Genetic and social factors of mental illnesses and the role of psychologists in their prevention

Abstract. It is widely accepted by modern science that both psychogenic and organic mental illnesses have genetic and social factors which play overwhelmingly important roles in the development of such kinds of disorders. Treatment of mental disorders, nevertheless, involve medication therapy, the contribution of psychologists and the role of psychotherapy are considered as also the main part of treatment as well as prevention. So specific reasons for mental health problems will be discussed below. Besides, the formation and improvement of psychoeducation among both population and mental health specialists especially in low-income countries are expected to decrease the number of possible mental health problems and take corrective action in the difficult condition. 

Keywords: psychology; psychiatry; Neuroscience; practical and clinical psychology; psychoanalysis; genotype; schizophrenia; depression; psychogenic organic illnesses; social psychology; antipsychotic syndrome; cognitive behavioural therapy; bipolar disorder; alcoholism; 

Working and diagnosis mental health problems and providing well-being of people are one of the widely-spread problems and extremely complicated process in all over the world because many people with these problems are increasing day by day especially, in urban areas and many of these patients are unable to take the appropriate and necessary treatment.

The reason of organic mental illnesses ware always arguable topic among scientists who had had different hypothesizes but today most research is proved the main factor is genetic predisposition whereas it is not obvious which genes bore organic problems. Adoption studies, in particular, show that male adoptees whose parents suffer from alcoholism tended to be at risk with the same type of alcoholism [2].

The role of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT) in anxiety in humans is controversial. While some studies have reported an association between a functional polymorphism in the regulatory region of this gene (5-HTTLPR) and anxiety-related behaviour [3, 4], others did not replicate the finding [5]. Similar contradictory findings have been reported between this polymorphism and both MD and bipolar disorder [5]. Studies in rhesus monkeys, however, have demonstrated the role of gene-environment interaction in the association between this polymorphism and anxiety-related behaviour [6, 7]. These researches have not finished yet upon which scientists are still working. 

As they showed mental illnesses are dysfunction of the brain, pharmacology is one of the most significant parts of treatment and fortunately, modern psychopharmacology has very good medication which affects and treat people if they are prescribed by an experienced mental health specialist.

On the other hand, social and environmental factors also develop the risk of these disorders. There are some hypothesises that a person with a tendency to particular mental disorders provided that she or he grows up well-being family, as well as society, the manifestation of illnesses, may disappear in the life of this individual. 

An enormous number of psychological and psychopathological problems own their root in early of their childhood and not well-being family circumstance. Psychoanalytical theories mention that Schizophrenia can be triggered by a long and persistent creation of schizophrenic situations with subsequent punishments for the inevitable punctures. Moreover, the whole context is schizophrenogenic - i.e. it makes no sense to treat a schizophrenic and release him back into the family, because the laws of communication will come into force there again, in which he can be “right” only for “wrong” reasons, and the very possibility of indicating the fact of the existence of these laws will be forbidden by unspoken rules. Accordingly, after some time, such a patient returns to the hospital again with the same diagnosis.[8]

Unbelievable role of psychotherapy can be seen in the work of Yevgeniya Streleyskaya, a psychiatrist and psychoanalytic who wrote about the experience with a patient suffering from catatonic schizophrenia in her diploma work. The patient was men with this diagnosis and he could not take any medication because of the antipsychotic syndrome. She used the conception of Veikko Tahka to cure her patient. After a particular time, the patient could come out his catatonic stupor. From the history of psychoanalysis, such cases can be seen clearly in the work of well-known scientists like Otto Friedmann Kernberg Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP) [9] Abraham Arden Brill, John Rosen Direct Analysis[10].

As it is well-known in modern science that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is medically proved psychotherapy which is very preferable with short term duration and high effectiveness. CBT can be used in different problems such as depression, early psychosis with children, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic attacks, etc. and to give first aid to working on different symptoms. 

Liken to medication treatment, it is much more complicated process due to finding psychosocial and psychological triggers, working on them, helping family members of patients, adaptation of patients to society and avoiding these triggers after remission which are far more long-term process, however, combination specialists and both medication and psychotherapy are optimal choices to treat people. 

Psychoeducation of society

All this knowledge is helping both scientists and specialists working with people however the next far more important problem is the psychoeducation of the population. Many of the people are unable to react adequately due to lack of knowledge and fear of being judged. All over the world Mental illnesses begin manifesting themselves in 50 per cent of patients by the age of 14 and 75 per cent of patients by the age of 25. Despite the early onset, between 76 and 85 per cent of serious cases do not receive treatment in low and middle-income nations. That range drops to between 35 and 50 per cent in high incomes countries, yet it still represents a huge margin. [11] This might lead to an increase in other economical as well as social problems. Most parts of the population in the majority of developing countries have to lack knowledge, who do not know how to act if they or their relatives possess a particular mental problem, have a belief for social stereotypes such as inappropriate fear from people with mental disorders, religious or pseudoscientific explanation to their condition. 

Early diagnosis and decent treatment creation of wellbeing condition will certainly decrease and avoid mental health problems. The other point which has to be mentioned is the responsibility of mental health specialists, especially who work in public institutions (such as schools, colleges, hospitals, and other). They should make monitoring people who are probably at risk according to symptoms of The ICD 10 Classification of Mental and Behavioral Disorders and other factors, always keep in touch them instructing to overcome daily stress and stressors where Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the most effective approach but when they see serious symptoms where help of a doctor needed they should direct them to psychiatrist with thorough explanation that it is normal and necessary.  

In conclusion, both urbanization and globalization are rising risk and tendency for mental disorders it is time to reeducate mental health specialist because in every country line between psychologist and psychiatrist is arguable and debatable topic so despite education and specialization all specialists whose work is related to mental health and its wellbeing, they should be aware of all kinds of illnesses, as a result, they will be able to see early symptoms and help them. A complex approach without ignoring any factors should be given by mental health specialists.