CAUSES OF PSYCHIATRIC CONDITIONS

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BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL MODEL

BIOLOGICAL CAUSES:

Thyroid disorders: a low Thyroid Hormone Level can cause Depression and an elevated level can cause mania/psychosis
Disorders of sex hormone: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (associated with irritability, depression, anxiety and anger).
Vitamins: B12 deficiency can cause cognitive deficits (memory, judgment, reasoning) such as dementia. Depletion of Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is especially associated with Chronic Alcohol Abuse and Poor Nutrition can result in brain damage
Certain infections: HIV is associated with various mental illnesses especially if it is not adequately treated i.e. Anxiety, Depression, Psychosis, Cognitive Impairment.
Chronic Pain Conditions can predispose to anxiety, depression, and substance abuse (especially - addictive pain relieving medication)
Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment can occur.
Medications such as Corticosteroids (used for inflammation and immune suppression) can cause depression, mania, psychosis especially at high dosages and if used for prolonged periods of time in susceptible individuals.

PSYCHOSOCIAL:

Nature referring to genetic predisposition/ heritability and Nuture referring to environmental exposure.
Essentially genetic expression is affected by life experience/s.
This conclusion is based on studies conducted on Identical Twins (same DNA), Non-Identical Twins (more similar DNA), and Adopted Biological and Non-Biological Adoptions (substantial difference in DNA) which has helped to identify that inheritance does play a significant role.
The risk is higher for certain conditions such as Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia (80% or so), Substance-use Disorder( <50%) and Anxiety, Depression (<30%).
Environmental factors have also been researched and significantly contributes towards the development of Mental Illness, such as trauma during childhood, loss of a parent or child, physical or sexual abuse, dysfunctional home or living in extreme distress as outlined above.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) is a North American Construct developed by the American Psychiatric Association which is utilized in South Africa for diagnostic purposes.
Another widely used Diagnostic System is the International Classification of Disorders or (ICD)
Classification of mental illnesses allows for fellow clinicians to identify the key features of the individuals condition/s in the simplest way.
It is crucial that signs and symptoms are accurately identified and appropriate treatment implemented.

There is a high probability of an individual meeting the criteria for more than one illness.
Comorbidities (co-occurring conditions) can be explained in that any psychiatric condition may make individuals more susceptible to other psychiatric conditions.
For example, a Depressed and even Anxious person may resort to substance abuse in an attempt to cope with their symptoms.
The converse is also true in that a persons abusing substances are more likely to be depressed or anxious because of the direct effects (for e.g. central nervous system depressant can cause or aggravate depression and stimulants can cause or aggravate anxiety) and indirect effects (for e.g. social, occupational or financial effects) of the substance/s.
Substance use disorders are more likely to be associated with mood and anxiety disorders and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder -ADHD).
Mood and Anxiety disorders often tend to co-occur.
ADHD, eating disorders, conduct disorder are more likely among individuals with Bipolar Disorder.
Mood and anxiety disorders, learning disorders, substance use disorders and conduct disorders are more prevalent in individuals with ADHD.

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DIAGNOSIS UNDERSTANDING: Welcome