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Medications for the treatment of mental illnesses
were discovered in the 1950's. This discovery suggested that mental
illness might result from a biological imbalance of chemicals found
in the brain. Since, clinical and lab research has completely changed
the treatment of mental illness.
Researchers are examining:
- the biochemical functioning of the brain
- the structural components of the brain
- the physiological influence of environment and
stress upon behavior
This approach to the study of mental illness has
given rise to the phrase "biological psychiatry."
Biological psychiatry encourages the public to
think of psychiatric illnesses as having a physical cause. This
helps dispel the myths surrounding mental illness and decreases
the reluctance many people have to seek treatment.
However, this idea has also lent itself to a common
misconception. If lab tests can be performed to establish imbalances
of specific substances natural in the brain, can a lab test detect
the chemical imbalance present in mental illness? The answer is,
not yet. One reason is that chemicals in the brain cannot
be easily obtained in a body fluid for the purpose of examination
like another natural substance. There is no biological test to diagnose
mental illness or predict response to a given treatment.
Despite the fact that we do not have all the answers
to questions releted to mental illness, it is important to not lose
sight of what we do know -mental illness is treatable. As
with physical disease, effective treatments can begin even though
the exact cause of the illness remains unknown.
If you or someone you know seems to suffer from a mental disorder,
call for help.
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