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From this perspective, insanity must be considered a health issue, the brain as an organ has defective function, that affects the processes of logical natural reasoning. Another Latin phrase related to our current concept of sanity is "compos mentis"**** Although the exact cause of most mental illnesses is not known, it is becoming clear through research that many of these conditions are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors -- not personal weakness or a character defect. ***** Causes of ID can include: trauma before birth, such as an infection or exposure to alcohol, drugs, or other toxins. trauma during birth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature delivery... inherited disorders, such as phenylketonuria (PKU) or Tay- hs disease... chromosome abnormalities, such as Down syndrome. **** Biology: Some mental illnesses have been linked to an abnormal balance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters help nerve cells in the brain communicate with each other. If these chemicals are out of balance or are not working properly, messages may not make it through the brain correctly, leading to symptoms of mental illness. In addition, defects in or injury to certain areas of the brain also have been linked to some mental conditions. *** Psychological trauma: Some mental illnesses may be triggered by psychological trauma suffered as a child, such as severe emotional, physical, or sexual abuse; a significant early loss, such as the loss of a parent; and neglect.