How do you become crazy?

Answer 1

It is not 100% known what can cause a complete state of psychosis in an individual. Several factors however have been linked to the development of psychosis, although it is important to remember that no matter how many factors an individual may fit into does not guarantee mental illness.

Some of the factors can include:

- Physiological abnormalities in the brain, (for example: unusually shaped Amygdala, damage to the Limbic System, larger/smaller Brain Stem than average size, Brain Tumor, etc.)

- Unusual levels of neurotransmitters or hormones

- Neurological abnormality's

- Biological defect (for example: genetic disposition to mental ill-health)

- Psychological trauma during childhood and adulthood (for example: physical/sexual child abuse, rape, death or a loved one, observing abuse or murder etc.)

- Difficult life experiences (for example: extreme bullying, neglect, death of a loved one)

Each of the above factors can contribute to a biological and psychological state of psychosis (there are many more to consider as well).

Biological explanations rely on abnormalities which have caused the brain or body to operate differently or not at all as a result of the abnormalities. These abnormalities can occur during any period of development from prenatal to old age.

Psychological explanations rely upon psychological distress and the mind's self defenses and shock mechanisms, which can have lasting effects on a person's mental well being and health.