Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions or disorders that affect a person’s mood, thinking and behavior.

It is becoming clear through research that many of these conditions are caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

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  Some biological factors that may be involved in the development of mental illness include:
  Neurochemical Causes: Some mental illnesses have been linked to an abnormal balance of special chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters help nerve cells in the brain communicate with each other. If these chemicals are out of balance or are not working properly, messages may not make it through the brain correctly, leading to symptoms of mental illness. In addition, defects in or injury to certain areas of the brain have also been linked to some mental conditions.

• Genetics (heredity): Many mental illnesses run in families, suggesting that people who have a family member with a mental illness are more susceptible (have a greater likelihood of being affected) to developing a mental illness.
• Infections: Certain infections have been linked to brain damage and the development of mental illness or the worsening of its symptoms.
• Structural Causes: This involves possible problems in the "wiring" of different parts of the brain. This includes possible consequences from brain trauma.

Psychological factors that may contribute to mental illness include specific vulnerabilities such as personality traits, particular extremes in temperament features, specific sensitivities to negative emotions, cognitive susceptibility, dysfunctional attitudes, hopelessness, negative distortions.

Certain triggering factors could be significant stressors precipitating a mental illness such as:
• Losses experiences (physical loss after a trauma, loss of significant others, separation, etc…
• Chronic threats
• Long-term exposure to traumatic conditions
• Harmful family dynamic
• Living in extreme deprivation and poverty
• Alcohol and substance misuse
• Severe neglect
• War, natural disasters, accidents, etc…
• Chronic pain and incapacitating chronic illness
• Social discrimination for example towards minorities

Most mental illnesses are caused by a combination of factors. However, some preventive measures can decrease the likelihood of developing mental illnesses. The concept of attributable risk has gained ground in mental health research and factors that are related to those can be potentially reduced to somehow prevent mental illnesses: prevent neglect and abuse in childhood , prevent substance abuse , prevent exposure to war , increase social support , decrease burden of other health disorders , train in management of stress etc...

According to the disorder, treatment can help the client in getting better and in some cases, full recovery can be achieved through adequate treatment.

Mental illnesses are very common. In fact according to studies done by IDRAAC, 1 out 4 Lebanese adults is at risk of developing a mental disorder before the age of 75 years and this varies by countries. Lebanon seems to be in the medium range.

Symptoms of mental disorders vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some general symptoms that may suggest a mental illness include:

Problems in concentration
Long-lasting sadness or irritability
Recurrent changes in energy
Extremely high and low moods
Excessive fear, worry, or anxiety
Social withdrawal
Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
Strong feelings of anger
Delusions or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there)
Increasing inability to cope with daily problems and activities
Suicidal thoughts
Many unexplained physical problems
Confused thinking
Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol

If you know someone who is having symptoms of a mental disorder, do not just think that they will snap out of it. Notify a family member, a mental health professional, a counselor if you think a friend or family member has symptoms of a mental disorder.

While both psychiatrists and psychologists are mental health professionals, the big difference is that psychiatrists are medical physicians while psychologists are not. Because they are licensed physicians, psychiatrists can prescribe drugs. Psychologists are not allowed to do that. Psychologists on the other hand, use psychotherapy as a treatment method.

Treatment options include psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, a combination of both as well as electroconvulsive therapy. Treatments can be administered in inpatient and outpatient settings.

It is common for people to stop taking their medication when they feel their symptoms have become controlled. Others may choose to stop their medication because of side effects. Another problem with stopping medication, especially if you stop it abruptly, is that you may develop withdrawal symptoms that can be very unpleasant. If you doctor feel you need to stop your medication, it is necessary to discuss it with your physician as he might be able to suggest another type of medication or adjust the dose of your medication.

Psychotherapy in some cases can be sufficient for the treatment of certain mental conditions. However, it may be needed in conjunction with medication. This is why in several cases, it is not considered as a substitute for medication.

Parents are usually the first to recognize that their child has a problem with emotions or behavior. Still, the decision to seek professional help can be difficult and painful for a parent. The first step is to gently try to talk to the child. An honest open talk about feelings can often help. Parents may choose to consult with the child's physicians, teachers, members of the clergy, or other adults who know the child well. These steps may resolve the problems for the child and family. Following are a few signs which may indicate that a child and adolescent psychiatric evaluation will be useful.

YOUNGER CHILDREN

• Marked fall in school performance
• Poor grades in school despite trying very hard
• Severe worry or anxiety, as shown by regular refusal to go to school, go to sleep or take part in activities that are normal for the child's age
• Frequent physical complaints
• Hyperactivity; fidgeting; constant movement beyond regular playing with or without difficulty paying attention
• Persistent nightmares
• Persistent disobedience or aggression (longer than 6 months) and provocative opposition to authority figures
• Frequent, unexplainable temper tantrums
• Threatens to harm or kill oneself

PRE-ADOLESCENTS AND ADOLESCENTS

• Marked decline in school performance
• Inability to cope with problems and daily activities
• Marked changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
• Extreme difficulties in concentrating that get in the way at school or at home
• Sexual acting out
• Depression shown by sustained, prolonged negative mood and attitude, often accompanied by poor appetite, difficulty sleeping or thoughts of death
• Severe mood swings
• Strong worries or anxieties that get in the way of daily life, such as at school or socializing
• Repeated use of alcohol and/or drugs

The child and adolescent psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and the treatment of disorders of thinking, feeling and/or behavior affecting children, adolescents, and their families. A child and adolescent psychiatrist offers families the advantages of a medical education, the medical traditions of professional ethics, and medical responsibility for providing comprehensive care.

The child and adolescent psychiatrist uses a knowledge of biological, psychological, and social factors in working with clients. Initially, a comprehensive diagnostic examination is performed to evaluate the current problem with attention to its physical, genetic, developmental, emotional, cognitive, educational, family, peer, and social components. The child and adolescent psychiatrist arrives at a diagnosis and diagnostic formulation which are shared with the client and family. The child and adolescent psychiatrist then designs a treatment plan which considers all the components and discusses these recommendations with the child or adolescent and family.

An integrated approach may involve individual, group or family psychotherapy; medication; and/or consultation with other physicians or professionals from schools, juvenile courts, social agencies or other community organizations. In addition, the child psychiatrist is prepared and expected to act as an advocate for the best interests of children and adolescents. Child and adolescent psychiatrists perform consultations in a variety of settings (schools, juvenile courts, social agencies).

Medication can be an effective part of the treatment for several psychiatric disorders of childhood and adolescence. A doctor's recommendation to use medication often raises many concerns and questions in both the parents and the youngster. The physician who recommends medication should be experienced in treating psychiatric illnesses in children and adolescents. He or she should fully explain the reasons for medication use, what benefits the medication should provide, as well as possible risks and side effects and other treatment alternatives.

Psychotherapy refers to a variety of techniques and methods used to help children and adolescents who are experiencing difficulties with their emotions or behavior. Although there are different types of psychotherapy, each relies on communications as the basic tool for bringing about change in a person's feelings and behaviors.

Psychotherapy may involve an individual child, a group of children, a family, or multiple families. In children and adolescents, playing, drawing, building, and pretending, as well as talking, are important ways of sharing feelings and resolving problems.

As part of the initial assessment, a qualified mental health professional or child and adolescent psychiatrist will determine the need for psychotherapy. This decision will be based on such things as the child's current problems, history, level of development, ability to cooperate with treatment, and what interventions are most likely to help with the presenting concerns. Psychotherapy is often used in combination with other treatments (medication, behavior management, or work with the school). The relationship that develops between the therapist and the client is very important. The child or adolescent must feel comfortable, safe and understood. This type of trusting environment makes it much easier for the child to express his/her thoughts and feelings and to use the therapy in a helpful way.

Psychotherapy helps children and adolescents in a variety of ways. They receive emotional support, resolve conflicts with people, understand feelings and problems, and try out new solutions to old problems. Goals for therapy may be specific (change in behavior, improved relations with friends or family), or more general (less anxiety, better self-esteem). The length of psychotherapy depends on the complexity and severity of problems.

Substance abuse can simply be defined as a pattern of harmful use of any substance for mood-altering purposes. Medline's medical encyclopedia defines drug abuse as "the use of illicit drugs or the abuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are indicated or in a manner or in quantities other than directed."

An addiction mental health specialist is a mental health professional specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of addiction disorders. These disorders come in a number of shapes and forms, but have in common the feature of a repetitive behaviour that dominates an individual's life and is often fuelled by the ingestion of a psychoactive substance that acts on the nervous system. (alcohol, opiates, benzodiazepines, marijuana etc.). Other recognized addictive behaviour include for example pathological gambling.

The family's role in identifying an addiction and in motivating the client to seek treatment is often essential. Their role continues throughout the treatment and recovery phase. If the client is very resistant to suggestions of seeing a specialist, a consultation can be offered to concerned relatives, in order to help them develop a better understanding of the situation and explore measures that can be implemented until the client is ready to engage with professionals.

Many clients who currently suffer from one type of addiction or another will permanently recover, either spontaneously or with the support of a service such as ours. Others will experience relapses and hurdles over months and possibly years. Many options might need to be considered from harm reduction to residential rehabilitation in Lebanon or abroad. This is why we consider building a strong therapeutic relationship build on mutual trust and openness a cornerstone of our treatment. Strict confidentiality is respected and sharing of information takes place in the interest of the client and with his consent.

Yes, it is possible to stop smoking on your own. However, some persons might need medications, counseling or combined medication and counseling. This will help them cope better with withdrawal symptoms, handling the stress and coping with difficult situations

Moderate alcohol consumption is defined as having up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men. For men, heavy drinking is defined as consuming 15 drinks or more per week. For women, heavy drinking is typically defined as consuming 8 drinks or more per week.

Moderate alcohol consumption can provide several health benefits. In fact it can:

• Reduce your risk of heart disease.
• Possibly reduce your risk of ischemic stroke .
• Possibly reduce your risk of diabetes.
• Boost your memory.

A geriatric psychiatrist is a medical doctor trained in psychiatry and specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues common in older patients. Certain mental disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease tend to occur later in life. The geriatric psychiatrist also deals with depression, anxiety, late life addiction disorders, and other disorders that can occur at any stage in life and continue in late life. A geriatric psychiatrist is better equipped to monitor other medical disorders that an older person may suffer from as well as monitor the interaction of all the medications that the patient may be taking.

If you notice that an old person has signs of depressed mood for more than two weeks, social withdrawal, energy loss, sleep changes, problems with concentration, memory loss (especially recent or short-term memory problems), thoughts of suicide, anxiety symptoms, unexplained physical symptoms, etc.; these may be signs of a mental disorder requiring the attention of a professional.

Memory is the ability to recall the facts and events.

It has three stages:
Stage 1: Encoding. This is when a person takes information in.
Stage 2: Consolidation. This is when the brain processes the information it encoded and stores it in certain areas of the brain.
Stage 3: Retrieval. This is when a person recalls information that is already stored in the brain.

Short term memory is the ability to keep information in mind for a short amount of time, such as remembering a phone number long enough to find a piece of paper. The mind is then able to store memory that is learned recently for a small period of time for use again. The amount of time the mind is able to do this is usually within seconds.

Long term memory consists of the memories that happened more than a few minutes ago. Long-term memory is where things can be stored in the mind for a long time to be recalled later. Examples of long term memories are remembering your 18th birthday party (when you are 25), remembering what you ate for dinner a week ago, the origin of the word memory, etc.

Occasionally, one may experience memory lapses that can become more frequent with advanced age. To a certain extent, this is considered as part of normal aging. There is a distinction however between typical changes in memory and the kind of memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia in general. These changes include: impairment in memory, reasoning, judgment, language and other thinking skills and are due to changes in brain structure. This is why memory loss needs to be assessed by a professional in order to check if the memory loss is due to a disease or is a normal part of aging.

It is not normal for an older person living alone, retired, or away from his/her children to feel depressed. In fact, depression in elderly people can often go untreated because many people think that depression is a normal part of aging and a natural reaction to chronic illness, loss and retirement. Many elderly people and their families also do not recognize the symptoms of depression so it can go unnoticed. According to studies done by IDRAAC, 8.6% of Lebanese older adults are depressed and females are twice more likely to develop depression than males.

Several lifestyle changes can help prevent memory problems such as:

• A healthy diet: In fact, research has shown that a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, legumes, whole grains and fish can help in preserving memory and cognitive abilities.
• Exercise: Physical exercise has the best evidence for preserving memory and mental function with aging. Exercise can also help prevent conditions that can lead to memory loss, such as:
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Stroke
• Mental activity: Just like physical exercise, mental exercise is good for you. Any mentally challenging activity such as playing chess, solving crosswords, or Sudoku, will keep your mind sharp.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperlipidemia (elevated cholesterol and triglyceride), diabetes, depression and anxiety have all been shown to be linked to memory problems so treating them is a way to prevent memory problems.
• Moderate alcohol consumption: Although alcohol consumption is not thought to be a memory enhancer, new studies have found that light alcohol consumption is linked to better memory.

An older patient with dementia needs attention and care 24 hours a day especially if the dementia is at an advanced stage. This question will depend on every caregiver, his/her time and emotional ability to deal with the situation. One has to keep in mind caregiver stress and burden that is frequently seen.

Whether you suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or you just have memory problems, it is been said that certain vitamins can help memory loss. There are several studies regarding vitamins, some positive and some negative. The most frequently used vitamins in memory impairment are: vitamin B12, folic acid, ginkgo biloba, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Alzheimer's caregivers frequently report experiencing high levels of stress. It can be overwhelming to take care of a loved one with Alzheimer's or other dementia, but too much stress can be harmful to both of you. If you experience signs of stress on a regular basis, consult your doctor. Ignoring symptoms can cause your physical and mental health to decline.
If you would like to learn more, click here: www.alz.org