Psychiatry

There is evidence to conclude that some mental health disorders run in families. People with a family history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, and major depression are at increased risk for developing them. However, it is not known if this is genetic or due to other factors, such as environmental factors and thought processes, coping strategies or behavior that people receive from their parents.

Some of the common causes of psychiatric conditions are:

• Childhood trauma, neglect, and abuse
• Chronic stress
• Domestic violence
• Drug abuse
• Homelessness
• Loneliness and isolation
• Excessive smoking and use of tobacco
• Poor financial health, such as poverty or debt
• Stigma and discrimination
• Underlying neurological conditions

Patients suffering from mental illnesses have reduced quality of life. People with severe mental health problems experience a lack of control, autonomy and choice, a feeling of distress, a sense of isolation and not being a part of society, low confidence and self-esteem, and a sense of demoralization and hopelessness.