Mental disease

Mental disease, more acceptably called mental disorder or mental illness, refers to the psychological or physiological state of a person with an emotional of behavioral problem that is not considered to be part of normal development or culture.

Although much has been learned about mental disorders there are stigma and discrimination is still very common causing many who suffer from the problem to hide instead of seeking professional help.

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However, until now there is no single factor that can be considered to be the sole reason for the development of mental disorders.

Some of the factors that are known to contribute to the development of mental disorders include:

Genes

Although having someone in the family with a mental disorder will not automatically mean that a person will have the same problem it does increase the risk of developing such a disorder.

Environmental factors

Events/circumstances that lead to much stress or at the very least affect hormone levels have been cited as reasons for developing mental disorders.

A very common disorder that affects a large percentage of mothers is Post Partum Depression, which is triggered during pregnancy and birth.

Other events include accidents that can result in significant trauma whether physically to the brain or psychologically.

Social factors

Stress and other negative experiences are very much associated with the development of mental disorders.

Stressful experiences, however, need not be always negative but can even be positive things such as a new job, marriage, moving to a new (better) place, etc. Of course, more obvious stress factors include negative experiences such as being embarrassed, rejected, abused, etc.

Credit photo: Giuseppe Crimeni

However, many tend to turn a blind eye instead of encouraging seeking professional opinion due to the stigma associated with mental problems. Mental health professionals are needed in order to correctly diagnose a person with mental disorder(s).

Aside from routine assessments via consultation a physical examination and psychological test may be given.

Sometimes repeated consultation is needed before a mental health professional can diagnose a patient accurately, especially if the patient is suffering from several disorders.

Different medicines apply to each individual and the use of medication must be closely monitored by a psychiatrist.

There are many approaches to psychotherapy though most therapists often use several approaches depending on the needs of the sufferer.

Most mental health professionals agree that a combination of psychotherapy and medication works best in treating mental disorders.