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Are you born with mental illness or does it develop?
Scientists have long recognized that many psychiatric disorders tend to run in families, suggesting potential genetic roots. Such disorders include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, major depression and schizophrenia. So no one simply “inherits” depression from their mother or father. Each person inherits a unique combination of genes from their mother and father, and certain combinations can predispose to a particular illness.
Does mental illness start at birth?
Where does mental illness begin? New research suggests the seeds of psychological problems are planted well before birth. Schizophrenia, for example, is often thought of as a genetic disorder. But environmental factors can also boost risk – sometimes considerably. Roughly half of all lifetime mental disorders in most studies start by the mid-teens and three quarters by the mid-20s. Later onsets are mostly secondary conditions. Severe disorders are typically preceded by less severe disorders that are seldom brought to clinical attention.
How does a mentally ill person behave?
Each illness has its own symptoms, but common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents can include the following: Excessive worrying or fear. Feeling excessively sad or low. Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning. Mental health problems are common, so it’s important to be aware of possible signs. Feeling worried, depressed, guilty, worthless or feeling an exaggerated sense of ‘high’ may be signs of a mental health issue. Changes in sleep, weight, personal hygiene or activity at school or work may hint at a mental health issue.