5. Mental Disorder

Student: Is mental disorder a global phenomenon?

Professor: Yes. Studies in the occurrence and contributing factors reveal that mental disorder is universal.

Student: Are people often aware of their trouble?

Professor: No.  They are really not aware that something is wrong with their mood.

Student: Is it just because they always feel their mood I'd something they can control?

Professor: Yes.  What's more, the fear of seeming weak or defective makes many people reluctant to acknowledge mental and emotional distress.

Student: What are the symptoms of mental disorder.

Professor: Some individuals have the symptoms of panic disorder or social phobia or depression, etc.

Student: So it seems to me mental illness affects people psychologically.

Professor: You've got it in the main, but not comprehensively enough.

Student: What other effects does it have on people?

Professor: Some experience more than one illness at the same time, just as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and asthma may occur together.

Student: Have you ever met such patients?

Professor: Well, one of my patients was unable to extricate herself from the pressure of divorce.  She was depressed, tearful and lost her energy.

Student: Waht are the causes?

Professor: Mental disorders arise from the complex interplay of heredity, biology and environment.

Student: Can it be cured?

Professor: Fortunately, these mental disorders are treatable.  There are medications and physiotherapy.

Student: I am so glad to hear they work and people with mental illness can be free.  Thank you.

Professor: It's my pleasure.