Mental health disorders are disorders that affect your emotions, mentality, and behavior. In 2021, researchers found that 1 in every 7 people live with at least one mental disorder, making them more common than you might think [1]. Common disorders include depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), among others. They are split into categories, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders, each with varying levels of severity. Most disorders can significantly disrupt daily life, affecting one’s actions, emotions, and decreasing the quality of life of many. There are several treatment options available, including medication such as antidepressants, psychotherapy, as well as brain stimulation treatments among others [2]. There are genetic and external factors causing mental disorders, and it is important to know ways to support friends and family who may suffer from these mental disorders.
Both genetic and environmental factors can have significant effects on the development of mental disorders. Genetic factors can be deemed as anything inherited. There are certain genetic variations in the genome that may contribute to increased likeness of a mental illness. Although their specific functions have not yet been clarified, 136 “hotspots” on the genome have been pinpointed by scientists where these variants may occur [3]. Many doctors were also able to connect some genotypes that would increase likeness in mental disorders. For example, a type of the MAOA gene that metabolizes neurotransmitters has shown to increase the probability of antisocial personality disorders while a certain type of serotonin transporter may cause heavy depression because it affects brain cell communication [4].
Environmental factors are defined as influences on organism health that aren’t inherited genetically [5]. Examples include traumatic events such as being a victim of a crime or sexual abuse, which may lead to confusion, exhaustion, sadness, and dissociation [6]. At first, these reactions are considered normal responses; however, they may evolve into mental illnesses as they intensify. These intensified symptoms may include longer periods of unrest, little to no periods of tranquility, or intense disconnection with their identity, reality, or memory [7]. These emotional and physiological stressors may impact how the genes that regulate our emotions and brain chemistry function. Finding the cause of mental illnesses is challenging because it takes shapes in unusual emotions and behavior, unlike many types of physical diseases. They don't have any biological indicators, there are many overlapping symptoms for different illnesses, and the tools for assessing mental health are inconsistent [8].
There are several treatments for mental disorders that vary based on the intensity of the symptoms and its category. Following physical exams, evaluations, and tests, doctors make detailed treatment plans for patients. Different types of drugs may be prescribed in different cases, but one of the most common treatments in all mental disorders is psychotherapy. In psychotherapy, patients talk through issues and mental barriers with a licensed therapist or psychologist, and can learn more about themselves, leading to growth towards better mental health. While this type of treatment is not a drug that is physically benefiting the body, it can benefit the patient’s mental stability by, for example, giving the patient the means to draw attention away from triggers. Studies show that 75% of psychotherapy patients improved after just six months [9].
In most cases, psychotherapy is the secondary form of treatment, and drugs are prescribed, which can be more effective treatments. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are often prescribed, as well as anti-anxiety medications. SSRIs are most commonly prescribed to patients who suffer from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. They work by blocking serotonin, a neurotransmitter that carries signals to and from brain cells. In doing so, SSRIs stimulate more blood flow around the brain, allowing for more messages to be passed between brain cells, therefore promoting brain function. The patient’s thoughts and actions are therefore less affected by the condition when brain function is increased, leading to a more normal everyday life without symptoms. For patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, antipsychotics are often prescribed. These drugs are different from antidepressants in that they reduce dopamine activity. Dopamine is another type of neurotransmitter, which acts similarly to serotonin. It is believed that transmission of signals through dopamine to be the cause of many psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, which allows antidepressants to be effective as treatment in some cases of psychosis [10].
There are several methods to help identify or respond to family members or friends who live with mental illness. Some signs to identify mental illness may include being detached, alternating communication patterns, and differences in sleeping and eating patterns. If these signs become increasingly severe, it may be helpful to reach out thoughtfully. Avoid accusation and focus on using “‘I’ statements”, to indicate how you yourself have been feeling. For example, instead of saying, “You never hang out with us anymore, how come?” (which sounds accusatory), a better option would be, “I feel like we barely see each other anymore, is everything okay?” Once they start opening up, it’s important to listen and be empathetic. Then you can encourage them to take action by going to therapy or seeing a doctor [11]. However, if they don't want help, it is important to be patient; refrain from giving advice as they may become defensive. Furthermore, you can research their particular condition to see how you can better support them. It is important to set boundaries and be honest about what you can and cannot do [12].
Mental disorders are one of the most misunderstood illnesses and are more common than you may think. Symptoms of mental disorders can be both very significant and create disturbances but can also be small and almost unnoticeable. Mental disorders can be caused by genetic or environmental factors, or both. Genetic variations can cause a defect in the brain’s neurotransmitters, which affects the brain’s ability to transport messages between cells. Environmental factors such as traumatic events, or psychological stressors can support the development of a mental disorder, even without any biological markers. This aspect of mental disorders makes finding the causes of the disorder very difficult, as anything can trigger or start the development of a disorder. There are various methods of treatment available, ranging from drugs like antidepressants and antipsychotics to psychotherapy. In combination, these methods can prove to be effective, especially with the supplementation of helpful responses of family members and friends. Encouragement and empathetic responses can help the patient and help support them. In conclusion, it is important to be informed about the various ranges of mental disorders with their increasing prevalence in today’s world.