Question

Can mental illness impact homeostasis?

Answer 1

Yes

Explanation:

Homeostasis is the ability of the body to maintain a constant internal environment (temperature, hydration, pH, etc) despite changes in the external environment.

Virtually all mental illnesses can upset and disturb homeostasis if left untreated for a lengthy period of time.
For example, patients with GAD (general anxiety disorder) may have panic attacks where they have heart palpitations and sweating, increased body temperatures above the normal `37^@C` which is supposed to be regulated by homeostasis.

They may also have altered levels of hormones due to the mental illness which may affect hydration levels (example NADH and aldosterone), PH levels, etc.

Sometimes the prescription medication also has its own side effects which can further disrupt homeostasis.

If the problems persist indefinitely it can eventually lead to multiple organ and system breakdown and ultimately death.