The chemistry of the brain probably plays an important part in causing mental illness. That is why drugs may be used along with psychotherapy in treating the disorders discussed below. But most cases of mental illnesses such as manic depression, anxiety, or hypochondriasis are thought to be largely the result of personality factors. Some people, for example, are by nature neurotic. They irritate easily, are oversensitive, and may lack energy. When under stress, such people some­times become depressed or anxious. It causes anxiety and depression in them. A depressed patient have swings in mood from elation and energy to lethargy and withdrawal. Under stress, such people may become manic depressive. Most people, however, overcome the drawbacks of inherited personality traits and manage to cope with emotional problems without treatment. If you have a neurotic or cyclothymic personality, you are not necessarily on the verge of a mental illness such as Depression.

It is estimated that three to four per cent of most physicians' patients consult the doctor mainly because of depression problem.. The physical disorders of many others are related to psychological stress. Many people who consult a physician are either neurotic and temporarily in need of help or have what can be psychosomatic symptoms such as palpitations or indigestion.

When a doctor feels that your problems are mainly related to depression you may be referred to a psychiatrist. But it is sometimes difficult to determine whether physical symptoms are the result of emotional or other causes. For this reason, if you or a family member have symptoms that you suspect might be totally or even just partly caused by emotional difficulties, be sure to tell your physician.

It is only when people lose touch with reality and behave in bizarre and perhaps life-threatening ways that they can be considered psychotic rather than neurotic. It is usually best to treat such patients in a hospital, where they are less likely to do harm to themselves or to others.

A depressed person is by nature incapable of accepting the restraints that are normally imposed by the outside world. Depressive people tend to be irresponsible, unable to hold down jobs, and incapable of having satisfactory relationships. Depression might be described as a long-term mental illness that may or may not become a problem for the person and/or society. Some Depressed person achieve material or creative success in spite of their personality disorder. Most, however, are in­adequate people who merely drift along through all or virtually all aspects of life and are almost constantly unhappy. A fair number of depressed people become violent when they are frustrated, or habitually break the rules that create and maintain social order. Such depressed people spend much of their lives in prison or under state care. As yet, no way of altering the depressed personality has been discovered. It is possible to treat the disorders to which depressed people are susceptible, such as extreme, alcoholism and drug addiction. But the basic personality remains the same. Some people who are extremely antisocial when young, however, become more emotionally mature in middle age. If you think the behavior of some one in your family may reflect a psychopathic personality, do not hesitate to consult your physician, who can help you to seek further guidance.Now a days a lot of herbal supplements are available in the market which treats the depression disorder with minimal side effects.