Editing Causes of mental disorders (section)

===General theories===
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Several [[theories]] or [[scientific modelling|models]] seek to explain the causes ([[etiology]]) of [[mental disorder]]s. These theories may differ in regards to how they explain the cause of the disorder, how to treat the disorder, and how they [[classification of mental disorders|classify mental disorders]]. Theories also differ about the [[philosophy of mind]] they accept; that is, whether the [[mind]] and [[brain]] are identical or not. {{cn|date=October 2024}}

During most of the 20th century, mental illness was ascribable to problematic relationships between children and their parents. This view was held well into the late 1990s, in which people still believed this child-parent relationship was a large determinant of severe mental illness, such as depression and schizophrenia. In the 21st century, additional factors have been identified such as genetic contributions, though experience also plays a role. So, the perceived causes of mental illness have changed over time and will most likely continue to alter while more research develops throughout the years.

Outside the West, community approaches remain a focus.{{cn|date=October 2024}}

A practical mixture of models will explain particular issues and disorders, although there may be difficulty defining boundaries for indistinct psychiatric [[syndromes]].