top of page
Writer's pictureJuliana Eljach

What are Mental Disorders?

Updated: Nov 27, 2023

People with mental and psychosocial disorders represent a large proportion of the world's population (United Nations, n.d.). Millions of people in the world suffer from a mental illness and it is estimated that one in four people will experience a mental disorder in their lifetime (United Nations, n.d.). However, according to the World Health Organization (2019), the prevalence of mental disorders continues to increase, which has had a great impact on people's health in all countries and has caused serious socioeconomic consequences.



What are Mental Disorders?

Mental illness or disorder is a continuous change in mood, in cognition and/or in the type of behavior, in which basic mental processes such as emotion, motivation, cognition, consciousness, behavior, perception, feeling, learning, language, among others, are affected (Morer et al, 2019). According to the World Health Organization (2019), there are many types of mental disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dementia, intellectual disability, and autism, yet each has different manifestations.

According to the World Health Organization (2019), the determinants of mental health and mental disorders include not only personal characteristics, such as the ability to manage thoughts, emotions, behavior and interaction with others, but also social, cultural, economic, political and environmental factors, such as politics, national standards, social protection, quality of life, working conditions and community social support.

In addition, people may face other risk factors, such as low socioeconomic levels, unstable jobs, possible suffering from unemployment, the need to adapt to changes caused by new technologies, and uprooting caused by immigration. (Carrasco et al, 2015). Therefore, according to Carrasco et al (2015), throughout life the establishment of bonds is essential and isolation, shortness of breath or stress caused by events such as an illness or the death of a loved one, can cause depression or other mental illnesses.

Similarly, other factors that can 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 has the ability to significantly promote and accelerate aging, and can be an important trigger for mental illnesses.

In the same vein, genetics have been shown to play an important role in many mental illnesses (First, 2020). Mental illness usually occurs in people whose genetic makeup makes them susceptible to illness. This vulnerability, along 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 altering the regulation of various chemical mediators in the brain, called neurotransmitters, can lead to mental disorders.

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

However, mental disorders and problems can be cured, recovered, or controlled through proper treatment; drugs and psychological interventions are increasingly selective and specific (Integrated Management Group for Mental Health, 2014). According to the Integrated Management Group for Mental Health (2014), treatment is usually defined specifically for each situation, combining medical treatment with social and occupational rehabilitation measures, psychotherapy and family support.

Through early detection and timely care, most people with mental disorders will recover quickly, even without hospitalization (Integrated Management Group for Mental Health, 2014). However, according to the Integrated Management Group for Mental Health (2014), other people need to be hospitalized briefly for treatment, and very few patients with mental illness require long-term hospitalization.



Referencias

  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

8 views0 comments

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
bottom of page