Causes of Mental Illness:

Although the exact cause of most mental illnesses is not known, it is becoming clear through research that many of these conditions are caused by a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors.

Biological Factors Involved in Mental Illness:

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.

Other biological factors that may be involved in the development of mental illness include:

• Genetics (heredity):
  
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• 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.
• Susceptibility is passed on in families through genes. Experts believe many mental illnesses are linked to abnormalities in many genes -- not just one. That is why a person inherits a susceptibility to a mental illness and doesn't necessarily develop the illness.
• Mental illness itself occurs from the interaction of multiple genes and other factors --such as stress, abuse or a traumatic event -- which can influence, or trigger, an illness in a person who has an inherited susceptibility to it.

• Infections:

• Certain infections have been linked to brain damage and the development of mental illness or the worsening of its symptoms.
• For example, a condition known as pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder (PANDA) associated with the streptococcus bacteria has been linked to the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mental illnesses in children.
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• Brain defects or injury:
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• Defects in or injury to certain areas of the brain have also been linked to some mental illnesses.
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• Prenatal damage:
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• Some evidence suggests that a disruption of early fetal brain development or trauma that occurs at the time of birth -- for example, loss of oxygen to the brain -- may be a factor in the development of certain conditions, such as autism.
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• Other factors:
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• Poor nutrition and exposure to toxins, such as lead, may play a role in the development of mental illnesses.

Psychological Factors that Contribute to Mental Illness:

Psychological factors that may contribute mental illness include:

• Severe psychological trauma suffered as a child, such as emotional, physical or sexual abuse
• An important early loss, such as the loss of a parent
• Neglect
• Poor ability to relate to others

Environmental Factors That Contribute to Mental Illness:

Certain stressors can trigger an illness in a person who is susceptible to mental illness. These stressors include:

• Death or divorce
• A dysfunctional family life
• Living in poverty
• Feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/default.htm - anxiety , anger or loneliness
• Changing jobs or schools
• Social or cultural expectations (For example, a society that associates beauty with thinness can be a factor in the development of eating disorders.)
• Substance abuse by the person or the person's parents

Islam has no objections against seeking professional medical advise for illnesses, whether mental or physical. So the best option would be to approach a professional and seek thier advise regarding such disorders.

astroman wrote: Islam has an answer to all human problems and including all the diseases and illnesses that we human suffered. Is it true?........... YET!

There are several authentic hadiths, according to which people were said to come to the Prophet for spiritual remedies for their illnesses and that of their kith and kin.

The Prophet, of course, prayed for them, but only after suggesting remedies in the form of medicines.

Often he would advise the patients to consult the best physician in the area.

On one occasion a lady came to the Prophet with her child who was bleeding because of a throat infection. He admonished her and advised her to treat the disease by using the extract of costus and pseudo-saffron.

Similarly, once his wife complained of an abscess on her finger. The Prophet suggested an application of sweet flag on the fingers and then asked her to pray to Allah for recovery.

There was also an occasion when a scorpion bit the Prophet himself. He immediately asked for hot water to which salt was added. The hot solution was poured on his bitten fingers while he recited Qur�anic verses.

These occasions and Prophetic hadiths led Muslims to believe in the rationale of using medicine rather than resorting to charms and incantations.

On several occasions he exhorted them not to depend on supernatural methods of healing.

He is also reported to have said, �charm is nothing but a work of Satan.�

malikalmaut wrote: I heard my grandunkle said nabie muhamad once hurt by ghosts and god teach him how to cure himself against ghost bad works.

Your grand uncle was right.

But Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) did not use Numerology or charms as a remedy to the diseases or for protection from the evil eye at his time.

The correct way is to recite Qur'aanic verses and supplications mentioned in the Sunnah and blow by mouth on the sick. This practice is known as 'Ruqya', and is proved from a number of authentic narrations.

Imraan Ibn Hussain (radhiallahu anhu) reported that when the Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) saw a brass bangle on a man's upper arm, he said to him, "Woe be on you. What is this?" The man replied that it was to protect him from a sickness called Waahinah (weakness). The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) then said: "Cast it off, for verily, it would only increase your weakness. And if you die with it on, you will never succeed." [Musnad Ahmad and others]

Meaning Allah will not protect him, who hangs charms on his body, rather He would abandon him and assign him to the charm, which will avail him nothing.

malikalmaut wrote: I learn something from my indian docto too that many human problem related to ghost or satann that also make nabie adam trown out of the heven.

The Quran states explicitly that Shaitan (Satan) tempted Adamand Eve to eat the forbidden fruit.

The Qur�an teaches us that Iblis refused to bow down before Adam claiming that his fiery nature was superior to Adam's flesh, which consisted of clay. God cast Iblis out of his paradise, and Iblis vowed to tempt Adam and Eve's generations to corruption and to disobey God.

The Qur�an also teaches us that Adam and eve repented and asked Allah�s forgiveness upon which Allah forgave them their sin. (But the Christians believe that God, instead of forgiving them threw them out of heaven)

Their being sent down to earth was because they were made for that. They were made out of clay and destined to live on this planet for a specified period.

malikalmaut wrote: That why I notice aboosad statement did not mention about satan bad work too to make human sick. [QUOTE=malikalmaut] Aboodas is not knoledgable just like me. I learn about bad  ghost when i am in mental hospital the Indian dokto tell me. I thing you also like me, aboosad dont understand or you go back an learn like me/ I am confu by you chhooowe

The topic of Shaitan and his tricks on man was not the subject of discussion. So don�t be confused.

I have schizophrenia but I have found the solution that helps me. There are times when this solution is too difficult especially when one in overwhelmed. But there will come a time when things become easier. For the parents or family, please be patient, things will become better God willing. The important thing to remind oneself or if one has a relative that is effected by schizophrenia is that Allah/God is ONE.

The solution that helps me.

1. Pray everyday

In Islam, Muslims pray 5 times a day. It may be difficult for a schizophrenic to perform the rituals correctly but God always has a way for one to pray. Evens if one is struggling, one should try to perform prayers. If one can�t do it 5 times a day then at least start with one. God will make it easier upon you Godwilling.

2. Write in a book to God about your life.

This will help one remember the good things in your life and it will help when one is depressed or hearing to many voices. This will help quiet ones mind and build a connection with God.

3. Reciting God�s names

In Islam, God has many names which relate to his personality. This will help one understand God better which will help you realize that his with you through your sickness and that he cares for you God willing.

The following are examples are God�s names

God: Allah

God the Merciful : ar-Raheem

God the Healer : al-Qayoom

God the Compassionate : ash-Shafee

Try finding a name that relates to you. With me it is God the preserver of faith (al- Muqmeen) Reason being is that without him I would have lost my faith along time ago.

Please note: When one feels up to it, a good idea is to make relevant prayers by each of Allah�s names. For instance God the healer (al-Qayoom), Here one makes prayers for ones health as well as for one�s family and friends etc

To find out more about God�s names follow the link

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Names_of_God_in_Islam - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Names_of_God_in_Islam

4. Read Quran/Surah Hasr

Allah is He than whom there is no other god Who knows (all things) both secret and open; He Most Gracious Most Merciful.

Allah is He other than whom there is no other god the sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace (and Perfection), The Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the Irresistible, the Supreme: Glory to Allah! (high is He) above the partners they attribute to Him.

He is Allah, the Creator, the Evolver, the Bestower of Forms (or colors). To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names: Whatever is in the heavens and on earth doth declare His Praises and Glory: and He is the exalted in Might the Wise.

5.Read Quran/Surah al-Ikhlaṣ

Say, "He is Allah, [who is] One,

Allah, the Eternal Refuge.

He neither begets nor is born,

Nor is there to Him like unto Him."

6. Medication

One also needs medication. You have to find out from a psychiatrist which medication will suit you. God provided relief so don�t forget to take your meds.

I hope that this information helps you and all those that suffer from schizophrenia. May Allah be with you God willing.

Peace and Blessings be upon you