Depressive disorder
When someone feels sad for a period of time longer than a couple of weeks, he or she might be depressed. People experiencing depression may show some or all of these symptoms: feelings of hopelessness or helplessness, loss of interest usual hobbies or activities, lack of energy, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, crying a lot for no reason, and/or feeling anxious.
Anxiety disorder
Everyone experiences fear or anxiety every now and then when they’re in new or unfamiliar situations. Check out the Anxiety fact sheet for more on how you can manage these feelings. Sometimes, people experience intense forms of anxiety that can prevent them from going about daily activities.
Stress management techniques and meditation can help people with anxiety disorders calm themselves and may enhance the effects of therapy. Check out the Anxiety disorders- types, causes and symptoms fact sheet for more information.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Repetitive behaviors such as hand washing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away.
Panic disorder
Panic disorder is another type of anxiety disorder that can cause someone to suddenly become frozen with fear. These panic attacks usually include sweating, dizziness, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Panic disorder can also prevent people from engaging in everyday activities, however, panic disorder is one of the most treatable forms of anxiety disorder. For more information on panic attacks, including how to treat them, check out the Panic attacks fact sheet.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
This condition might have started in early childhood. People with ADD can be easily distracted, excessively active, or have a tendency to daydream more than others.
People with attention deficit disorders find situations like paying attention in class particularly difficult. This can lead to conflicts with teachers or other authority figures. A person with ADD or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) might feel like the world is against him or her because of the conflicts that arise due to the inability to concentrate.
Acknowledgement: This fact sheet was originally developed by youth and staff at ReachOut.com, a website that helps teens get through tough times.
