Madness in the Community

The cause of mental disorder remains uncertain, but evidence indicates that genetic vulnerability, early life experiences and recent stresses are important factors, in at least some cases. At a cellular level, pathological changes in the amount of chemical messengers which pass from one nerve cell to the next have been proposed, along with or as well as other abnormalities. The symptoms of mental disorders include abnormalities of thinking, perceiving and feeling. In response to stress and the frightening experience of these symptoms, patients may develop secondary problems such as conflict with families, suicidal behaviour and drug or alcohol abuse.