Title: Mental Illness in Adolescence: Causes & Risk Factors - Polaris Teen Center
Headings: What Causes Mental Illness in Adolescence
What Causes Mental Illness in Adolescence
Biological Factors
Genetics
Brain injury
Infection or Disease
Prenatal Damage
Substance abuse
Environmental Factors
Polaris Teen Center

Content: Many studies indicate a strong correlation between alcohol abuse and depression, while others show a connection between the abuse of amphetamines and anxiety disorders. Even caffeine abuse over a long period of time has been shown to contribute to the development of anxiety. Environmental Factors
Unlike psychological or biological causes, environmental causes tend to be difficulties or stressors that adolescents deal with on a daily basis. Environmental causes are psychologically based, but tend to be pervasive in a person’s life (sustain for longer periods of time). Environmental causes of mental illness in adolescents are typically, at their core, a result of stress. Common sources of stress in adolescence are social stress, isolation, or substance abuse. Other common sources of stress include: Trauma – emotional, sexual, or physical abuse
Bullying
Demands at school or work
Unstable or dysfunctional home environment – for example, domestic violence in the home. Early loss – such as the loss of a parent or sibling
Unsafe living conditions
Obesity
Chronic illness
Natural disaster
Car accident
Acts of violence – such as school shootings
Witness another person experience a traumatic event
Cultural or social expectations – societies that value beauty connected to thinness can be a factor in the development of eating disorders
Feelings of inadequacy – low self-esteem, anger, anxiety, and/or loneliness
Indicators of stress overload in adolescents may include frequent illness, withdrawal from friends, family, and/or activities, changes in eating and sleeping habits, anger/irritability, and expressing hopelessness. It is important, as a parent or caregiver to be aware of what is going on with your child, not only behaviorally but also emotionally.