Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Simulated on 24/01/2008 21:31:20

Title: What makes a person have mental problems?
Post by: Simulated on 24/01/2008 21:31:20

What makes a person Mental/Retarted? How do the test for it? Are the results accurate?

What makes a person have ADD or ADHD? How do the test for it? Are the results accurate?

Just wondering because this one persons friends and parents say she's mental. But I've known her for a year and half now and she couldn't get anymore perfect? Is that just love covering everything up?

I'm trying to think about how to explain this.

She assures me that she knows the real her, but everone else says she's got lots of issues. Urgh help me

Title: Re: What makes a person have mental problems?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 24/01/2008 23:15:38

To answer the actual question raised by the topic - a magnetic personality could cause metal problems!  [;D]

Title: Re: What makes a person have mental problems?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 24/01/2008 23:21:27

This is a very complicated subject and if you've got 6 months spare, I could go into detail for you. But briefly, there are many possible causes of ADD/ADHD & OCD - trauma, genetics, and upbringing could all play a part.

As for mental retardation (I hate that expression), it is usually, but not always, genetic. There are several so-called "syndromes" associated with reduced mental functioning which have faulty genes as the apparent root cause. It can, of course, also be caused by brain damage (although that would not normally be classed as retardation even though the symptoms may be similar).