Mental Disorders

What is Abnormal ??? Patterns of behavior that are atypical Feelings of distress and negative affective Disorders are maladaptive and interfere with daily living.

Exorcisms vs. Mental Illness What are some common conceptions and misconceptions about mental disorders? Supernatural causes Natural Imbalance Witch craft Asylums State Hospitals

Current Models Biological –Nervous System –Genes Psychological –Learning –Cognition Socio-cultural –At risk environments –Disadvantaged social positions Diathesis-Stress –Interaction model –Predisposition + Stressors

Assessment to Diagnosis In-Take Interviews –Environment –Problems in their life –Biological & Family history –Measures Diagnostic Checklist

DSM IV Major Disorders Medical Cond. Global Personality – Metal Retardation Psychosocial - Environment

Criticisms of DSM -IV Not integrative –Ignores the relationships among factors. Overlooks the variety of causal factors. –Motivation & an attempt to adapt Different editions = different diagnosis. The system "medicalizes" many behaviors traditionally considered to be under voluntary control. –Is every maladaptive behavior a disorder? –Should all such disorders be part of the responsibility of the health care system?

Mental Disorders and Society Is a Mental Disorder grounds for special rules? Acquitted "by reason of insanity." –Only concerned about at the time of crime –Right from Wrong & Uncontrollable Impulses –Less than 1 percent

Early Disorders Disruptive Behavior Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Eating Disorders Autism