Research Domain Criteria, address key issues in understanding and classifying mental disorders, aiming to reduce suffering and improve health care.
Highly CitedSuicide as an outcome for mental disorders
Virtually all mental disorders have an increased risk of suicide except for mental retardation and dementia, with the highest risk in functional disorders and the lowest in organic disorders.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
The DSM-5 is a globally used psychiatric manual that covers only mental disorders, differing from the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), and is more operationalized.
Highly Cited