Psychology and mental illness: understanding the contexts, causes and therapeutic solutions

Mental illnesses are a complex and intriguing challenge in the world of medicine and psychology. Unlike physical illnesses, where a clear cause such as a virus or bacteria can often be identified, in mental illnesses the diagnosis is more complex. Today, it is widely believed that mental illnesses result from a combination of biological, sociological and psychological factors.

The biological component includes hereditary effects and physiological changes in the brain. For example, bipolar disorder is known to carry a significant hereditary component. The sociological component emphasizes the influence of the environment on the development of mental illnesses, where a supportive or lacking environment may encourage the development of various disorders. In addition, the psychological component refers to personal sensitivities and tendencies that affect the interaction with the world.

The main question is what are the factors leading to the development of mental illnesses and which populations are at higher risk. Understanding the combination between the various factors is essential for developing tailored and effective therapeutic approaches.

Hippocrates’ contribution to the understanding of psychopathology

Hippocrates, who is considered the father of Western medicine, contributed a lot to understanding the connections between mental illnesses and physical illnesses. According to the Hippocratic view, mental illnesses are caused by the imbalance of the physiology, the environment and the mind together. This understanding formed the basis for holistic treatment approaches that combined body and mind.

Hippocrates recognized that the human brain plays a critical role in the development of mental illness. He claimed that changes in brain function, such as a change in humoral balance, may lead to mental illness. This view also included the understanding that physical illnesses can affect the mental system and consequently on human functioning.

In doing so, Hippocrates supported treatment methods designed to restore physical and mental balance, including dietary changes, physical activity and the use of natural medicines. His influence is also evident in the psychological techniques he applied, such as therapeutic conversations and active listening, which advanced the understanding of the relationship between the body and the mind to a new level in his time.

What does the field of psychopathology include?

Psychopathology focuses on the study of mental disorders and illnesses, with an emphasis on the study of their mechanisms and causes. Diagnosis, treatment and research are at the center of the field and influence the understanding of mental disorders and the improvement of therapeutic approaches.

Common symptoms in mental disorders

Schizophrenia is characterized by several prominent symptoms. Illusions and delusions harm the perception of reality and affect the ability to concentrate and follow the train of thought. The changes in behavior and social interactions are manifested in behavioral disorders.

Depression is considered a common disorder that affects many areas of an individual’s life. A decrease in energy manifests itself in fatigue and lack of energy. A sense of low self-worth clouds the feeling of happiness and the ability to deal with pressures.

Anxiety includes symptoms such as excessive fear and high anxiety levels. Avoiding social activities, as well as changes in sleeping and eating habits, affect the quality of life.

Bipolar disorders are characterized by extreme mood swings. Their impact on daily functioning can be dramatic and increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

General examinations of mental symptoms include beyond feelings of distress and discomfort, also physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches and changes in weight. The physical and mental symptoms directly and indirectly affect the quality of life.

Diagnosis of mental illness

Diagnosis of mental illnesses is carried out according to a conventional classification system such as the DSM and the ICD. These systems help mental health professionals describe and understand symptoms for proper treatment.

The medical model

The medical model sees mental illnesses as the result of biological and physical factors. For example, defects in the central nervous system may cause mental disorders. The mutual influence between body and mind is clear, when many physical illnesses lead to changes in mood and cognitive function.

The psychological approach

The psychological approach is divided into several sub-approaches. The psychodynamic model, for example, sees conflicts and unconscious motives as a source of psychopathology. This approach emphasizes the role of anxiety and disorders in the subconscious layers of the mind. On the other hand, the behavioral-cognitive model identifies incorrect cognitive patterns and core beliefs as the main causes of mental disorders.

The socio-cultural approach

This approach focuses on the influence of society and culture on the development of mental disorders. Life experiences, social pressure, and cultural expectations can play a significant role in an individual’s mental health. Studies show that today there is more recognition that a supportive environment is essential to treatment and recovery.

The biopsychosocial approach

This approach offers a combination of biological, psychological, and sociological components to explain mental disorders. It refers to the complexity of the person and promotes personalized combinations in psychological and medical treatments. This approach is based on the understanding that each person has unique factors and balances that shape his mental state.

Manuals for diagnosing and classifying mental illnesses

A standard tool for diagnosing and classifying mental illnesses is essential for mental health professionals for effective treatment.

The DSM

The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) was developed by the American Psychiatric Association and is used to diagnose and classify mental disorders. The current edition, DSM-5, defines a mental disorder as “a syndrome characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in a person’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior, reflecting a dysfunction in the psychological, biological, or developmental processes.” This guide divides the disorders into categories such as: psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, affective disorders such as depression and neuroses, and personality and control disorders.

The ICD

The ICD (International Classification of Diseases) was developed by the World Health Organization and is used as a tool to classify general diseases, including mental disorders. The ICD-10 is a general and accepted method worldwide. The use of the ICD enables uniformity in the classification of mental illnesses, which makes it easier to understand the symptoms and make the treatment more uniform and accurate in different countries.

causes mental illness

biological

Genetics play a major role in the development of mental illness. Diseases such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia contain a significant hereditary component. Neurochemistry, manifested in changes in the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline, also contributes to the development of diseases such as depression and anxiety.

psychological

Traumatic experiences negatively affect the state of mind and include events such as loss, abuse, or war experiences. The accumulation of these experiences may lead to disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Stress and anxiety are additional triggers for the development of disorders such as anxiety and depression.

social and environmental

The social environment in which a person lives affects the emergence of mental illnesses. Lack of social support and loneliness can lead to disorders such as depression and eating disorders. Drug use, especially psychedelics, contributes to the development of disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.