FAQ.

Mental illnesses are largely medical illnesses where sometimes stress could either trigger or contribute to the onset or maintenance of it .

Yes stress is part of everybody's experience . Most people realize that they do not have any stress which is responsible for the change in their mental state. They have to have a biological vulnerability , for stress to cause illness.

No. People with certain personality styles/ personality disorders, poor coping skills are vulnerable . Others with traumatic early childhood experiences , loss of a parent for example , solitary lifestyle etc. are vulnerable .

Earlier when the role of the brain was not understood , any abnormal behavior was attributed to the spirits, magical influences etc. With the knowledge of the way the brain functions and the availability of medical management of mental illness there is no doubt that these are brain disorders .

Medication is chosen according to the diagnosis and for the desired actions . For example the mood elevators for depression are stimulants, meant to help the person begin to function . A sedating mood elevator is chosen when the person has difficulty in sleeping . These medicines do not cause addiction .

When prescribing medication one has to weigh risks versus the benefits. The benefits far outweigh risks when it comes to the current medicines . The public generally has reservations about any mind altering intervention . Not treating mental illness is a bad option .

Techniques like meditation and yoga can be useful as adjunctive treatments. As does aerobic activity for people with depression and anxiety . Used alone they are not adequate to treat more than a mild illness .

The treatment is individualized . It depends on the diagnosis , severity , type of the illness . Lot of the conditions require it for six months to an year after a single episode . It is required for longer periods in case of repeated episodes . Some conditions like Schizophrenia and Bipolar Mood Disorder require mediation for prevention of future episodes .