What Causes A Mental Disorder To Develop?

Traumatic Life Events

A life event can have more of a lasting impact than most individuals realize. In fact, death and divorce are among the top most stressful events an individual can undergo, and it contributes to a cumulative stress level that can cause anxiety, depression, and other conditions. Individuals who are subject to incredibly traumatic life events such as war can develop a condition called post-traumatic stress disorder, and new mothers can be victim to postpartum depression. Regardless of the change you may be experiencing, stress, and mental disorders as a result, can follow, and it is important to understand and acknowledge when a life event may be impacting your mental health.

Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury can sometimes lead to the development of mental health disorders. When an individual has suffered a traumatic brain injury, they might experience numerous symptoms related to their emotional health, cognition, and physical health. One study conducted by Danish scientists in 2013 found individuals with traumatic brain injuries had a four times higher likelihood of developing mental illnesses than those without. This included concussions, the mildest traumatic brain injury.

The study also showed individuals with a traumatic brain injury had a sixty-five percent increase in their chance of developing schizophrenia, a fifty-nine percent increase in their chance of developing depression, and a twenty-eight percent increase in their chance of developing bipolar disorder. The study was done by analyzing the records and responses of 1.4 million Danish individuals, making it one of the largest research projects of its kind in history. Another study indicated after suffering a traumatic brain injury, more than fifty percent of individuals developed depression.