What are Mental Disorders?

People with mental and psychosocial disorders represent a large proportion of the global population (United Nations, n.d.). Millions of people worldwide suffer from a mental illness, and it is estimated that one in four people will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives (United Nations, n.d.). However, according to the World Health Organization (2019), the prevalence of mental disorders continues to rise, significantly impacting people’s health in all countries and leading to serious socioeconomic consequences.

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What are Mental Disorders?

A mental disorder is a continuous change in mood, cognition, and/or behavior that affects basic mental processes such as emotion, motivation, cognition, consciousness, behavior, perception, feelings, learning, and language, among others (Morer et al., 2019). There are many types of mental disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dementia, intellectual disability, and autism; however, each manifests differently (World Health Organization, 2019). According to the World Health Organization (2019), the determinants of mental health and mental disorders include not only personal characteristics—such as emotions, behavior, and interaction with others—but also social, cultural, economic, political, and environmental factors such as policy, national standards, social protection, quality of life, working conditions, and community social support.

Additionally, individuals may face other risk factors, such as low socioeconomic status, unstable employment, the potential hardship of unemployment, the need to adapt to changes brought about by new technologies, and the dislocation caused by immigration (Carrasco et al., 2015). Therefore, establishing bonds throughout life is essential, and isolation, lack of support, or stress caused by events such as an illness or the loss of a loved one can trigger depression or other mental disorders (Carrasco et al., 2015). Similarly, other factors that may cause mental disorders include stress, diet, perinatal infections, and exposure to environmental risks (World Health Organization, 2019). Likewise, according to Carrasco et al. (2015), the consumption and abuse of addictive substances can significantly promote and accelerate aging, serving as an important triggering factor for mental disorders.

Research has demonstrated that genetics plays an important role in many mental illnesses (First, 2020). Typically, mental illness occurs in individuals whose genetic makeup makes them susceptible to the condition. This vulnerability, combined with life pressures—such as family or work difficulties—can lead to the development of mental disorders. Furthermore, according to First (2020), many experts believe that dysregulation of various chemical mediators in the brain, known as neurotransmitters, can cause mental disorders.

On the other hand, it is important to emphasize that mental health disorders can increase the risk of other diseases and contribute to both accidental and intentional injuries (Pan American Health Organization, 2020). Poor mental health is both a cause and a consequence of poverty, low education, gender inequality, poor health, violence, and other global challenges (United Nations, n.d.). In addition, according to the United Nations (n.d.), it limits the patient’s ability to perform productive work, reach their potential, and contribute to society.

However, mental disorders can be cured, recovered from, or managed with appropriate treatment; medications and psychological interventions are becoming increasingly selective and specific (Integrated Management Group for Mental Health, 2014). Treatment is usually tailored to each specific situation by combining medical treatment with social and occupational rehabilitation measures, psychotherapy, and family support. With early detection and timely care, most people with mental disorders will recover quickly, even without hospitalization. Nevertheless, according to the Integrated Management Group for Mental Health (2014), some individuals need to be briefly hospitalized to receive treatment, and very few patients with mental illness require long-term hospitalization.

References

1. Carrasco, E., et al. (2015). Voluntariado en Salud Mental. Obtenido 12 Noviembre 2020, de https://www.uma.es/media/tinyimages/file/Voluntariado_en_Salud_Mental.pdf

2. First, M. (2020). Introducción a las enfermedades mentales - Trastornos de la salud mental - Manual MSD versión para público general. Obtenido 12 Noviembre 2020, de https://www.msdmanuals.com/es/hogar/trastornos-de-la-salud-mental/introducción-al-cuidado-de-la-salud-mental/introducción-a-las-enfermedades-mentales

3. Grupo de Gestión Integrada para la Salud Mental. (2014). Obtenido 12 Noviembre 2020, de https://www.minsalud.gov.co/sites/rid/Lists/BibliotecaDigital/RIDE/VS/PP/abc-salud-mental.pdf

4. Naciones Unidas. (s.f.). Salud mental y desarrollo | Disabilities ES. Obtenido 12 Noviembre 2020, de https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities-es/salud-mental-y-desarrollo.html

5. Organización Mundial de la Salud. (2019). Trastornos mentales. Obtenido 12 Noviembre 2020, de https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders

6. Organización Panamericana de la Salud. (2020). Salud Mental - OPS/OMS | Organización Panamericana de la Salud. Obtenido 12 Noviembre 2020, de https://www.paho.org/es/temas/salud-mental