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Risk Factors Related to Mental Illness
Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are the result of various factors. Some of the biological and psychosocial risk factors influencing mental illness that research has identified are as follows (American Psychological Association, 1992):
- Biological stressors - Injuries to the brain, prenatal and perinatal complications, etc., as well as many hereditary factors play a significant role in mental disorders.
- Socioeconomic status (SES) - Highest rates of depression are found in low income and low education populations.
- Family conflicts and disruptions - Conflicts and disruptions have been linked to the decline of the family and increasing numbers of children and their parents with depression. Economic status and unsafe environments compound these issues.
- Ethnic groups - Some ethnic minorities are at higher risk for certain mental disorders. This may be linked to the disproportionate number of ethnic minorities with lower SES and cultural barriers in accessing treatment. However, research is often uncertain and disparities may be related to how specific ethnic groups "perceive" mental illness (USDHHS, 2000).
- Gender differences - Women experience depression and anxiety at disproportionately higher rates than men. Males have higher rates of schizophrenia, antisocial, personality disorders, and substance use disorders as adults. Conduct disorders, attention deficit disorders, and autism are found more frequently in male children. A higher number of males successfully commit suicide, although females also make a lot of suicide attempts.
Description of Adult Mental Health Home Page
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