5 Most Common Psychiatric Disorders

1. Disorders of Anxiety

Before a big test or job interview, you know that tight-chested, racing-thoughts, can't-sit-still feeling? That is anxiety, and in moderation, it is normal. But when that feeling sticks around all the time and starts interfering with your daily life, that’s when it becomes a disorder. Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), panic attacks, social anxiety, and phobias all fall under this umbrella. It’s one of the most common psychiatric disorders out there. People with anxiety may look “fine” on the outside, but inside? It’s a storm of worry, what-ifs, and overthinking.

Real Talk Tip: If your mind feels like it's running a never-ending marathon of fear or "what could go wrong," it might be worth speaking to a therapist. You’re not alone in this.

2. Depression

This one isn’t just about “feeling sad.” Everyone feels low now and then, but depression is when those low feelings hang around for weeks or even months, making it hard to get out of bed, feel joy, or even care about stuff you used to love.

It’s a sneaky one, too. Some people function perfectly on the outside, going to work, socialising, while silently battling waves of sadness and emptiness inside. That’s called “high-functioning depression,” and yes, it’s a thing.

Why it matters: Depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. It’s also one of the most common psychiatric disorders, yet it is still surrounded by stigma. Let’s talk about it more. Let’s normalise asking for help.

3. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Okay, OCD is not just about being super neat or liking things a certain way. That’s a stereotype. Actual OCD involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions) that someone feels they must do to relieve the anxiety from those thoughts.

For example, someone with OCD might feel the need to check if the door is locked ten times before leaving the house, because their brain is screaming that something bad will happen if they don’t.

Important to know: OCD is a tough battle between logic and fear. And guess what? It's one of the common psychiatric disorders that often gets misunderstood. Compassion goes a long way here.

4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD doesn’t only affect war veterans (though it definitely can). It can happen after any traumatic event, abuse, an accident, losing a loved one, a breakup, or even experiencing a natural disaster.

What does it look like? Flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, and constant alertness, like your brain is stuck in survival mode. It’s exhausting and deeply isolating. People often assume trauma has to be something “huge” to be valid, but the truth? Trauma is personal. And PTSD is one of those common psychiatric disorders that doesn’t get nearly enough understanding or empathy.

If this hits home: Healing is possible. But it's difficult and takes time to agree on taking support, and often professional help. And that’s okay.

5. Bipolar Disorder

This one’s often glamorised or completely misunderstood in movies. Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings, from emotional highs (mania) to deep lows (depression). And no, it’s not just about "moodiness."

During manic episodes, a person may feel overly energetic, make impulsive decisions, or speak rapidly. During depressive phases, it’s the complete opposite — exhaustion, hopelessness, and withdrawal.

Heads up: Bipolar disorder can be managed with the right treatment. It’s not a “broken brain,” it’s a brain that just needs a different kind of care. And yes, it’s one of the most common psychiatric disorders that people quietly live with every day.

Final Thoughts

Mental health, we often whisper it, something you would want to hide or feel guilty about. But mental health struggles are common. They don’t make you weak. They don’t define you. You should visit Dr. Hardik Patel, the best psychiatrist in Ahmedabad and an expert in conducting comprehensive examinations and medical evaluations. He carefully examines each individual's specific history and circumstances to provide you with the best results.

What’s essential is noting the signs, reaching out, and knowing you’re never really alone. Whether it is anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, or bipolar disorder, these are all psychiatric disorders that impact people across all demographics and all walks of life.

So let’s speak up, support each other, and treat one another with a little more compassion, including ourselves. Our team at Zen-Mind Neuro-psychiatry Clinic is always there for you.