Top 20 DSM-5-TR Disorders: A Prevalence Ranking | 2025
Ever wondered how common certain mental health conditions are? While conversations around mental health are becoming more open, it can be surprising to learn just how many people are affected by specific disorders. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) is the comprehensive guide used by clinicians to diagnose these conditions.
Understanding the prevalence—or the proportion of a population affected—can help reduce stigma and highlight the importance of seeking help. Below, we've ranked the top 20 most common DSM-5-TR disorders by lifetime prevalence, which is the likelihood of a person developing the condition at any point in their life.
These numbers are powerful reminders that if you're struggling, you are far from alone. ❤️
Top 20 Mental Health Disorders Ranked by Prevalence
This ranking provides a clear snapshot of the most widespread mental health conditions in the United States, based on data from major national surveys.
A Closer Look at the Categories 🧠
Mental health disorders are often grouped into categories based on shared symptoms. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common groups.
Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
It's striking that Alcohol Use Disorder tops the list at 29.1%. This figure, which combines what used to be called alcohol abuse and dependence, highlights a significant public health challenge. Following at a distance is Any Drug Use Disorder at 10.4%, covering everything from cannabis to opioids. The high prevalence of these disorders underscores the complex relationship between substance use and mental health.
Anxiety Disorders
As a category, anxiety disorders are extremely common. Specific Phobia (12.5%) and Social Anxiety Disorder (12.1%) affect a huge portion of the population. While a fear of public speaking might seem minor, these conditions can severely limit a person's life and career. Other major anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (5.7%) and Panic Disorder (4.7%).
Depressive Disorders
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most well-known mental health conditions, and for good reason—it affects an estimated 20.6% of people over their lifetime. It's more than just feeling sad; it's a debilitating condition that can impact every aspect of a person's life.
Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has a lifetime prevalence of 6.8%. While often associated with military combat, PTSD can result from any traumatic event, including car accidents, natural disasters, or personal assaults.
Where Do These Numbers Come From? A Note on the Data 📊
The prevalence rates listed here are synthesized from several large-scale, authoritative sources. It's important to remember that these are estimates and can vary based on the population studied (e.g., by country, age, or gender).
Key Sources: Most of this data comes from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R) and the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC-III). These are landmark studies in the United States that provide deep insight into the prevalence of mental health conditions.
DSM-IV vs. DSM-5: The NCS-R used criteria from the older DSM-IV. For many disorders, the diagnostic criteria did not change significantly in the DSM-5-TR, so the data remains a reliable benchmark. For substance use disorders, the NESARC-III data is used, as it was based on the newer DSM-5 criteria.
Estimates for Other Disorders: For some conditions, like Autism Spectrum Disorder or personality disorders, data is drawn from meta-analyses or specific studies from organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The goal of this data isn't to rigidly label people, but to understand the scope of these challenges and emphasize that effective, evidence-based treatments are available.
You Are Not Alone, and Help Is Here
Seeing these numbers makes it clear that mental health conditions are a common part of the human experience. Whether you see yourself in these descriptions or are concerned about a loved one, the most important step is reaching out for help. Healing and recovery are possible.
If you are struggling with your mental health, our compassionate team at Huntington Psychological Services is here to provide support and guidance. Contact us today at office@huntingtonpsych.com to learn more about our services and begin your journey toward wellness.