Psychiatric disorders refer to a wide range of mental health conditions that can significantly impact an individual's thoughts, emotions and behaviors. These disorders are typically characterized by abnormal patterns of thinking, feelings or behavior that cause distress and impairment in daily functioning. Some common psychiatric disorders include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Psychiatrists often diagnose these conditions through a combination of clinical interviews, mental status examinations and psychological testing. Treatment for psychiatric disorders may involve medication, therapy or a combination of both, depending on the specific condition and individual needs.