Final answer:
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders in the U.S., affecting a significant portion of adults, while mood disorders, with major depression as a key concern, are the second most prevalent. Substance abuse disorders are also extensively diagnosed and characterized by compulsive drug use.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most Common Mental Disorders in the United States
Among the various mental disorders reported in the United States, the most common is anxiety disorders, affecting nearly 18 percent of adults yearly and 28 percent over a lifetime. These disorders are characterized by persistent worry and fearfulness extending over months. They include a range of conditions such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social as well as specific phobias.
The second most prevalent group of mental health conditions are mood disorders, with major depression being a prominent example. Approximately 10 percent of U.S. adults experience a mood disorder annually, and 21 percent may experience it in their lifetime. Major depressive disorder (MDD) presents as an intense and long-term feeling of sadness and despair, among other symptoms such as difficulty concentrating and loss of interest in activities.
Substance abuse disorders are also a significant concern, with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) listing criteria for specific substance use disorders. These are characterized by a compulsive pattern of drug use leading to physical and psychological dependencies.