Mental health or psychological disorders are quite common in this day and age we are living in. Surveys suggest that around 14% of the population or 1 out of 7 individuals suffer from a psychological disorder. In India, this translates roughly to 200 million individuals. The most common mental health disorders are depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and substance abuse. About 50 million individuals in India suffer from depressive disorders and an equal number of people suffer from anxiety disorders. They can be seen across different stages in an individual's lifespan. However, depression, anxiety and eating disorders may be more commonly seen in women whereas substance abuse is more common in men. The elderly may be more prone to depressive disorders. It has also been seen that the underprivileged and uneducated population, may be more prone to psychological disorders. In children, an additional category of disorders such as developmental disorders may be seen. These include ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.
