Mental Health And Brain Diseases: Stroke, Dementia, And Other Illnesses

Psychology, brain diseases, and mental health are all related to what we know as the human brain. Each of these concepts represents different approaches to the unique ways in which people think, feel, and behave. So, what do these three concepts mean, and how can they help you live a healthier life? In this article, we’ll be exploring the definitions of each of these terms as well as discussing how they work together to promote overall well-being.

What is psychology?

Even though psychology wasn't always thought of as a scientific discipline, philosophers have been studying the brain and behavior since ancient times. Different experts have given the word unique meanings, but they all view psychology as the study of the brain and behavior. The first scientific research on psychology was done in the 1830s, meaning that as a science, it's less than 200 years old.

Psychologists and counselors who work directly with people who have mental health conditions, such as mental illness or brain diseases, offer treatments that are based on these studies and theories. They may provide psychological testing, mental health care, and psychological services for schools and various industries and institutions. Most practicing psychologists offer some form of talk therapy and provide consultations.

Brain diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, dementia, and risk factors for mental health disorders

Brain diseases are nervous system disorders that may or may not affect thoughts and behaviors. They are caused by illness, genetics, or injury. The brain controls not only thought, but also speech, memory, movement, and many other biological functions. Even basic functions like breathing are controlled in the brain.

Here are some common brain diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis:

• Strokes
• Brain tumors
• Alzheimer's disease
• Meningitis
• Encephalitis
• Brain abscess
• Seizures
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) including concussions, intracerebral hemorrhage, and brain aneurysm
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Multiple sclerosis
• Vasculitis
• Parkinson's disease
• Huntington's disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig's disease
• Dementia
• Epilepsy
• Mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia

Some brain diseases affect the physical body most, while others have a greater impact on thought and behavior. In nearly every type of brain disease, the consequences are, to some degree, both physiological and mental.

Neurologists and neurosurgeons play a major role in diagnosing and treating physical brain diseases due to their direct ties with the nervous system. These doctors are trained to help with the physiological problems that affect the brain.

They may run a variety of tests, such as: 

• The Tensilon test, to observe muscle movements
• Lumbar punctures, to test the spinal fluid
•  Electroencephalograms (EEGs), to observe the brain's electrical activity

After the neurologist makes a diagnosis, they and the neurosurgeon develop a treatment plan. The plan may involve medications, surgery, and various types of therapy. Usually, it takes a team of experts working together to treat brain diseases.

Often, a neuropsychologist is a part of the treatment team. The neuropsychologist can diagnose and treat psychological problems that result from brain diseases. A psychiatrist may help with psychiatric medications and other treatments. Other psychology professionals, such as a counselor or occupational therapist, may help with the treatment regime as well. Although not all brain diseases can be cured, certain therapy treatments (such as clinical trials and brain stimulation) can help most people either recover or cope with the disease.

What is mental health?

Mental health refers to the condition of your brain on a mental and emotional level. It includes your psychology and sense of self, emotions and regulatory ability, and social functioning. 

If you have good mental health, you can manage your thoughts, feelings, and decisions in positive ways. You’re able to handle stress well, have healthy relationships, and make the decisions that are right for you. You can be productive at work and reach your highest potential.

It’s also possible to have poor mental health, with some individuals even experiencing a mental illness. This may prevent a person from fully enjoying or positively experiencing their life. Mental illness is very common; in any given year, 1 in 5 adults will experience some form of mental illness. 

Some different types of mental illnesses and mental health-related brain disorders include the following:

• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Psychosis
• Schizophrenia
• Eating disorders

Mental health professionals seek to help people develop the skills and tools needed to improve their mental and emotional well-being. Most mental health professionals offer some form of talk therapy, with many variations, depending on their area of specialty and training. For example, an art therapist might use talk as a part of their therapeutic process, but what sets them apart is their use of art to help people understand themselves on a deeper level and find solutions to their mental health concerns. Likewise, a therapist working with someone who has PTSD might use a desensitization technique, exposing the patient gradually to the thing they fear, but is also likely to use talk therapy as a part of the process.

How psychology, neurology, and mental health are related

The most obvious connection between these three types of specialties is that they all have something to do with an individual’s mental capacities. Psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and other mental health professionals focus on a person’s psychological symptoms and the results of psychological experiments and research studies. Both neurology professionals and psychiatrists focus on the physiological genetics, structures, electrical activity, and chemical reactions in the brain.

Even so, neurology is related to psychology and mental health because the condition of the brain can influence thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. At the same time, psychological problems may or may not come from or even cause biological problems in the brain. The consequences of a long-term mental illness can be physically harmful, such as when a person who has depression stops taking care of their physical health.

Symptoms of psychological disorders or a traumatic brain injury

If your brain is causing you trouble, a psychologist or counselor can help. However, you might not immediately recognize that the problem is related to your mental health. A professional can answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you get on a healthier path.

Here are some risk factors and symptoms to watch for that could indicate a psychological disorder:

• You're eating or sleeping more or less than usual
• You have little energy to do the things you usually do
• You feel helpless, hopeless, or worthless
• You have unexplained aches and pains
• You avoid social situations
• You feel irritable, restless, confused, fearful, or upset more than you usually do
• You're having trouble in your relationships, perhaps fighting a lot, or pulling away
• You have mood swings
• You can't do the daily tasks you usually manage easily
• You think of harming yourself or someone else
• You smoke, drink, or use drugs more than in the past
• You no longer find enjoyment in life, even in your favorite activities
• You hear voices or see things that aren't there

If you notice any of these symptoms to watch for, such as changes in your mood, energy levels, or behavior, it may be helpful to reach out to a mental health professional for support and advice. 

Symptoms of traumatic brain injury and other brain diseases

Sometimes it can be difficult to recognize that you’re experiencing problems with your brain. Other times, it may be obvious. Your symptoms might vary from purely physiological to behavioral or emotional. Rather than trying to explain your symptoms by yourself, it can be important to see a doctor to be diagnosed. Speaking with a doctor can also help you understand when an issue might be worth exploring.

Here is a list of some of the symptoms, potentially affecting your nervous system, that can be present with brain diseases such as dementia, epilepsy, stroke, or Huntington's:

• Neck stiffness
• Headache
• Fever
• Seizures
• Dizziness or nausea
• Muscle spasms
• Fatigue or weakness
• Vision changes
• Tremor
• Stiffness in the arms, legs, and body
• Slow movement
• Unsteady gait or posture
• Unconsciousness
• Confusion or trouble concentrating
• Memory problems
• Personality changes
• Mood changes
• Irritability
• Inappropriate speech or behavior

The problem with self-diagnosis

People who have problems related to psychology, brain diseases, or mental health often try to determine for themselves what's wrong, which may lead them to panic or worry themselves unnecessarily. They may alternatively decide that a serious condition in need of treatment is nothing to worry about and ignore it. Either of these mindsets can have negative consequences.

For example, a parent or guardian of a kid with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) may ignore the symptoms, thinking it’s part of normal child development. If left untreated, the condition could worsen when addressing the disorder, and attending therapy might have helped the patient to adapt and succeed. 

In another scenario, someone experiencing frequent headaches after a car accident might become convinced they have a brain tumor. Upon going to the doctor, they may be diagnosed with acute stress disorder. Headaches are a common symptom of ASD, and while typically harmless in this scenario, this individual could create even more stress by trying to diagnose themselves, worsening their symptoms unnecessarily. 

 If you have lingering symptoms from either of the above two lists or suspect you have a mental health disorder or brain disease, it can be crucial to seek support from a professional. Avoid trying to diagnose yourself; instead, speak to an expert who knows the signs and can perform certain tests to find out more. If the doctor rules out any problems, this can put your mind at ease. If you do have a mental health or brain issue, they can help guide you to the right professional to get treatment for your condition.

Online therapy for mental health concerns

If you’ve spoken with a doctor and discovered that your mental health symptoms aren’t related to a biological condition or illness, it could be useful to speak with a therapist for support. Your therapist can use their knowledge of psychology and mental health to equip you with the coping skills and tools you need to lead a more productive life. 

If you’re worried about long commutes to an office, spending months on a waiting list, or speaking to someone face-to-face about personal issues, online therapy could be a helpful option for you. With platforms like BetterHelp, you can begin receiving support from a licensed professional from anywhere you have an internet connection. Through video chats, phone calls, or in-app messaging, you connect with your provider at a time and in a place that’s convenient for you. 

Research has shown that online therapy can be effective for addressing, managing, and treating a wide range of mental health disorders. In one study, researchers assessed the efficacy of an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy intervention and found that it successfully treated conditions like “depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), adjustment disorder, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, and phobias.” Further, researchers found that online-based therapy options were more cost-effective and suitable for those living in rural areas.