What Causes A Mental Disorder To Develop?

Prenatal Brain Damage

There have been hundreds of studies on the different ways prenatal factors can influence a baby's development. Exposure to certain substances and circumstances can increase a child's chances of physical birth defects, disabilities, cognitive development issues, other neurological development problems, or multiple different types of illness. Prenatal brain damage has also been linked to the development of mental illness. There have been studies showing increased levels of inflammation and infections during pregnancy can increase a child's risk of neurological impairment. More definitive research is necessary regarding how these factors influence the development of different mental illnesses.

Over thirty years ago, the first study was published indicating children born to women who had the flu during pregnancy would have a higher chance of developing schizophrenia. Studies conducted since then have indicated prenatal inflammation and a variety of different infections increase a child's chances of developing depression or having autism spectrum disorder. Researchers believe this is because of subtle brain damage to the fetus, but it's difficult to quantify or measure the levels of damage.

Poor Nutrition

Poor nutrition can increase an individual's chances of developing a mental illness. In some cases, this may be due to the stress of poverty and going hungry. However, some individuals might be malnourished and experience mental health symptoms even while having adequate access to food. A variety of vitamin imbalances can cause depression, fatigue, pain, anxiety, and even psychosis. On top of this, food is necessary for energy. If individuals don't eat enough, they'll be tired and unproductive. Hunger has been well documented as a factor in an individual's stress levels.

Research has indicated children, in particular, have a higher chance of developing mental illness if they don't have adequate access to food. Children who often go to bed or school hungry also have a higher rate of health complaints like sleeplessness, depression, irritability, anxiety, headaches, and stomachaches. Both the physical and emotional health of hungry children can be impacted by a lack of food.