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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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