Frequently Asked Questions | Punjab Institute of Mental Health

What is mental illness?
What causes mental illness?
What biological factors are involved in mental illness?
Can mental illness be prevented?
What psychological factors contribute to mental illness?
What environmental factors contribute to mental illness?
What treatment options are available for mental illness?
Can people with mental illness recover?

What is mental illness?	Top
Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions or disorders that affect a person’s mood, thinking and behaviour.

What causes mental illness?	Top
It is becoming clear through research that many of these conditions are caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

What biological factors are involved in mental illness?	Top
Some biological factors that may be involved in the development of mental illness include: Neurochemical Causes: Some mental illnesses have been linked to an abnormal balance of special chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters help nerve cells in the brain communicate with each other. If these chemicals are out of balance or are not working properly, messages may not make it through the brain correctly, leading to symptoms of mental illness. In addition, defects in or injury to certain areas of the brain have also been linked to some mental conditions Genetics (Heredity): Many mental illnesses run in families, suggesting that people who have a family member with a mental illness are more susceptible (have a greater likelihood of being affected) to developing a mental illness Infections: Certain infections have been linked to brain damage and the development of mental illness or the worsening of its symptoms Structural Causes: This involves possible problems in the "wiring" of different parts of the brain. This includes possible consequences from brain trauma

Can mental illness be prevented?	Top
Most mental illnesses are caused by a combination of factors. However, some preventive measures can decrease the likelihood of developing mental illnesses. The concept of attributable risk has gained ground in mental health research and factors that are related to those can be potentially reduced to somehow prevent mental illnesses: Prevent neglect and abuse in childhood Prevent substance abuse Prevent exposure to war Increase social support Decrease burden of other health disorders Train in management of stress

What psychological factors contribute to mental illness?	Top
Psychological factors that may contribute to mental illness include specific vulnerabilities such as personality traits, particular extremes in temperament features, specific sensitivities to negative emotions, cognitive susceptibility, dysfunctional attitudes, hopelessness and negative distortions.

What environmental factors contribute to mental illness?	Top
Certain triggering factors could be significant stressors precipitating a mental illness such as: Losses experiences (physical loss after a trauma, loss of significant others, separation, etc.) Chronic threats Long-term exposure to traumatic conditions Harmful family dynamic Living in extreme deprivation and poverty Alcohol and substance misuse Severe neglect War, natural disasters, accidents, etc. Chronic pain and incapacitating chronic illness Social discrimination for example towards minorities

What treatment options are available for mental illness?	Top
Treatment options include psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, a combination of both as well as electroconvulsive therapy. Treatments can be administered in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Can people with mental illness recover?	Top
When healing from mental illness, early identification and treatment are of vital importance. Based on the nature of the illness, there are a range of effective treatments available. For any type of treatment, it is essential that the person affected is proactive and fully engaged in their own recovery process. Many people with mental illnesses who are diagnosed and treated respond well, although some might experience a return of symptoms. Even in such cases, with careful monitoring and management of the disorder, it is still quite possible to live a fulfilled and productive life.