The causes of mental illnesses are not as well understood as other physical diseases, but research is providing useful information on the functioning of neurotransmitters and brain chemistry that is involved. Heredity may be a factor as it is in diabetes and cancer. Mental illnesses are medical diseases of the brain, and are treatable just as heart disease or lung disease. The shame and fear once associated with cancer has been largely dispelled by accurate information and understanding. Since the causes of long term mental illnesses are not known, there is no effective prevention nor cure at this time.
More research is needed to determine causes and strategies for prevention.
However, adequate care and proper treatment, including medication, can substantially improve the functioning of persons suffering from these disabling illnesses. This document was prepared by Janet Edelman. Also, thank you to NAMI Oregon for allowing us to use some of the text from their web page.