Mental Health Causes

A multitude of etiological factors contribute to the onset of mental health disorders. Environmental, social, behavioral, biological, and genetic underpinnings influence the intricate interplay between these factors. The association between mental health and chronic medical comorbidities demands emphasis, as evidenced by the significant overlap in their etiological factors and adverse health outcomes. This complex interplay presents significant challenges for healthcare providers who may not be adequately equipped to address both mental and physical health concerns.

Common Mental Health Concerns

• Anxiety Disorders: This is characterized by feelings of worry, anxiety, and fear. These are often enough to interfere with one’s activities of daily living. Some examples include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias.
• Depression: A disorder that leads to lowered mood or loss of interest in activities.
• Bipolar Disorders: Associated with the cycling of depressive to manic episodes. Examples include bipolar 1, bipolar 2, and cyclothymia.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A condition that develops when one has witnessed or experienced a traumatic event.
• Schizophrenia: Causes psychosis and influences the way the world is perceived. It may be associated with delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, negative symptoms, agitation, and more.
• Eating Disorders: Described by health conditions that influence one’s perception, attitude, and behavior associated with foods. Common examples include anorexia and bulimia.
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders: These are disabilities primarily related to the neurological symptoms and the nervous symptoms. Some examples are autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and conduct disorders.

Mental Health and Suicide

Roughly half of all U.S. adults will experience a mental health condition throughout their lifetime. These conditions can significantly elevate the risk of self-harm and suicide, a leading cause of death in the United States, impacting over 12 million adults with serious suicidal ideation annually. Telehealth offers a promising approach, with over 26 million adults utilizing virtual mental health services in 2020. The increasing prevalence of self-medication with alcohol or drugs reinforces the need for accessible and effective mental health services.

Mental Health and Treatment

Effective interventions for mental health conditions necessitate a multifaceted approach that acknowledges both the diagnosis and the individual’s lived experience. Due to the inherent heterogeneity of mental health presentations, treatment plans should be tailored to address the symptoms and their impact on the client’s life. To ensure optimal outcomes, mental health professionals must engage in collaborative and iterative processes. This ongoing dialogue allows for continuous assessment of treatment effectiveness and facilitates adjustments as needed. By fostering client-centered and person-first approaches, mental health professionals can empower individuals to achieve lasting improvement in their well-being.

Comprehensive treatments typically incorporate a combination of interventions, which may include therapy, counseling, medication, and other forms of support. The duration of treatment can vary significantly, ranging from short-term interventions to long-term management.

Mental Health and Society

At the population level, a concerning trend persists: psychiatric and substance use disorders remain highly stigmatized, leading to significant under-reporting. Consequently, a substantial portion of individuals experiencing mental health conditions never receive adequate treatment. Notably, social, familial, and cultural factors demonstrably influence the expression and lived experience of psychological and psychiatric difficulties. However, the current healthcare system, often characterized by hyper-specialization, presents significant barriers to disclosure and treatment-seeking behaviors for those struggling with mental health concerns.

Mental Health and IPHS

IPHS adopts a novel approach to mental health, integrating interdisciplinary and translational perspectives. To achieve a more comprehensive understanding of mental health, IPHS advocates for expanding beyond clinically defined disorders toward a broader dimensional framework. This framework acknowledges the spectrum of mental health experiences, moving beyond solely categorical diagnoses. Furthermore, IPHS emphasizes the importance of aligning evidence from diverse disciplines, including social sciences, biology, and developmental psychology. By integrating these perspectives, IPHS aims to create a more holistic understanding of the factors contributing to mental health and illness. IPHS aligns itself with the World Health Organization’s position in firmly establishing mental health as a fundamental and universal human right. This recognition underscores the importance of prioritizing mental health services and promoting well-being for all individuals. At IPHS, we leverage interdisciplinary and translational approaches to reframe mental health. First, we need to expand the clinically defined mental health disorders to a broader dimensional approach to mental health. Second, we must align evidence from social, biological, developmental disciplines. Third, as with WHO’s proposal, we need to cement the principles of considering mental health as a universal and undeniable human right.