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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffThere's no specific identifiable cause of mental illness. But mental illnesses, in general, are thought to be caused by a variety of biochemical, genetic and environmental factors:
- Biochemical. Biochemical causes are related to naturally occurring processes in your body, leading some experts to characterize mental illnesses as brain disorders. This is the "nature" part of the nature vs. nurture debate. Some evidence from imaging studies indicates that people with mental illness have physical changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain but may eventually help pinpoint causes. The naturally occurring brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which are linked to mood, also may play a role in some mental illnesses. Hormonal imbalances also could be a culprit.
- Genes. Your genes direct all your body's functions and define you as a living human being. Some studies suggest that mental illness is linked to certain inherited genes. In fact, mental illness is more common in people whose biological family members also have a mental illness. Researchers are trying to find genes that may be involved in causing mental illness. Some research suggests that you may have a genetic vulnerability to developing a mental illness and that your life situation may trigger the actual development of a mental illness.
- Environment. Environment is also thought to play a causal role in some way. Environmental causes are situations in your life that are difficult to cope with, such as the loss of a loved one, financial problems and high stress. This is the "nurture" part of the nature vs. nurture debate.
