A psychiatric or mental health disorder is defined as a medical condition characterized by significant mood swings, disturbed thinking and behaviors. Mental illness can be occasional or chronic and can severely affect your quality of life. There are most common types of psychiatric illnesses, such as: - Anxiety disorders - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Depression - Bipolar Depression - Eating disorders - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Schizophrenia - Dissociation and dissociative disorders - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - Psychosis - Substance dependency These conditions often have a profound effect on the quality of life, relationships and stability of the people who experience them. In the United States, about 1 in 5 adults report experiencing mental illness. It is important to identify mental health disorders and get proper treatment to minimize symptoms and improve quality of life.