WHAT CAUSES MENTAL DISORDERS
What causes mental disorders?
There is no single cause for mental
illness. A number of factors can contribute to risk for mental illness, such as
·
Genes and family history
·
Life experiences, such as stress or a
history of abuse, especially if they happen in childhood
·
Biological factors such as chemical
imbalances in the brain
·
A traumatic brain injury
·
Use of alcohol or recreational
drugs
·
Having a serious medical condition like
cancer
·
Having few friends, and feeling lonely
or isolated
Mental disorders are not caused by
character flaws. They have nothing to do with being lazy or weak.
Who is at risk for mental disorders?
Mental disorders are common and
every other individual is likely to experience mental strains. In Kenya very
many cases go undetected for many suffer unawares.
The steps to getting a diagnosis
include
·
A medical history
·
A physical exam and possibly lab tests,
if your provider thinks that other medical conditions could be causing your
symptoms
·
A psychological evaluation. You will
answer questions about your thinking, feelings, and behaviors.
What are the treatments for mental
disorders?
Treatment depends on which mental disorder
you have and how serious it is. You and your provider will work on a treatment
plan just for you. It usually involves some type of therapy. You may also take
medicines. Some people also need social support and education on managing their
condition.
In some cases, you may need more
intensive treatment. You may need to go to a psychiatric hospital. This could
be because your mental illness is severe. Or it could be because you are at
risk of hurting yourself or someone else. In the hospital, you will get
counseling, group discussions, and activities with mental health professionals
and other patients were taking and the symptoms of their deficiencies.
Types of Mental Disorders
·
Bodily
maladaptations – Eating, sleeping and psycho-physiological Disorders
·
Disorders of Bodily Preoccupation
·
Anxiety Disorders
·
Sexual Variants and Disorders
·
Personality Disorders
·
Mood Disorders and suicide
·
Schizophrenia and other psychotic
disorders
·
Cognitive impairment Disorders
·
Substance related Disorders
·
Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence
·
Pervasive Development Disorders and
Mental Retardation
·
Society’s Response to Maladaptive behavior
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