Ashley Downes webWhat is mental illness?

Mental illness can refer to a vast range of mental health conditions. Mental illness is associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work, or family activities. Mental health illnesses are health conditions that involves changes in behavior, emotion, and sometimes thinking. Some examples of mental illnesses can include any of the following: anxiety disorders, addictive behaviors, depression, bi-polar, schizophrenia, personality disorder, OCD, PTSD and many more.

What are some of the signs of mental illness?

Common signs of mental illness can include the following:

  • Prolonged depression
  • Social withdrawal
  • Substance use
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Hallucinations
  • Changes in school or work performances
  • Persistent nightmaresMentalHealth-3-healthyplace
  • The growing inability to cope with day-to-day tasks

 

What causes mental illness?

Although there is no exact cause for mental illnesses, research shows that in can be linked to the following: inherited traits, environmental exposures before birth (i.e. drugs and alcohol), certain infections such as an infection in the brain that can cause damage. For example, a condition known as PANDA – Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder has been linked in the development of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).  Other causes can also be psychological trauma that the person has suffered as a child – either physically or mentally.

What is the treatment for mental illness?

Treatment for any type of mental illness will depend on the type of disorder and the severity. Depending on the diagnosis by the physician, the patient may receive treatment from only one health care provider if the patient’s mental illness is well-controlled. If it is more severe, physicians will often approach with a team aspect. Some other course of treatment for mental illness can include: psychotherapy, medication depending on the diagnosis, support groups, electroconvulsive therapy, and art therapy are just some of the treatment plans that could help mental illness disorders.

How can you prevent mental illness?

Although it is challenging to prevent mental illness, there are some things you can do to help minimize the symptoms such as taking steps to control stressful situations or tasks and routine medical care with your primary or psychiatrist. Also, learning what may trigger you and your symptoms will help you be able to either cope with mental illness and/or sometimes knowing what situations or environments you should avoid.

The information provided is for general interest only and should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation. This information does not in any way constitute the practice of medicine, or any other health care profession. Readers are directed to consult their health care provider regarding their specific health situation. Marque Medical is not liable for any action taken by a reader based upon this information.