Chapter 6: Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health

Characteristics of Chronic Diseases

Complex etiology (causes), multiple risks, long latency period, non-contagious origin, prolonged course of illness, functional impairment or disability.

Addressing Chronic Illnessnes

6 things that can be done

1. screening for early intervention

2. multiple risk factor interventions

3. identification of cost-effective treatments

4. genetic counseling & intervention

5. combining clinical & public health intervention

6. Research

Diagnostic Test

A tool or procedure used to detect, identify, or monitor conditions, whether in medicine, vehicles, or education. Confirm the presence or absence of disease in symptomatic or high-risk individuals.

Diagnostic test

biopsy to confirm cancer

Screening Tests

Detect potential disease in asymptomatic individuals. The main goals are early detection and risk monitoring, which can allow for timely interventions or lifestyle changes to prevent disease progression.

Screening test

Mammograms for breast cancer

Lead Time Bias

Occurs when earlier detection of a disease makes survival appear longer without actually extending life.

Sensitivity

The probability that the screening test will be negative given that the disease is absent. Measures how well a test identifies true positives. Rate (TP ÷ [TP + FN])

Specificity

Measures how well it identifies true negatives. rate (TN ÷ [TN + FP]), the probability the screening test will be negative given that the disease is absent.

Genetic testing

3 types

1. predicting the risk of a disease

2. Pharmacogenetic testing

3. Reproduction genetic testing

Predicting the risk of a disease

Combine clinical history, lab results, imaging, genetic data, and other biomarkers to estimate the probability of a disease occurring in the future

Pharmacogenetic Testing

Analyzes specific gene variants (often via a cheek swab or saliva sample) to predict how you metabolize medications, helping clinicians choose safer and more effective drugs and doses for conditions such as depression, anxiety, high cholesterol, and more.

Reproduction genetic testing

Includes carrier screening, prenatal tests like NIPT, and IVF‑related embryo testing (PGT‑A, PGT‑M, PGT‑SR), all used to assess inherited disease risks, chromosomal abnormalities, and embryo health before or during pregnancy. These tests help identify recessive mutations, chromosomal issues, and infertility‑related genetic factors, guiding family‑planning decisions and improving reproductive outcomes.

Causes of Mental Illness

They are multifaceted, involving a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, psychological, and other factors.

3 main factors:

1. Genetic predisposition

2. Biological

3. Environmental stressors

4. Psychological factors

5. Bodily triggers

Genetic Predisposition

An inherited increased likelihood of developing a disease or trait due to specific genetic variations

Biological

Imbalance in the brain chemistry and hormones

Environmental stressors

Trauma, abuse, or significant life changes.

Psychological Factors

Personal coping mechanism and early life experiences.

Bodily Triggers

Physical health issues like chronic illness or neurological disorders.

Public health approaches to mental health

Uses research, surveillance, prevention, and evidence-based interventions to identify what works and improves mental well-being at the population level.