Vishnupriya Mental Disorders
There are many causes of mental illness, and in most cases, these causes are not readily apparent. Often, multiple factors combine to lead to the development of mental disorders. In contrast, the causes of physical diseases are typically more straightforward; for instance, tuberculosis, malaria, and typhoid are caused by germs.
Mental illness can arise from a combination of physiological, psychological, and sociological factors. It typically occurs when there are defects related to constitutional makeup, heredity, family background, socio-cultural and economic conditions, personal character traits, and mental development.
Heredity
While heredity is a significant factor in mental illness, it does not imply that all offspring of affected individuals will also develop a mental disorder. Certain types of mental retardation and brain degeneration can be inherited, such as Huntington’s disease. Mental illnesses tend to run in families. For example, if either the mother or the father has a mental illness, the risk of their children being affected is about 4 percent. If both parents suffer from mental illnesses, the risk increases to approximately 14 percent. Additionally, if one twin develops a mental illness, the likelihood that the other twin will also be affected is between 60 percent and 90 percent.
Body composition, much like a set of traits, is influenced by genetics and tradition. For instance, the Tamil Siddhars categorized bodily systems into three types: Vali Udal, Aal Udal, and Aiya Udal. It is noteworthy that individuals with a strong body structure may be prone to depression, while those with a more doubtful body structure may be susceptible to manic-depressive disorders. This can be related to classifications such as Ectomorph, Mesomorph, and Endomorph.
Brain Damage
In older age, blood flow to the brain may be restricted or decreased due to various factors, leading to conditions such as dementia from brain cell degeneration. Head injuries resulting from road accidents may also cause significant brain damage. Additionally, conditions like pellagra can lead to brain damage due to vitamin deficiencies. Exposure to lead, alcohol, and opiates can similarly harm the brain, and some medications may inadvertently cause brain injury as well. Furthermore, the brain development of a fetus in the womb can be adversely affected by these factors.
Recent advancements in imaging technology, such as MRI, SPECT, and PET scans, have enabled more precise studies of the brain. These imaging techniques can reveal changes in brain structure and function, providing insights into various age-related diseases.
Psychological Causes
Character Development
Over the years, there have been many differing opinions on character development, but the method proposed by German psychiatrist Sigmund Freud in the early 20th century is known as psychoanalysis. This approach not only outlines the development of human character but also explains the flaws that can occur, as well as the various mental illnesses that may arise as a result. It also offers treatment options based on psychological principles derived from these observations.
A detailed explanation of this can be found in my earlier book, “Psychiatry in Today’s Medicine” (NCPH Publication). Freud divides the human mind into three parts:
i) Id (Pleasure Principle)
ii) Ego (Reality Principle)
iii) Superego (Justice Principle or Moral Principle)
A person becomes complete only when these three parts are properly formed. The ego functions as an intermediary between the id, which seeks pleasure, and the superego, which seeks justice. At times, these areas may not develop correctly, leading to emotional struggles between them. According to Freud’s theory, the underlying causes of a person’s unwanted actions and various types of nervous disorders can be analyzed, allowing for appropriate remedies that help refine lifestyles.
Freud identified several defense mechanisms to regulate human emotions, thoughts, and actions. These are:
– Regression
– Dissociation
– Reaction Formation
– Projection
– Displacement
– Rationalization
– Compensation
– Substitution
– Emotional Development If these mechanisms are misused, instead of bringing peace to the mind, they can lead to psychological illnesses.
Psychosexual Development
Freud categorized psychosexual development into five stages: oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital. Progress through these stages can be stunted or halted, potentially resulting in undesirable traits and behaviors in a child’s mental development.
While Freud’s method of psychoanalysis can provide valuable insights into human behavior, there are significant challenges in fully implementing this approach in medical practice. To master these techniques, one must receive training from an expert in the field, which is quite limited. Training takes about three to four years and is often expensive, making it less widespread. Even in regions where it was previously common, the practice of psychoanalysis has declined.
Circumstantial Causes
Family Structure and Welfare
For healthy character development, a child must receive constant and secure love and affection from both parents. Discord and disharmony between parents can have detrimental effects. The family situation can be greatly affected by a father who abuses alcohol or drugs, leading not only to economic hardship but also to family violence and neglect of child care. A father engaged in criminal behavior also serves as a poor role model, causing children to lose their ability to discern right from wrong. The family environment plays a significant role in shaping a child’s behavior, with those living in areas plagued by crime or substance abuse often experiencing moral deterioration. Additionally, mothers with young children are at a higher risk of developing depression.
The quality of educational institutions also influences child development. Improving the standards of the schools and vocational training institutes where children spend their time can lead to better outcomes.
Socioeconomic factors remain a persistent cause of mental illness. Research has shown that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are at a higher risk for developing mental health issues compared to those who are affluent.
Beyond financial struggles, factors such as excessive workloads, unsatisfactory job conditions, lack of support from supervisors, and job insecurity can contribute to mental illness. When investigating the causes of an individual’s mental health issues, many of these elements often emerge as significant contributors. However, mental illness can sometimes be enigmatic, with causes that remain unknown but may be uncovered through future scientific advancements.
