Mental Disorders
Mental disorders encompass a wide range of conditions affecting individuals across all ages. Anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders are among the most prevalent.
Below is a synthesized overview of these disorders, their key characteristics, and treatments:
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive worry, social and performance fears, unexpected or triggered panic attacks, anticipatory anxiety, and avoidance behaviors (Szuhany, 2022). Common forms include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Lifetime prevalence of 6.2%, involving persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of daily life
Social Anxiety Disorder: Affects 13% of individuals, marked by an intense fear of social situations and being judged by others
Panic Disorder: Lifetime prevalence of 5.2%, often accompanied by sudden, intense episodes of fear and physical symptoms like palpitations and shortness of breath
Effective treatments include psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy) and medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Brief screening tools, like the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), can aid in diagnosis (Szuhany, 2022).
Depression
Depression is a global health crisis, affecting approximately 350 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2014). It is the leading cause of disability globally, contributing to years lost to disability and, in severe cases, mortality. Symptoms include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and physical changes like sleep disturbances (Smith, 2014).
Barriers to treatment include stigma, lack of effective therapies, and inadequate mental health resources. Nearly half the world’s population lives in regions with fewer than two psychiatrists per 100,000 people (Smith, 2014). Treatments combine psychotherapy and pharmacological approaches, with efforts to improve global access and reduce stigma being paramount.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of the global population and is equally prevalent among men and women, though onset is typically later in women (Schultz, 2007). Symptoms are classified as:
Positive Symptoms: Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking
Negative Symptoms: Flattened affect, social withdrawal, and diminished motivation
The condition disrupts the lives of patients and their families. Environmental factors, such as early-life adversity and urban upbringing, contribute to its onset (Van Os, 2010). Treatments include antipsychotic medications, which can have side effects, and psychosocial interventions that support patients and their families. Early detection and a multidisciplinary approach improve outcomes (Schultz, 2007; Van Os, 2010).
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD affects 5-10% of the population and is twice as common in women as in men. It develops after exposure to traumatic events and involves symptoms such as intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, and heightened arousal (Yehuda, 2015). Biological and psychosocial factors influence the severity and chronicity of symptoms (Yehuda, 2015).
PTSD impacts brain circuitry, neurochemistry, and endocrine function. Treatment includes a combination of psychotherapy, particularly trauma-focused approaches, and medications. Emerging research emphasizes resilience factors, such as social support and early intervention, in mitigating PTSD's impact (Yehuda, 2015).
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is a chronic condition marked by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Globally prevalent, OCD is associated with significant disability and often goes underdiagnosed and undertreated (Stein, 2019).
Advances in understanding OCD include identifying brain circuits involved in the disorder and genetic factors (Stein, 2019). Effective treatments include serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) and cognitive-behavioral therapy. For severe cases, neurosurgical options are available. Continued research in neuroscience and global mental health aims to enhance outcomes for individuals with OCD (Stein, 2019).
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, involve abnormal eating behaviors that adversely affect physical and mental health. Contributing factors include (Walsh, 1998):
Inherited Vulnerabilities: Genetic predispositions
Cultural Pressures: Societal emphasis on appearance
Adverse Experiences: Family and individual trauma
These disorders are challenging to treat due to their chronic nature and physiological effects, which can perpetuate the illness. Effective management involves psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and medical monitoring (Walsh, 1998). Ongoing research seeks to address treatment gaps and improve outcomes for individuals with eating disorders.
TL;DR
Mental disorders affect individuals and communities worldwide, but effective treatments are available. Early detection, appropriate interventions, and reducing barriers to care are critical to improving mental health outcomes. By synthesizing scholarly knowledge and prioritizing accessibility, projects like Khipú aim to make information accessible.