15 Mind-Bending Mazes in The Landscape of Mental Health Conditions

5. Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are slightly different from other types of mental health issues. They tend to be more difficult to treat, though medication can sometimes be helpful depending on the case. With personality disorders, counseling and therapy are a much more integral part of treatment than medication. An individual's personality is the set of characteristics that set them apart from others, and it includes behaviors, feelings, and thoughts. Personality disorders are patterns of behavior, emotion, and thought that last for long periods, cause mental distress or issues with functioning, and deviate from cultural expectations. There are ten types of personality disorder currently outlined in the DSM-V. A personality disorder must affect at least two of these: a person's way of viewing themselves and others, their emotional responses, their relationships with others, and their ability to control their behavior.

6. Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

OCD is more than being tidy or liking things symmetrical—it’s about intrusive thoughts and compulsive actions that disrupt daily life. Obsessions are distressing, persistent thoughts, while compulsions are repetitive behaviors meant to reduce anxiety. These rituals don’t bring relief for long and often escalate over time. Related disorders include body dysmorphic disorder (preoccupation with perceived flaws), hoarding disorder, and trichotillomania (hair-pulling). These conditions aren’t quirks—they’re serious and often misunderstood. Effective treatment combines cognitive behavioral therapy, particularly exposure and response prevention, and sometimes medication. Understanding that these behaviors are rooted in anxiety—not choice—can shift how we view those affected.