There are many theories on the etiology of mental illness that fundamentally vary. Mental wellness and illness are not a bi-product of a singular factor, but rather a combination of influences and decisions.
Etiology: The cause, or more accurately causes, of a mental health disorder, are vast. With mental illness, there are often multiple causes and genetic predispositions. The specific etiology of each disorder will vary from person to person. Often a blend of genetics, learned behaviors, and decision-making will dictate mental wellness.
Theories of etiology break down into two major different categories, nature and nurture theories. Most experts in the field believe that mental health disorder development is a combination of both nature and nurture factors.
Nature: Mental wellness/illness is based on DNA, genetics, and other biochemical factors. Predispositions (genetic likelihood) are very important.
Nurture Mental wellness/illness is a bi-product of environmental and circumstantial life events that occur. For example, the way you were raised, a trauma, life experience, diet, exercise, birth order, geography, etc.
These two constructs directly interact with one another. Many of your behavioral decisions will influence your body chemistry. If you are lazy, don’t exercise, and only eat garbage this impacts your body chemistry, so there is a direct relationship with these two constructs.
***Nature and nurture are not specific theories but rather overarching categories that contain specific theories***
Major Theories of Etiology of Mental Illness
Biological (Medical) Model: This theory uses biology, body-chemistry, neurons, and DNA to explain the development of mental health disorders. Generally, an imbalance of neurons and certain neurotransmitters explains why a person has a disorder (usually dopamine, serotonin, Norepinephrine), very scientific and medically based. This is a nature-based theory.
- Forms of Biological Treatment: Psychotropic medication (mental health meds) or Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT, Shock Therapy)
- Good stuff about this: It is very scientific and has laboratory research that is medically based. It can (and should) be used with other theories of behavior modification.
- Drawbacks: The theory does not in any way incorporate circumstance and situation. It is far too over-simplistic and does not account for the major role that outside influences have on people. It is short-sided to think that medication will solve all of a person’s issues or problems. It is a starting point but needs the aid of other approaches to really work.
Psychodynamic Model: The oldest theory of mental illness, mental health, is a product of underlying, unconscious (subconscious) forces that a person is not aware of generally from childhood. Mental illness is based off experiences and any conflicts that may exist from youth and repressed sexual feelings. Nothing is accidental, internally based instincts are huge (usually sexual), all behavior determined by past experience. This theory is based largely on the theories of Sigmund Freud. This is a mostly a nurture based theory, however, the impact of instincts is somewhat nature-based.
- Forms of Psychoanalytic Treatment: Psychoanalysis (Talk therapy designed to release past issues and move forward), uses free association (letting a person freely talk), identifying defense mechanisms, dream analysis.
- Good stuff about this: This was the first theory to truly investigate and embrace the subconscious, which is valuable to the entire field of mental health, defense mechanisms, looking at childhood experiences.
- Drawbacks: The theory has very little scientific backing to it. It has been criticized for being too sexually based and has little credible proof. There is far too much emphasis on childhood and little weight placed on the events later in life, does not really believe that clients have true free-will.
Behavioral Model: Actions are a result of what we have learned, experienced, and seen. Very focused on stimulus and response, learned responses are a huge part of this theory. Some elements include conditioning, punishment and reinforcement, and modeling (mimicking) other’s behaviors. We have been “improperly trained or taught” how to view ourselves, the world, and others.
- Forms of Behavioral Treatment: Identify the behaviors that are causing trouble and change them. Generally talking through issues and identifying “better” behaviors in certain situations. Uses systematic desensitization frequently to approach fear situations, believes people can develop self-efficacy (the ability to master and perform needed behaviors whenever necessary)
- Good stuff about this: This theory can be seen to the naked eye and easily understood. The basics of this theory can be observed, replicated, and analyzed in a scientific capacity. Empowering to a person to grow, change, and improve.
- Drawbacks: The Behavioral model can sometimes oversimplify behaviors as merely a response to a stimulus and downplay some of the cognitive factors affiliated with the development of mental health disorders.
Cognitive Model: Focuses on the way a person thinks, mental illness is a result of improper thinking about oneself, changing the way one thinks will change symptoms of mental illness.
- Forms of Cognitive Treatment: Talk therapy aims to identify inaccurate thoughts about oneself, or the world, and help replace these thoughts with more appropriate ones. Confronting negative thoughts is the goal of this and replacing them with better thoughts and views of the self. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is changing thoughts to change behaviors, thus improving life and feelings.
- Good stuff about this: The way a person views him or herself is a huge part of explaining mental wellness. Perception is big in this theory, and helping people improve self-perception is integral in treating illness. Changing thinking changes everything. Should be incorporated with positive psychology.
- Drawbacks: There are more factors at play than just the cognitive elements of a mental health disorder, it is also difficult to test scientifically. Sometimes people may become delusional and ignore reality.
Humanistic/Existential Theory: Mental health is a combination of psychological conflicts, learned behaviors, or cognitions (Thoughts). A person has a choice and control over his or her life and can dictate the direction of life. This believes that people are inherently good and want to be good, just need some guidance.
- Forms of Humanistic/Existential Treatment: Client/person-centered counseling: Developed by Carl Rogers in which clients “guide” the session and the therapist must convey acceptance, empathy, and genuineness for progress to occur while empowering a client to grow. Believes in Self-actualization as possible. Encourages people to take accountability and responsibility for their life.
- Good stuff about this: This theory allows for free will and can be incredibly empowering to people as it gives them control over their lives and choices. Conflict is key to development.
- Drawbacks: Likely too over-simplistic and may overemphasize the internal components and downplay external factors that could be very important.
Summary of Etiology of Mental Illness
There are far more theories than just these 5 listed above. Some of the theories involve cultural views, the impact of trauma, spiritual aspects, and family dynamics. The most important thing to remember is that the etiology of mental illness is multi-faceted, meaning that it is likely a combination of all the theories above, and other factors as well. Most people likely have a genetic predisposition, meaning some biological factors that will manifest based on life circumstances, and then experience certain triggering events, make certain choices, or develop behaviors that lead to mental illness. We are complicated creatures that should not be over-simplified.
To reference this page:
Mikita, D. (2020). Etiology of Mental Disorders. Retrieved from Feel Awesomer: http://www.feelawesomer.com/abnormal-psychology/etiology-of-mental-disorders/