The fact is that mental conditions have many causes.
However, experts believe that it’s often a combination of genetics and stress that contributes to their onset.
It also explains why prolonged stress often contributes to anxiety, depression, and other disorders.
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According to the diathesis-stress model, doing so can play a big role in protecting your mental well-being.
This theory was later expanded to include other mental health conditions, including anxiety and eating disorders.
But just because these predispositions exist does not mean that an individual will develop a particular condition.
In many cases, a disorder will only emerge when stress-related pressures trigger the underlying diathesis.
This exposure to stress can trigger the mental disorder’s onset or worsen existing symptoms.
The diathesis-stress model is one way to explain why some people are more vulnerable to mental illness than others.
The heritability of mental illness ranges from around 40% for depression to about 80% for schizophrenia.
This includes some of the most common mental disorders in the U.S., such as anxiety and depression.
Researchers note that anxiety disorders tend to run in families.
Having an inherited predisposition means that traumatic experiences are more likely to trigger anxiety.
Genetics can also impact how people manage stress.
When these stresses surpass a person’s ability to cope, it can contribute to the development of depression.
Schizophrenia
Experts suggest thatschizophrenia is causedby a combination of genetics and stressful events.
However, not everyone with this genetic variation experiences schizophrenia, suggesting that environmental factors also play a part.
The diathesis-stress model has also helped change how mental disorders are treated.
The model suggests that treatment should reduce stress and address the underlying diathesis to the degree possible.
The diathesis-stress model is a widely accepted theory with important implications for research and treatment.
The model has helped to improve our understanding of mental disorders and develop more effective treatments.
However, limiting your stress and developing strong stress management skills may help lower your health risks.
Certain traits and characteristics can also make people more resilient to stress.
For example, thebig five personality traitsofextroversionandconscientiousnesshave been linked to increasedresilience.
Summary
The diathesis-stress model is a widely accepted theory with important implications for research and treatment.
This exposure can trigger the mental disorder’s onset or worsen existing symptoms.
In: Zeigler-Hill V, Shackelford TK, eds.Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences.
2016;6(6):a022418.
doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a022418
Kendler KS.A prehistory of the diathesis-stress model: Predisposing and exciting causes of insanity in the 19th century.AJP.
