The causes of mental illness are many, although some causes cannot be definitely proved. In this article, we are going to be looking at the some factors that can cause an individual to be mentally ill.
Factors That Causes Mental Illness
They are two major factors that lead to the occurrence of mental illness;
1. Predisposing factors
2. Precipitating factors.
These two factors have to interact with one another before a mental illness can result. This implies that one of these factors cannot lead to the occurrence of mental illness alone.
1. Predisposing Factors
these are those factors that are by virtue the individual make-up, or are inherent within the individual, thus making him or her to be susceptible to a particular mental disorder. These factors are generally described as hereditary disposition. They Include;
a. physical constitution’
b. chromosomal constitution
c. faulty gene
d. biochemical anomalies
a. Physical Constitution
It is explained that there is a correlation between ones body built or physique with the type of personality a person posses which can predispose him or her to a particular mental illness.
The basis of this is that the gene determining body built also determines personality types and as such determining a susceptible pattern.
For instance, a person with aesthetic built that is tall and lanky and narrow chested along with prominent Adam’s apple are known to be too active mentally(think excessively), they are also know to be meticulous and withdrawn. These individuals are prone to schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder and depressive psychosis.
Individuals wit pyknic built, that is short, fat and rounded are usually overactive, excessively excited. they are said to be prone to maniac psychosis.
A person with athletic built, that is average average height individuals with musculature, do exhibit mod swing that is alternating between excitement and sadness. These individuals are said to be prone to maniac depressive psychosis, otherwise referred to as Bipolar Affective Disorder.
b. Chromosomal Alternations
This is the alteration in number of chromosomes a person possess differing from the normal 46 or 23 pairs. It is an inherited situation where a person may have a extra chromosome in addition to the 46 or may have a deficit of one chromosome from the normal 46. The two main type of conditions include;
i. Down Syndrome
It is also called Mongolism or trisomy 21. It is a form of mental retardation with victims sometimes addressed as idiot or imbeciles due to their low intelligent quotient.
This condition is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome in the G-group, tat is chromosome 2 and 22, and also due to translocation especially between chromosome 14 and 21. It is usualy associated with advanced maternal age. (1 in 80 offspring of women above 40 years).
ii. Klinefetter’s Syndrome
Is is a condition of gondal defect appearing in males after puberty.
It is caused by an extra chromosome in at least one cell line. It is usually characterized by poor social adaptation and subnormal intelligence, marked by congenital malformation such as small firm testes, long legs, gynecomastia.
c. Faulty Genes
This is the alteration in the information store in the DNA found in genes. DNA is the hereditary mantra of cells and its stores of information is responsible for the controlling of cell activities, that is structure and functions.
In other words DNA information are known to determine the types of tissues to be formed, their patterns and associated characteristics and related functions.
The alteration of the information store, therefore will affect the structures as well as the physiology of such tissues.
Faulty genes are seen in conditions like;
i. Alzhemiers Disease
This is a premature aging in the brain, usually beginning in mid-adult life. It is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plagues in widespread areas of the brain.
Research has it that most patients with this condition are likely seen to have a abnormality of a gene that controls the production of apolipoprotein E, a blood protein that transport cholesterol to tissues.
Patients with this condition presents with progressive mental deterioration often with confusion, memory failure, disorientation and much more.
ii. Huntington’s Disease
This is an abnormal hereditary condition characterized by chronic progressive chorea and mental disorder that results in dementia.
It is characterized by involuntary purposeless rapid motions, flexing and extending of the fingers, raising and lowering the shoulder or grimacing.
An abnormal gene responsible for a defect in the neurons secreting Gamma Amino Butyric Acid has been traced to be associated with this disease condition.
d. Biochemical Anormalies
This is the imbalance in the level of certain neurotransmitters and hormones in the body resulting in either deficient or exaggerated functioning and manifesting as abnormal behaviour.
For instance, he hormonal changes as noted in the menopausal period combined with other stressful circumstances bring about alteration in the level of certain neurotransmitters and hormones such as dopamine, nor-epinephrine and serotonin thus leading to depression.
2. Precipitating Factors
These are the external factors that are outside the individual. They are usually referred to environmental factors.
These factors triggers or precipitates the development of mental illness when they interact with the already existing predisposing factors within the individual.
These factors are categorized as;
a. physical factors
b. physiological factors
c. Socioeconomic factors
d. socio-cultural factors.
a. Physical Factors
these include al the physical disease that impinge on the nervous or mental functions. They include the following;
- infections such as meningitis
- trauma such as head injury
- intoxicants such as drugs
- malnutrition such as vitamin deficiencies
- old age
- tumors in the brain
- cerebrovascular disease such as stroke
- endocrine disorder such as hypothyroidism.
b. Phsychological Factors
These are situations, events or circumstances that can negatively affect the emotional state of the individual.
They include the loss of loved ones, divorce , disappointment in love or contract, failure i achievement, pathological upbringing and experience and much more.
c. Socioeconomic Factors
These are those factors that directly or indirectly affect the financial well being of an individual. It usually emanates from the society. They include unemployment, refreshment, poverty, inflation, unreasonable financial burdens
d. Sociocultural Factors
These are those factors that have bearing with the culture of a people. They are traditional practices or belief system tat can adversely affect the members of the society by disrupting their mental integrity.
We hope this information was helpful. Feel free to ask your questions in the comment section below.