[BeaFlower]

I mean, exept PTSD and other that can be caused by a trauma. I'm thinking in particular to OCD and other anxiety disorders. I know that they can be genetic conditions, but in this case shouldn't they be common in your family? In my family nobody has OCD and neither other disorders (or at least I don't know about it). Is it however possible that my problem is genetic? Or can OCD have other causes? Thanks

[pegasus]

Hello BeaFlower,

Such a good question! There are so many schools of thought on it, some people will say it is genetics and others will say not. It's the old nature - nurture debate. Researchers are still looking into it 5 Major Mental Illnesses Traced to Same Genetic Variations | Psych Central News

But I'll give you my opinion. I believe autism is genetic in that it happens while the baby is forming. But for other mental conditions (imho) I believe it is to do with trauma, childhood, life circumstances, stress etc.

It is true that generations can have depression/bipolar etc and it can appear to be genetic, it is more likely that each generation has a sensitivity and the same ways of coping with mental health have been passed down to each generation.

You asked specifically about OCD. OCD can be part of other illnesses such as autism or ADD. OCD in my opinion is provoked by anxiety, that is to say that the rituals are carried out to make the anxiety (fear) feel safe. All about OCD here >>> Obssessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms and Treatment So OCD has a very close relationship with anxiety. I do not think that OCD is genetic though it can appear to run in families as a learnt behaviour in trying to cope with anxiety.

Stress, in my opinion has a lot to answer for!

I am sure there will be other people that will disagree with what I have said, as the nature/nurture debate still continues as we still learn about the human mind.

[UndeadMage]

This is from the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) website "Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion or income. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing. " I'm not so sure I agree with the 'poor upbringing' part

Originally Posted by UndeadMage

This is from the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) website "Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion or income. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing. " I'm not so sure I agree with the 'poor upbringing' part

MIs are often a result of bad environment [meaning exposure to bad situations as a child- or in other words, poor upbringing].

How else should it be phrased in a couple of words to reduce confusion and promote clarity? They may actually consider a suggestion, honestly.

[pachyderm]

Originally Posted by UndeadMage

This is from the NAMI... Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing.

NAMI was originally, and is now to a considerable extent, an association for parents or siblings of those diagnosed as mentally ill, so they try to deny "poor" upbringing as any factor in the development of MI. They do not want to be harshly judged, which IMO is reasonable too. If only we could talk about the effects of upbringing (as well as genetics) without blaming -- just the facts, ma'am!

[Travelinglady]

A lot of professionals believe that many disorders are the result of heredity and environment. A person might have a genetic predisposition toward a certain mental disorder, but not develop it because the environment is not in keeping with it.

I do believe that environment is a major factor in many disorders. A stressful one can bring out problems or even cause them. I was told that if I had not had a sister to talk to about our parents, etc, then I would have become psychotic. I developed bipolar, BPD, and anxiety, but was able to keep in touch with reality.

Who in their right mind would mentally stay in some really, really abusive environment without developing DID, schizophrenia, or some other disorder?!

It's interesting that schizophrenia also often occurs in early adulthood when major brain developmental changes are occurring. But also early adulthood is a time when lots of environmental changes are happening, too, such as leaving home for the first time, starting a first full-time job, going to college, being considered an adult and being given many more responsbilities, etc.

Identical twins tend to both develop the same disorders, but then they have similar experiences, too. The key is if they are separated and grow up in different environments, but still develop ths same disorders. If so, then that gives credence to heredity as the cause.

[BeaFlower]

Yes, maybe it can be sometimes for genetic and other times for the experiences, it depends...

[Tender_Heart]

Originally Posted by BeaFlower

I mean, exept PTSD and other that can be caused by a trauma. I'm thinking in particular to OCD and other anxiety disorders. I know that they can be genetic conditions, but in this case shouldn't they be common in your family? In my family nobody has OCD and neither other disorders (or at least I don't know about it). Is it however possible that my problem is genetic? Or can OCD have other causes? Thanks

It is a combination of Both Genetics and abuse.

[glok]

Hello, BeaFlower. Perhaps a useful perspective:

Psychiatry?s New Brain-Mind and the Legend of the ?Chemical Imbalance? | Psychiatric Times