The kind of therapeutic support you need will depend on a few different factors, including the condition you’re facing. Many different mental health disorders can occur, and understanding the main types is important as you seek professional help.
Most conditions fall into one of a few categories. Anxiety disorders are characterized by persistent feelings of worry or nervousness. This kind of worry goes beyond situational jitters and is severe enough to impact your daily life. Mood disorders cause recurring changes in your emotional state and may include depression or bipolar disorder.
Personality disorders are a little more nuanced and involve long-term, disruptive patterns of thoughts, moods, and behaviors. Some of the most common types include schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder. Individuals may also struggle with relationship disorders, dealing with issues like infidelity that make it difficult to form healthy, lasting partnerships.
Your therapist will take the time to understand your symptoms before creating a treatment plan. Your plan may differ widely from someone else who is treated at the same practice because the services you receive will be designed to support your unique concerns and restore your mental wellness.
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Anxiety
Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults or 19.1% of the population. It’s characterized by excessive and continuous feelings of worry or unease, even in situations that aren’t normally stress-inducing.
This disorder can lead to cognitive symptoms, like difficulty concentrating or impaired decision-making, as well as physical ones, such as rapid heartbeat and muscle tension. It can affect both men and women, though rates are normally higher in women.
Anyone who has a family history of anxiety is at a higher risk, as well as anyone who has experienced trauma. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to help clients understand and change their thought patterns, while medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help with mood regulation.
Learn more about treatment for anxiety.
Depression
Depression is a mental health disorder that causes individuals to feel persistently sad or hopeless. They may also lose interest in hobbies or activities that they used to enjoy. In addition to these emotional changes, physical signs such as sleep disturbances, weight changes, or energy loss can occur.
Women, young adults, marginalized populations, and individuals with physical disabilities may be more susceptible to developing depression due to the challenges they face in their daily lives. An estimated 21 million adults in the U.S. are living with depression, which accounts for 8.3% of the population.
In addition to CBT, other types of therapy that can help include dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and interpersonal therapy, which can help clients resolve relationship problems that may be contributing to their condition.
Learn more about treatment for depression.
Grief
Grief is the body’s natural response to a deep loss. Some of the emotional signs of this condition include feelings of anger, sadness, and denial. Physical symptoms can also occur, such as loss of appetite or fatigue. Extremely difficult situations, such as the loss of a child or spouse or a very sudden death, can make an individual more inclined to experience grief.
People who are also facing co-occurring mental health conditions, as well as anyone who is socially isolated can also feel the effects of grief more profoundly. Research shows that 10% of people with prolonged grief disorder (PGD) have accessed formal support services to work through their symptoms.
When looking for a therapist, it’s imporatnt to find one with specialized training in grief and bereavement. They can use evidence-based techniques, such as CBT and DBT, as well as holistic options like art and music therapy, to help you heal.
Learn more about treatment for grief.
Infidelity
Infidelity is defined as engaging in emotional or sexual intimacy with someone other than your romantic partner. While the act itself isn’t categorized as a mental health condition, people who are repeatedly unfaithful may suffer from underlying psychological problems, like low self-esteem or substance use.
There are also certain mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, that can make individuals prone to engage in risky activities like cheating. In addition, infidelity can also cause mental distress in the affected parties, leading to severe emotional pain that could trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Someone with a family history of relationship issues may be more likely to commit infidelity. The risk is also higher for couples who have higher levels of conflict or aren’t satisfied with their partner. Working with a couples therapist can help you address these issues and restore trust.
Learn more about treatment for infidelity.
Phobias
A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder that causes individuals to be intensely afraid of a certain object or situation, such as heights or spiders. Often, this fear is excessive to the point that it is irrational and interferes with the individual’s day-to-day life. They may go out of their way to avoid the feared circumstance, and could even exhibit physical symptoms such as sweating or shortness of breath.
Studies show that around 9% of the U.S. population experiences a specific phobia each year. Someone with a pre-existing anxiety disorder or a family history of phobias may be more likely to develop this condition.
The most common type of therapy used to treat phobias is exposure therapy, where the individual is slowly and safely introduced to the matter that elicits fear so they can learn how to control their stress response. Medications used to treat phobias include SSRIs and benzodiazepines used to manage anxiety.
ADHD
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a chronic developmental disorder characterized by an inability to focus as well as periods of impulsivity and excitability. It can cause behavioral changes and cognitive dysfunction. Someone living with ADHD might experience challenges at work, school, or home. The condition can also affect their ability to engage in interpersonal relationships and manage daily stress.
Symptoms of ADHD usually begin in childhood and continue into adulthood. It can affect both boys and girls, though it’s more common in boys. This condition is also more prevalent in children who live below the federal poverty level. Around 11% of children in the U.S. have ADHD.
One kind of therapy that’s particularly useful for clients with ADHD is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This mindfulness-based technique teaches individuals how to accept and work through their thoughts and bodily sensations as they experience them. Commonly prescribed medications include stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants.
Learn more about treatment for ADHD.
PTSD
Standing for post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD is a mental health condition that can start after a person experiences or witnesses any form of acute trauma. Natural disasters, accidents, military combat, and assault are all examples of situations that can lead to this condition. The symptoms of PTSD can be grouped into four categories: intrusive memories, negative thought patterns, arousal symptoms, and avoidance behaviors.
This condition can affect anyone, but women, veterans, and members of marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, are more susceptible to developing PTSD. In any given year, this condition affects around 5% of the U.S. population.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is commonly used to help clients process their traumatic memories. Therapists may also use prolonged exposure (PE) therapy to make the memories less intense and reduce avoidance behaviors. Antidepressants and antipsychotics can help control symptoms.
Learn more about treatment for PTSD.
Bipolar
Bipolar disorder is a type of mental health condition that can cause an individual to experience extreme mood changes. They may have episodes of mania, in which they seem especially elevated or excitable, followed by depressive episodes, characterized by a low mood and fatigue.
A family history of bipolar disorder can make someone more likely to develop the condition, but it can also develop after prolonged substance use or a stressful life event. While bipolar disorder can affect children or teenagers, it usually begins after the age of 25. Around 3% of the U.S. population lives with this condition, and 83% of those cases are severe.
In addition to conventional psychotherapies, therapists may also use alternative techniques like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to reduce symptoms. This non-invasive procedure uses a series of magnetic pulses to activate certain parts of the brain and improve mood. Antipsychotics and mood stabilizers can also help.
Borderline
Someone with borderline personality disorder may show a range of symptoms, including emotional instability and impulsivity. This condition affects how an individual feels about themselves as well as how they perceive others and may lead to relationship issues and a distorted self-image.
While there isn’t an exact cause, experts believe it might be triggered by a combination of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. Individuals who have lived through trauma, such as childhood violence, are at a higher risk of developing this disorder. It can also co-occur with substance use disorder.
Of the different types of psychotherapy available, DBT is most often used to control symptoms of borderline personality disorder. This type of therapy can help clients control their emotions and learn how to interact more easily with others. Therapists can prescribe mood stabilizers and SSRIs to manage associated symptoms like depression and anxiety.
OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that can significantly impact an individual’s daily life. In addition to intrusive, distressing thoughts known as obsessions, they will also feel the need to perform specific, repetitive behaviors, known as compulsions, to avoid negative outcomes. There are many different types of OCD, including ones that focus on contamination, symmetry/perfectionism, and worries about harming oneself or others.
This condition can begin in childhood or adolescence, and boys are more likely than girls to experience symptoms at an early age. Survivors of childhood trauma and postpartum mothers also have a higher risk of developing OCD than others. It affects around 1.2% of the U.S. population.
Therapists can use exposure or response prevention therapy to help clients gradually confront these challenging situations. Antidepressants and SSRIs can also help reduce associated feelings of anxiety. When starting therapy, look for a provider who specializes in OCD and can help you develop long-term coping techniques to manage your symptoms.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are characterized by distorted thoughts about eating and can affect both mental and physical health. They often develop around young adulthood with common symptoms that include a lack of appetite, gastrointestinal distress, abdominal pain, and drastic weight loss. Common types of eating disorders include bulimia or anorexia nervosa, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, and binge eating disorder.
These conditions more commonly affect women than men. They’re also more prevalent in individuals whose physical appearances are scrutinized, including athletes and postpartum women. Around 28.8 million Americans, or 9% of the population, will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime.
Nutrition education, combined with behavioral therapy, can help clients establish a healthier relationship with food. Therapists may also prescribe antidepressants or stimulants. Primarily used to treat ADHD, Vyvanse is one stimulant that doctors believe may help control the impulsivity that leads to binge eating.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious brain disorder hat affects nearly every aspect of how an individual acts, thinks, and feels. It occurs after an initial onset of psychosis, and usually affects adults between the ages of 16 and 30. Individuals living with this condition may seem as though they’ve lost touch with reality. They may experience hallucinations, delusions, and cognitive impairment along with more subtle symptoms like speech difficulties and disorganization.
In addition to those with a family history of this condition, other population groups that are more susceptible to developing schizophrenia include people who have faced extreme social isolation or adversity, including refugees and immigrants.
SAD
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a specific type of depression that occurs during certain times of the year. Most people experience symptoms of SAD during the fall or winter months, when the days are shorter and the sun sets earlier. Such shifts can affect the body’s circadian rhythm and alter hormone levels, leading to symptoms like low energy, weight gain, and sleep disturbances.
Individuals who live far from the equator are at the highest risk of developing SAD because these regions experience the greatest fluctuations in sunlight throughout the year. It also commonly co-occurs alongside other mood disorders, like bipolar disorder.
To treat SAD, a therapist may recommend a combination of light therapy and talk therapy. In a light therapy session, individuals are exposed to artificial light designed to mimic the look and feel of natural daylight. These sessions can help regulate the client’s internal clock and balance their mood. They may also prescribe antidepressants, including SSRIs.
Other Factors to Consider
How type of treatment varies by diagnosis
Your therapist may use different treatments to help alleviate the symptoms of your mental health condition. There are several types of therapies available, and some are better suited to deliver certain outcomes than others. For example, exposure therapy can be incredibly useful for someone suffering from a phobia or PTSD, but it may not be as applicable for clients facing grief or depression.
Most conditions benefit from some type of behavioral therapy, but others will require your therapist to take a more holistic or alternative approach. This may mean incorporating art or music programs to promote self-expression or using more scientific techniques like TMS. As you work one-on-one with your therapist, you can create an individualized treatment plan that supports your needs.
Explore therapy options by condition.
How treatment varies by population
Some population groups are more susceptible to certain mental health conditions than others and this is why treatment programs can vary widely. For instance, veterans and trauma survivors may experience PTSD while people who have faced a devastating loss may be suffering from grief.
It’s important to find a therapist who not only has the skills to support the symptoms you’re facing but also has a history of working with your specific group. This way, you can rest assured that the treatment they recommend will take your unique perspective, lived experiences, and challenges into account. They’ll know how to create an environment that makes you feel safe and seen as you navigate recovery.
Explore specialized programs for specific populations.
Medications used in treatment
There are many different medications that can reduce the symptoms of mental health disorders. Your therapist may recommend starting one in conjunction with other forms of therapy to keep your symptoms in check.
Most of these medications fall into a few main classifications including antidepressants, antipsychotics, stimulants, and anti-anxiety drugs. Mood-stabilizing medications can also be used to treat conditions like bipolar disorder that cause extreme changes in mood and behavior. It may take some time to find a medication that works for you, so it’s important to start your regimen under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
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