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Understanding mental disorders: Key insights from WHO
25th June, 2026 05:50 PM
A mental disorder is characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behaviour. It is usually associated with distress or impairment in important areas of functioning.
There are many different types of mental disorders. According to WHO, mental disorders may also be referred to as mental health conditions.
A report by the WHO indicates that nearly 1 in every 7 people (1.1 billion) around the world were living with a mental disorder,
“In 2021, nearly 1 in every 7 people (1.1 billion) around the world were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depressive disorders the most common,” WHO stated.
Further explaining that while effective prevention and treatment options exist, most people with mental disorders do not have access to effective care.
Many people also experience stigma, discrimination and violations of human rights.
Anxiety disorders
In 2021, 359 million people were living with an anxiety disorder, including 72 million children and adolescents. Anxiety disorders are characterised by excessive fear and worry and related behavioural disturbances.
WHO explains that symptoms are severe enough to result in significant distress or significant impairment in functioning.
There are several different kinds of anxiety disorders, such as: generalized anxiety disorder which is characterised by excessive worry, panic disorder characterised by panic attacks.
Also, social anxiety disorder is characterised by excessive fear and worry in social situations, separation anxiety disorder is characterised by excessive fear or anxiety about separation from those individuals to whom the person has a deep emotional bond, and others.
According to the WHO, effective psychological treatment exists, and depending on the age and severity, medication may also be considered.
Depression
In 2019, 280 million people were living with depression, including 23 million children and adolescents. Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life.
During a depressive episode, the person experiences depressed mood, feeling sad, irritable, empty or a loss of pleasure or interest in activities, for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.
Several other symptoms are also present, which may include poor concentration, feelings of excessive guilt or low self-worth, hopelessness about the future, thoughts about dying or suicide, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite or weight, and feeling especially tired or low in energy.
People with depression are at an increased risk of suicide. Yet, effective psychological treatment exists, and depending on the age and severity, medication may also be considered.
Bipolar disorder
In 2021, 37 million people experienced bipolar disorder, including 3.8 million adolescents aged 10–19 years. People with bipolar disorder experience alternating depressive episodes with periods of manic symptoms.
During a depressive episode, the person experiences depressed mood, feeling sad, irritable, empty or a loss of pleasure or interest in activities, for most of the day, nearly every day.
Manic symptoms may include euphoria or irritability, increased activity or energy, and other symptoms such as increased talkativeness, racing thoughts, increased self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility, and impulsive reckless behaviour.
People with bipolar disorder are at an increased risk of suicide. Yet effective treatment options exist including psychoeducation, reduction of stress and s
