Mental health disorders are a common occurrence nowadays, with millions of people suffering from various forms of mental illnesses. While most mental health conditions are manageable with proper treatment and therapy, some can be life-threatening.
Given below are five of the most lethal mental health conditions.
1. Depression
Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of people all over the world. It is characterized by a constant feeling of sadness, loss of interest, and low self-esteem.
Depression can be caused by various factors, including genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. However, depression can be a lethal mental health disorder if not treated properly. People with severe depression often have suicidal thoughts, which can lead to suicide.
2. Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a severe mental health disorder that affects the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is characterized by an abnormal perception of reality, delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech and behavior.
Schizophrenia can be caused by various factors, including genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. However, people with schizophrenia often have a higher risk of suicide, with up to 10% of people with this disorder ending their lives.
3. Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder, also known as Manic-Depressive disorder, is a mental health condition that is characterized by extreme mood swings.
People with Bipolar disorder often experience episodes of mania and depression, which can be severe and life-threatening. Bipolar disorder can be caused by various factors, including genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. People with bipolar disorder are also at a higher risk of suicide, with up to 20% of people with this disorder ending their lives.
4. Eating Disorders
Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are mental health conditions that are characterized by abnormal eating habits.
People with eating disorders often have an obsessive fear of gaining weight, which leads them to restrict their food intake or engage in binge eating and purging behaviors. Eating disorders can be caused by various factors, including genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. However, people with eating disorders often have a higher risk of suicide, with up to 5% of people with this disorder ending their lives.
5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a traumatic event such as sexual assault, combat exposure, natural disasters, and accidents.
People with PTSD often experience symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance. PTSD can be caused by various factors, including genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. However, people with PTSD often have a higher risk of suicide, with up to 8% of people with this disorder ending their lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mental health disorders can be life-threatening, especially when left untreated.
Depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and PTSD are the top five most lethal mental health disorders that require proper treatment and therapy. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help prevent suicide caused by mental health disorders. Therefore, it is important to seek help from trained professionals if you or a loved one is showing signs of a mental health disorder.