Mental illness refers to disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behaviour. Some examples of mental illness are depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviours. There are many factors which can cause mental illnesses.
One of the factors causing mental illnesses is poor communication between neurons in the brain. Neurons communicate with each other across the synapse through neurotransmitters. Some neurotransmitters are acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, etc. Poor communication between nerve cells along certain pathways or circuits in the brain can lead to problems with how the brain processes information and may result in abnormal mood, thinking, perception, or behaviour. For example, if the level of serotonin is low in people who have depression. This led to the development of certain medications. In this case, it was the development of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work in such a way that it will reduce the amount of serotonin taken back into the presynaptic neuron. Consequently, there will be an increase in the serotonin levels thus improving the communication between neurons, making the person feel happier.
Another factor causing mental illnesses is genes. Genes are segments of DNA found in almost every cell and are passed down from parents to children. Gene variants play a role in determining the person’s risk of developing the mental condition. Continuous research and studies have helped in understanding the role of genetics in mental health, but these studies are far from being able to predict the gene variant that affects mental illness with certainty. Some examples of diseases commonly inherited are ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Although the family history of mental illness may increase someone’s chances of developing mental illness, it cannot be stated with certainty. Clinical genetic testing is conducted for people who are likely to be at a high risk of developing mental illness due to genetics. These tests are called genome scans. They identify gene changes that may affect the chances of developing a disease, diagnose the disease, identify the intensity of the disease and guide experts to decide the best treatment for the individuals.
It is also a well-known fact that environmental factors like high levels of stress, poverty, abuse or neglect in childhood, use of drugs or alcohol also increase the chances of developing a mental illness. Studies have also revealed that the chances of a person developing a mental illness increases with the combination of the genetic and environmental factors together. It is important to note that according to the studies, although the mental illness cannot be completely cured, it can certainly be controlled by the person and they can live symptom-free just by removing or controlling the environmental factors and these environmental factors, unlike our genetics, are in our control to a great extent.
Although a great deal of research and studies have already been conducted and is still being conducted, we are still far away from having a complete understanding of this illness especially when it is the result of genes. Hopefully, one day, sooner than later, we will have a complete understanding of this illness which is affecting a lot more people of late.
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