Psychological Disorders Lesson 16-1

Bell Ringer Read excerpt p. 447 It is often difficult to distinguish between normal and abnormal behavior. Prophet was diagnosed as “paranoid schizophrenic” Was seen as normal when he was home

Bell Ringer What is considered “normal” adolescent behavior? Would these behaviors be abnormal in the following settings? –Rural village in India –Presidential inauguration –Funeral

Bell Ringer What behavior takes place at a State Tournament game? Is it abnormal?

Identifying Psychological Disorders Deviation from normal –Says something everyone does is normal? –If everyone cheats on income tax, are honest taxpayers abnormal? –Not always a useful standard

Identifying Psychological Disorders Failure to adjust –Normal people can get along in the world –So unhappy they can’t eat, take care of themselves, hold a job. Cultural Context –Behavior that is acceptable in one society is not acceptable in another –Antoinne and hand holding

Psychological Health Mental health and mental illness imply that a psychological disturbance is like a physical sickness. Psychologists believe a healthy person is one who strives towards ideal functioning

Psychological Health Carl Jung and Abraham Maslow- called it self-actualization –Full acceptance and expression of one’s own individuality and humanness –Hard to determine –When is a person doing their best?

Psychological Health Thomas Szasz- –Said most people who are labeled as mentally ill, really are not –Says they have a problem with living –Psychiatrists label them as sick and put them in hospitals –Only when a problem becomes severe enough to disrupt daily life should it be called an illness.

Hysteria Comes from Greek word for uterus Diagnosed women with mental disorders by using the theory that the womb moved around the body Became known as hysteria Theory led to witchcraft persecutions

Drilling of the Skull In Egypt and Babylonia they believed mental illness was due to evil spirits. Would drill into the skull to let the evil spirits escape.

How Common? How common are psychological disorders? One in seven in the U.S. will seek help at some point in their life.

The Problem of Classification 1952, American Psychiatric Association published the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. (DSM) –Revised in called DSM IV

DSM IV Essential Features- characteristics that define the disorder Associated Features- additional features that are usually present Information of differential diagnosis- how to distinguish it from other diseases Diagnostic criteria- list of symptoms

DSM IV Reduces one Dr. diagnosing schizophrenia and other diagnosing manic depression Recognizes that a person can have more than one label.

Axes of mental functioning I- current symptoms II- developmental disorders, personality disorders, maladaptive traits like compulsiveness III- physical disorders or medical conditions, chemical imbalances

Axes of mental functioning IV- measure current stress level V- highest level of adaptive functioning in the last year. –Social relationships- quality of a person’s relationships with family and friends –Occupational functioning- as worker, homemaker, student

Axes of Mental Functioning Use of leisure time- recreational activities and hobbies

Labels Label can reduce a person’s self-esteem Affects how others relate with them

Mad Hatter Where did this term come from? Hat makers suffered from tremors, slurred speech, and confusion Caused by mercury vapors they inhaled while working with felt hats.

Class Debate Do song lyrics, video games, internet sites, and movies that are obscene or violent cause or contribute to deviant behavior? When, if ever, should materials be censored? Who should decide if material is suitable for young children and teens? Should freedom of speech and press extend to all forms of expression?

Debate: Insanity Plea John Hinckley tried for shooting President Ronald Reagan in 1981 Found not guilty, reason of insanity Could not tell right from wrong and could not control his behavior because of a psychological disorder. Sane and insane are legal terms

Debate: Insanity Plea People found guilty by insanity are confined for treatment in special hospitals. Held at least as long as people found guilty After Hinckley case, states created review boards to oversee the treatment provided to those who have been found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Assignment Shake hand of friend, but hold on much longer than usual Make direct eye contact with someone and hold the gaze for seconds Respond to greeting “How are you” with “Why do you want to know”

Assignment Try this with at least three people and immediately write down your reactions. You will share reactions tomorrow