(Causes of) Mental Illness-19th Century United States

1. Deviance (Grows out of Violence)

1.1. In colonial times (in the U.S) people with mental illnesses/who are "different" were considered "lunatics"

1.2. People with mental illnesses/who were different were isolated in asylums and "treated"

1.3. It was thought that mental illness grew out of violence from the asylums

2. Brain Disease

2.1. Certain infections cause brain damage and the development of mental illness

2.2. Certain infections have been linked to brain damage and the development of mental illness

2.3. Example of infections: A condition known as pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder, associated with the Streptococcus bacteria has been linked to the development of OCD and others

2.4. Certain infections cause brain damage and the development of mental illness

3. Genetics/Hereditary

3.1. Many mental illnesses run in the family

3.2. People who have a family member with a mental illness are more susceptible to developing mental illnesses

3.3. Susceptibility is passed on through genes

3.4. Genes and other factors (such as stress, abuse or traumatic events) can influence and trigger a mental illness