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What is the Etiology of Mental Illness?

Elva K.
Elva K.

Mental illness as a term refers to a wide spectrum of disorders, including anxiety disorders, addiction disorders, eating disorders, gender or sexual disorders, and somatoform disorders. Despite the amount of research done pertaining to mental illness, much remains to be discovered. Thus, the etiology of mental illness is not fully known. Based on the information uncovered so far though, researchers suspect that mental illness is caused by various factors.

Chemical imbalance is an exemplar of a biological factor involved in the etiology of mental illness. Specifically, when there is imbalance in brain neurotransmitters, nerve cells cannot adequately communicate, brain messages are insufficiently processed, and mental illness can occur. Substance abuse that occurs over an extended period of time can alter brain chemistry and cause mental illness. Inadequate nutrition, lack of absorption of vitamins and minerals, or exposure to environmental toxins such as lead could result in changes in brain chemistry which can predispose mental illness.

Psychological factors may be involved in the etiology of mental illness.
Psychological factors may be involved in the etiology of mental illness.

Genetics is another biological factor in the etiology of mental illness. Having a genetic susceptibility does not necessarily mean a person will have a mental illness. Whether the person eventually has mental illness depends on the presence of exacerbating factors such as abuse, stress, or the presence of traumatic events.

Injury to the brain is another factor that has biological impact and which is involved in the etiology of mental illness. The brain injury may occur when a person is older or even during the gestation period or birth. Other biological factors in mental illness include previously existing health conditions. For example, the health condition called pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder (PANDA), which is caused by a streptococcus bacteria infection, is reportedly a possible cause of mental illness in children.

Genetics is a biological factor in the etiology of mental illness.
Genetics is a biological factor in the etiology of mental illness.

Psychological factors involved in the etiology of mental illness include severe or traumatic experiences suffered during childhood. For example, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse could lead to mental illness. Parental neglect or loss of a parent could also be one of the factors in mental illness.

Environmental factors involved in mental illness can include various experiences which, if they occur excessively, can be problematic. The presence of excessive stress alters brain chemistry and that can predispose a person to experiencing mental illness. Experiences such as loss of loved ones and coping with poverty and feelings such as anxiety and anger could predispose one to mental illness. Additionally, changing schools or jobs, social rejection, or a dysfunctional family climate are all experiences which can be factors in mental illness if the experience is prolonged or extreme enough.

Discussion Comments

seafoam

@Indigowater - I don't know if long-time sufferers can change the chemistry of their brains back to mental health and stability. I do know from personal experience after suffering from PTSD due to a plane crash that freedom from overwhelming fear can be tamed.

I saw a PTSD counselor who specifically works with trauma victims and found freedom and relief for the first time in two decades. I believe there is hope for those who suffer from environmental factors.

indigowater

If harmful, prolonged environmental factors like mental or sexual abuse can actually change the chemistry of the brain, can the abused person hope to regain mental health through counseling or drug treatment?

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    • Psychological factors may be involved in the etiology of mental illness.
      By: Alexander Raths
      Psychological factors may be involved in the etiology of mental illness.
    • Genetics is a biological factor in the etiology of mental illness.
      By: Monkey Business
      Genetics is a biological factor in the etiology of mental illness.
    • Similar to adults, young children may suffer from severe forms of panic disorders.
      By: sonsedskaya
      Similar to adults, young children may suffer from severe forms of panic disorders.
    • Altered brain chemistry can predispose an individual to experiencing mental illness.
      By: sebra
      Altered brain chemistry can predispose an individual to experiencing mental illness.
    • Experiences of extreme poverty could predispose someone to mental illness.
      By: NinaMalyna
      Experiences of extreme poverty could predispose someone to mental illness.