What is mental illness? Is mental illness “crazy”? Mental illness, also known as mental disorders, is a general term for disorders of brain function that result in varying degrees of impairment in cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and volitional mental activities. Mild to insomnia, ordinary psychological stress, emotional disorders, serious to schizophrenia, organic mental disorders, all belong to the broad category of mental disorders. The so-called “lunatics”, from a professional point of view, mainly refer to patients with schizophrenia and other heavy mental disorders with loss of self-awareness and out-of-control behavior, which only account for a small percentage of the total number of mental disorders. Mental illness is actually a dysfunctional disease of the brain with a corresponding neurobiological basis, and like hypertension, diabetes, pneumonia and other physical diseases, patients and their families are not responsible for the occurrence of the disease. Why should mental illnesses be treated with medication? The results of modern biochemical research show that certain neurotransmitters in the brain of patients with mental illness are disrupted, and these neurotransmitters influence and even control the thinking, emotions and behavioral responses of people. It is very difficult to restore this neurotransmitter disorder to a normal state through psychological guidance and regulation alone, and the role of medication is to directly regulate neurotransmitters in the brain to quickly and effectively improve emotional and behavioral problems. Are medications safe? Are they addictive? Do they contain hormones? Compared with the first-generation psychiatric drugs, the second-generation drugs are safer, have fewer adverse effects, and do not affect the function of internal organs with long-term use. The second generation drugs are safer, have less adverse effects, and do not affect the function of internal organs in the long term, as they can help improve blood pressure, blood sugar and other physiological indicators, and even protect organs such as the heart and brain vessels. Among these drugs, only Valium has addictive properties, but it can be avoided by short-term use under the guidance of a specialist. Some antipsychotics and antidepressants have an effect on lipid metabolism and slightly increase body weight, making patients believe that they contain hormones, which is actually not the case. How long should I take the medication? For mental illness, a standardized treatment course consists of three phases: acute treatment, consolidation treatment and maintenance treatment. In the case of depression treatment, for example, the acute phase of treatment is 3 months, the consolidation phase is 3-6 months, and the maintenance phase is 6-12 months. Since most psychological disorders are chronic, progressive and prone to relapse, standardized treatment can effectively minimize the probability of relapse. Why is it necessary to see a psychiatrist even if there is no reason for physical discomfort? There is a close relationship between physical and psychological reactions. Many unexplained physical discomfort (including: headache, dizziness, tinnitus, palpitations, chest tightness, chest pain, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, pain in the extremities, hypogonadism, etc.) may be related to psychological, emotional and sleep factors, and these physical symptoms are likely to indicate the existence of psychological disorders. Should mental illnesses receive medication or psychotherapy? In general, heavy mental disorders, including organic mental disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression, should first receive medication during the acute phase, and then supplement psychotherapy after the symptoms have largely subsided. Relatively mild psychiatric problems, such as anxiety disorders, mild and moderate depression, adjustment disorders, and simple sleep disorders, are generally treated with medication combined with psychotherapy.