Understanding Mental Disorders: A Comprehensive Overview
Mental health is essential for overall well-being, yet mental disorders affect millions worldwide. At LunaJoy, we believe in providing comprehensive care to address these challenges effectively. Here's a look at the key facts about mental disorders and how we can help.
Key Facts About Mental Disorders
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in every 8 people in the world lives with a mental disorder. These disorders involve significant disturbances in thinking, emotional regulation, or behavior. Common mental disorders include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.
Types of Mental Disorders
Anxiety Disorders: Characterized by excessive fear and worry, affecting 301 million people globally.
Depression: Affects 280 million people and involves prolonged sadness and loss of interest in activities.
Bipolar Disorder: Involves alternating periods of depression and mania, affecting 40 million people.
PTSD: Common in conflict-affected settings, characterized by re-experiencing traumatic events.
Schizophrenia: Affects 24 million people, involving delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking.
Eating Disorders: Affect 14 million people, with conditions like anorexia and bulimia.
Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Include conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder.
Neurodevelopmental Disorders: ADHD and autism spectrum disorder fall under this category.
Risk Factors and Health Systems
People exposed to adverse circumstances, such as poverty and violence, are at higher risk. Despite the availability of effective treatments, many do not have access to proper care due to stigma and lack of resources. The gap between the need for treatment and its provision is significant, highlighting the necessity for improved health systems and social support.
WHO's Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan
The WHO’s plan aims to strengthen mental health leadership, provide integrated care, implement promotion and prevention strategies, and enhance research. Their Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) provides guidance and training to expand mental health services, especially in resource-poor settings.
Conclusion
Understanding and addressing mental disorders is crucial for improving quality of life. LunaJoy is dedicated to providing the necessary support and care to help individuals manage their mental health effectively. For more information and support book an appointment with us.
For detailed information, refer to the WHO fact sheet on mental disorders.