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How does dual diagnosis develop? The relationship between mental health and substance misuse is complex and varies from individual to individual. The Department of Health has described four possible relationships : • A mental illness can lead to substance misuse. For example, a person may use alcohol or drugs to ‘self-medicate’ and relieve their symptoms, or their illness may make them more likely to engage in risky behaviour such as taking excessive amounts of drugs. • The use of alcohol or drugs can make a mental health condition worse or alter its course. For example, using substances may make people more likely…
What causes anxiety?
The causes of anxiety are not fully known, but things to do with your family, your body and what has happened to you in the past are all believed to be involved. Studies have shown that some people are born more likely to have high levels of anxiety. You are probably more likely to suffer from an anxiety disorder if someone in your family does.
Drug use and some physical conditions can also lead to increased anxiety as can one or more events that cause significant adjustments in everyday life (e.g. marriage, injury or retirement).
Personality disorders can be caused by a number of different factors, but these are not always clear. They can include: Genetic causes Some personality traits are thought to be inherited genetically. If a child is particularly sensitive from an early age then they may be more susceptible to developing problems with their personality in later life. Psychological causes Many people diagnosed with personality disorders describe experiences of past traumas or events. These can often include difficulties growing up, including childhood neglect or physical, emotional or sexual abuse. Childhood is when you learn to cope with and manage intense emotional changes…
What causes schizoaffective disorder? We do not know what causes schizoaffective disorder. However, evidence shows that genetic, biological and environmental factors increase your risk of developing the illness. Genetic and biological factors Schizoaffective disorder occurs more often in families where other members have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or bipolar disorder. This suggests that genetics may have a role to play in the development of schizoaffective disorder, although scientists have not identified a particular gene that is solely responsible. An imbalance in the levels of certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters may cause the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder. …
How is bipolar disorder caused? Little is known about the causes of bipolar disorder. Previous theories have looked at psychosocial causes and more recently attention has been focused on biological causes such as genetics and hormones. According to research reviewed by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), there is currently no single explanation and the following factors are thought to be involved: Genetics As mood disorders often cluster in families, a lot of attention has been given to the genetic basis for bipolar disorder. First degree relatives (parents, children and siblings) of a person with bipolar disorder…
Nobody knows exactly what causes schizophrenia, and it is likely to be the result of several factors. The ‘stress-vulnerability’ model suggests that some people are more vulnerable to developing the illness than others when subjected to the same amount of stress, such as bereavement or the loss of a job Less vulnerable people will only become unwell under more stress. Research has been carried out into what factors make people more vulnerable to developing the illness. Brain chemistry, genetics, birth complications and social factors such as an urban upbringing, migration and adversity have all been considered. Recently, a strong link…
What causes eating disorders? Like with all psychiatric illnesses, there is no single factor that causes someone to develop an eating disorder. A person’s experiences, personality and genetic make-up may all play a part in the development of an illness. Factors can include a person’s culture, family life, things that have happened to them or that they have seen, feelings that they need to act on impulse or that they need to achieve perfection, and physical or genetic factors. Some people believe that eating disorders are a direct result of the pressure from media and fashion to be thin. Whilst…
What causes psychosis? There is no single cause of psychosis. Researchers believe genetic, biological and environmental factors all play a part. These include: Genetic causes Brain chemicals Childhood experiences Birth complications Drugs Stress Inner city living, social migration, social exclusion Genetic causesIf you have a relative with psychosis, you are more likely to experience the condition as well. On average, around 1 in 100 people will experience psychosis. But 15 in 100 people with a parent with psychosis will themselves experience psychosis. People who have two biological parents with a psychotic illness are even more likely to experience psychosis. You…
What causes depression? There is no single known cause of depression. Current explanations tend to lie in a combination of brain chemistry, genetic and environmental factors. Biochemical It is known that in people experiencing depression there is a change in their brain messaging chemicals. These chemicals are important in regulating mood and various other important functions. When an imbalance of brain chemicals occur, it is believed that depression can result although it is also possible that brain chemicals may change because of depression occuring. Genetic Genetic factors appear to play a part in depression. However, this is likely to be…
Many different things can cause stress. It could be one particularly difficult situation or event (such as a divorce or being unemployed), or it could be a number of smaller things adding together to contribute (e.g. feeling undervalued at work and dealing with difficult children). A situation or event that is stressful for one person may even be motivating for another. Some common causes of stress include money problems, problems at work, relationship issues, the death of someone close. family problems and exams. Some of the stress we experience might even be self-generated e.g. a result of having unrealistic expectations…
Suicide risk is affected by life events, and the way a person is affected by these events. Someone’s social situation and history also affect risk. Different factors might make some people more vulnerable than others. However, risk factors might include: Something upsetting or life-changing happening such as a relationship breakdown or bereavement Using alcohol or drugs Social isolation and living alone A history of being abused Feelings of shame Mental health conditions, such as depression, psychotic illnesses or personality disorder. Alcoholism, or misusing alcohol Having a physical health condition, especially if this causes pain or serious disability Previous suicide attempts,…
Why do people self harm? There are many reasons why people self harm. Each person who self-harms has his or her own reason. Often the reasons people give for their self harm behaviour is different from what the professionals say. In a survey of young people conducted by the Samaritans (2001), the most common reason given was 'to find relief from a terrible situation’. The least common reason was 'to get my own back.' The reasons that people who self harm give for their behaviour can be broadly grouped into three categories: Controlling Mood Affect (mood) regulation is how a…
Approximately 1% of the population has bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings from extreme highs (mania) to extreme lows (depression). This section provides information on the condition and on how it can be treated and managed.
Response to the British Psychological Society's statement that it is unhelpful to see mental health problems as illnesses with biological causes
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental illness that affects your moods and thoughts. This section provides information on the condition and possible causes and treatments.
Psychosis is when you have a break from reality. We look at what this means and its possible causes and treatments.
This section aims to provide information on some of the common symptoms and causes of stress. It will also look at some of the options and techniques that people can use to manage their stress levels.
This section aims to provide information on the symptoms, causes and possible treatments for depression. It will also look at what treatment you should be offered from the NHS if you are diagnosed with depression.
If you have diabetes the level of sugar in your blood is too high. This is because your body cannot use it properly and it builds up in your blood. This section looks at the signs, causes and treatment for diabetes.
This section aims to provide information on what personality disorders are and how they may affect you. It includes information on the different types and causes of personality disorders and the possible treatments. It also looks at the various complications that can arise from having this diagnosis.