causes of mental ailment

What are the causes of mental
illness? Although the exact cause
of most mental illnesses is not
known, it is becoming clear
through research that many of
these conditions are caused by a
combination of biological,
psychological, and environmental
factors.
What Biological Factors Are
Involved in Mental Illness?
Some mental illnesses have been
linked to an abnormal balance of
special chemicals in the brain
called neurotransmitters.
Neurotransmitters help nerve
cells in the brain communicate
with each other. If these
chemicals are out of balance or
are not working properly,
messages may not make it
through the brain correctly,
leading to symptoms of mental
illness. In addition, defects in or
injury to certain areas of the
brain have also been linked to
some mental conditions.
Other biological factors that may
be involved in the development of
mental illness include:
Genetics (heredity): Many
mental illnesses run in families,
suggesting that people who
have a family member with a
mental illness are more likely
to develop one themselves.
Susceptibility is passed on in
families through genes. Experts
believe many mental illnesses
are linked to abnormalities in
many genes -- not just one.
That is why a person inherits a
susceptibility to a mental
illness and doesn't necessarily
develop the illness. Mental
illness itself occurs from the
interaction of multiple genes
and other factors --such as
stress, abuse, or a traumatic
event -- which can influence, or
trigger, an illness in a person
who has an inherited
susceptibility to it.
Infections: Certain infections
have been linked to brain
damage and the development
of mental illness or the
worsening of its symptoms. For
example, a condition known as
pediatric autoimmune
neuropsychiatric disorder
(PANDA) associated with the
Streptococcus bacteria has
been linked to the development
of obsessive-compulsive
disorder and other mental
illnesses in children.
Brain defects or injury: Defects
in or injury to certain areas of
the brain have also been linked
to some mental illnesses.
Prenatal damage: Some
evidence suggests that a
disruption of early fetal brain
development or trauma that
occurs at the time of birth --
for example, loss of oxygen to
the brain -- may be a factor in
the development of certain
conditions, such as autism.
Substance abuse: Long-term
substance abuse, in particular,
has been linked to anxiety,
depression, and paranoia.
Other factors: Poor nutrition
and exposure to toxins, such as
lead, may play a role in the
development of mental
illnesses.What Psychological Factors
Contribute to Mental Illness?
Psychological factors that may
contribute to mental illness
include:
Severe psychological trauma
suffered as a child, such as
emotional, physical, or sexual
abuse
An important early loss, such as
the loss of a parent
Neglect
Poor ability to relate to others
What Environmental Factors
Contribute to Mental Illness?
Certain stressors can trigger an
illness in a person who is
susceptible to mental illness.
These stressors include:
Death or divorce
A dysfunctional family life
Feelings of inadequacy, low self-
esteem, anxiety, anger, or
loneliness
Changing jobs or schools
Social or cultural expectations
(For example, a society that
associates beauty with thinness
can be a factor in the
development of eating disorders.)
Substance abuse by the person or
the person's parents