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To effectively combat issues related to mental health, it is crucial to understand the various causes of mental illness. An approximated 450 million individuals suffer from some form of mental health concerns.
By researching and identifying potential causes of mental illness, we can hope to discover preventative measures. As scientists in the fields of psychology and mental health delve deeper into the causes of mental illness, they are focusing on risk factors and causes such as heredity and the environment.
Six common factors/causes of mental illness
Rarely, if ever, is the development of mental illness induced by a single factor. The primary concentration of researchers investigating the causes of mental illness is on the following factors:
1) Mental Disorder Within the Family
Recent research has demonstrated that genetics plays a significant role in many mental disorders, despite the common perception that mental health issues pertain to the field of psychology. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately fifty percent of mental illness is caused by genetic or biological factors that are inherited.
This means that if a blood relative suffers from a mental ailment, you are more likely to develop one yourself. Mental disorders tend to run in families, so it is not surprising that heredity is a contributing factor.
2) Trauma
All traumatic events, including war, natural disasters, physical assault, bullying, neglect, and a history of abuse or abusive life experiences, can contribute to a mental health disorder.
Trauma can have substantial effects on mental health. It can result in symptoms such as PTSD, flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and severe depression. Trauma can also make it challenging to trust others, leading to social isolation.
3) Infections
Certain infections have been linked to brain injury and the onset or worsening of mental illness or its symptoms. For instance, Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder (PANDAS) caused by streptococcus bacteria has been linked to the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mental maladies in children.
4) Prenatal damage
Some evidence suggests that a disruption of early fetal brain development or perinatal trauma, such as a lack of oxygen to the brain, may play a role in the development of certain conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder.
5) Alcohol and drug abuse
Particularly, long-term substance abuse has been linked to anxiety, depression, and paranoia. Additionally, this can make a person extremely compulsive. In co-occurring disorders, both the mental health disorder and the substance or alcohol addiction have their own symptoms.
These may interfere with your ability to function at work or school, maintain a stable home life, deal with life's challenges, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. Substance use therapy might be an additional modality of treatment.
6) Abuse
Abuse is one of the best-known causes of mental illness. This includes physical, emotional, and verbal abuse, as well as intimidation and neglect. Abuse can affect both children and adults. Sadly, this is all too frequent and is becoming increasingly recognized by the mental health community.
Childhood abuse can have a profound and enduring impact on mental health. Abused children are more likely to develop mental illnesses such as anxiety, melancholy, post-traumatic stress disorder, and others. They may also be more inclined to abuse substances as a means of self-medication.
How are mental disorders identified?
The diagnosis of mental illness is primarily determined by physical and psychological examinations. The physical examination examines visible symptoms such as breathing difficulties, pulse rate, anxiety level, and dizziness, among others. Multiple diseases frequently share symptoms that can confound the treatment process.
In contrast, psychological tests may be administered by a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, or psychiatrist, using a series of inquiries. This questionnaire may contain questions about symptoms, family and friend histories, formative experiences, etc.
Mental illness diagnosis can be controversial. There have been many debates in the medical community regarding what constitutes a mental illness and what does not. A referral to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other specialized service may be necessary for further evaluation and treatment.
Mental illness is treatable, and the majority of individuals with mental illness recover to lead productive and fulfilling lives. If the condition is severe or the patient is suicidal, hospital assessment and admission may be necessary.
Medication and psychotherapy are the most effective forms of treatment. In certain instances, only psychotherapy can alleviate symptoms. If you or a loved one are experiencing any distressing symptoms of mental illness, it is always prudent to contact a professional as opposed to attempting self-diagnosis.
Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.
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