5.6: Mental Health - Risks, Causes, and Treatments

Mental Health - Risks, Causes, and Treatments

Mental illnesses are generally believed to arise from a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. These factors can include:

• Inherited Traits: Mental illness tends to be more common in individuals whose close relatives have a history of mental illness. Certain genetic factors may increase the risk of developing a mental health condition, and environmental triggers can activate these genetic predispositions.
• Environmental Exposures Before Birth: Exposure to environmental stressors, toxins, alcohol, drugs, or inflammatory conditions during pregnancy can sometimes be linked to the development of mental illnesses.
• Brain Chemistry: Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells. When the networks involving these chemicals are impaired, the function of receptors and nerve systems may be disrupted, leading to conditions such as depression and other emotional disorders.

Risk Factors for Mental Illness:

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing a mental health condition, including:

• A history of mental illness in a blood relative, such as a parent or sibling
• Stressful life situations, such as financial problems, a loved one’s death or a divorce
• An ongoing (chronic) medical condition, such as diabetes
• Brain damage as a result of a serious injury (traumatic brain injury), such as a violent blow to the head
• Traumatic experiences, such as military combat or assault
• Use of alcohol or recreational drugs
• A childhood history of abuse or neglect
• Few friends or few healthy relationships
• A previous mental illness

Treatment for Mental Illness

The first step in treating mental illness is obtaining a medical diagnosis to identify the specific condition. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, is typically used for diagnosis. Treatment plans depend on the type of mental illness and may include a combination of medications and therapy, as well as support from healthcare professionals, social workers, and family members.

• Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy or “talk therapy” can help people with anxiety disorders. To be effective, psychotherapy must be directed at the person’s specific anxieties and tailored to his or her needs. A typical “side effect” of psychotherapy is temporary discomfort involved with thinking about confronting feared situations.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of psychotherapy that can help people with anxiety disorders. It teaches a person different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to anxiety-producing and fearful situations. CBT can also help people learn and practice social skills, which is vital for treating social anxiety disorder. Two specific stand-alone components of CBT used to treat social anxiety disorder are cognitive therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive therapy focuses on identifying, challenging, and then neutralizing unhelpful thoughts underlying anxiety disorders. Exposure therapy focuses on confronting the fears underlying an anxiety disorder in order to help people engage in activities they have been avoiding.
• Stress-Management Techniques: Stress management techniques and meditation can help people with anxiety disorders calm themselves and may enhance the effects of therapy. While there is evidence that aerobic exercise has a calming effect, the quality of the studies is not strong enough to support its use as a treatment. Since caffeine, certain illicit drugs, and even some over-the-counter cold medications can aggravate the symptoms of anxiety disorders, avoiding them should be considered. Check with your physician or pharmacist before taking any additional medications. The family can be important in the recovery of a person with an anxiety disorder. Ideally, the family should be supportive but not help perpetuate their loved one’s symptoms. Talking with a trusted friend or member of the clergy can also provide support, but it is not necessarily a sufficient alternative to care from an expert clinician.
• Medication: Medication does not cure anxiety disorders but often relieves symptoms. Medication can only be prescribed by a medical doctor (such as a psychiatrist or a primary care provider), but a few states allow psychologists to prescribe psychiatric medications. Medications are sometimes used as the initial treatment of an anxiety disorder, or are used only if there is insufficient response to a course of psychotherapy. In research studies, it is common for patients treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication to have better outcomes than those treated with only one or the other. The most common classes of medications used to combat anxiety disorders are antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and beta-blockers. Be aware that some medications are effective only if they are taken regularly and that symptoms may recur if the medication is stopped.

Exercise: Finding Mental Health Resources

Objective:
Learn how to identify campus and community resources for mental health support and evaluate their suitability based on individual needs.

Instructions:

1. Identify Resources: Find at least two mental health resources available on your campus (e.g., counseling centers, peer support groups), or in the community (e.g., licensed therapists, psychologists, or crisis intervention services).

2. Gather Information: For each resource, answer the following questions:

   • What services do they offer?
   • Are the services free, or is there a cost? If so, what is the fee structure?
   • Are walk-in services available, or is an appointment required?
   • What are the hours of operation?

3. Evaluate Suitability: Using the resources you found, consider the following factors to determine if a mental health professional or service is a good fit:

   • Qualifications: What credentials does the professional hold?
   • Specialization: Do they specialize in issues relevant to your needs (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma)?
   • Approach to Therapy: What methods or styles do they use (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based strategies)?
   • Communication Style: Do they communicate in a way that makes you feel comfortable and respected?
   • Accessibility: Are the location, hours, and cost manageable for you?

Additional Tips for Finding a Good Fit

• Consider scheduling a brief consultation with a therapist to ask questions about their approach and experience.
• Don’t be afraid to change providers if you feel uncomfortable or if the therapy isn’t meeting your needs.