Final answer:
Mental health disorders are categorized into anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders, among others, as outlined in the DSM. Anxiety disorders include OCD and PTSD, while mood disorders include major depression and bipolar disorder. Personality disorders involve enduring behavioral patterns that cause significant distress or impairment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mental health disorders are broadly categorized into several types, guided by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association. The most common categories include anxiety disorders, which encompasses specific phobias, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Anxiety disorders are characterized by prolonged feelings of worry and fearfulness.
The mood disorders category includes major depression, bipolar disorder (formerly called manic depression), and dysthymic disorder. These disorders affect an individual's emotional state and can impact the ability to perform daily tasks. Mood disorders are among the most common mental health disorders leading to hospitalization.
Furthermore, personality disorders represent longstanding patterns of behavior that significantly deviate from societal expectations, leading to distress or impairment. Despite debates around classification, the DSM retains ten recognized categories for personality disorders, while also offering alternative approaches. Mental illnesses broadly affect the ability to think, regulate emotions, and relate to others, deeply impacting quality of life and daily functioning.