Psychiatry High-Yield: Types and Causes of Mental Illness
Mental disorders are multifactorial conditions. Understanding the interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors is essential for clinical diagnosis and management.
Common Categories (Types)
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Mood Disorders | Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder. |
| Anxiety Disorders | Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Phobias. |
| Psychotic Disorders | Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder. |
| Personality Disorders | Borderline, Narcissistic, Antisocial PD. |
Etiology (Causes)
- Biological: Genetic predispositions, neurotransmitter imbalances (e.g., dopamine, serotonin), and structural brain changes.
- Psychological: Childhood trauma, maladaptive cognitive patterns, and poor coping mechanisms.
- Social/Environmental: Socioeconomic status, chronic stress, lack of social support, and cultural influences.
High-Yield Exam Pearl:
- Biopsychosocial Model: This is the gold-standard framework for understanding mental illness, emphasizing that it is rarely caused by a single factor.
- Diathesis-Stress Model: Often tested in board exams; it posits that individuals have a biological vulnerability (diathesis) that is triggered by environmental stressors.