Premium Essay

Mental Disorders

In:

Submitted By lrizzo
Words 578
Pages 3
Mental Disorders

Psychology
PSY113

Mental Disorders

A mental disorder, also called a mental illness or psychiatric disorder, is a mental or behavioral pattern or anomaly that causes either suffering or an impaired ability to function in ordinary life (disability), and which is not developmentally or socially normative. Mental disorders are generally defined by a combination of how a person feels, acts, thinks or perceives. This may be associated with particular regions or functions of the brain or rest of the nervous system, often in a social context. The causes of mental disorders are varied and in some cases unclear, and theories may incorporate findings from a range of fields. Services are based in psychiatric hospitals or in the community, and assessments are carried out by psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and clinical social workers, using various methods but often relying on observation and questioning. Clinical treatments are provided by various mental health professionals. Psychotherapy and psychiatric medication are two major treatment options, as are social interventions, peer support and self-help. In a minority of cases there might be involuntary detention or involuntary treatment, where legislation allows. Stigma and discrimination can add to the suffering and disability associated with mental disorders (or with being diagnosed or judged as having a mental disorder), leading to various social movements attempting to increase understanding and challenge social exclusion. Prevention is now appearing in some mental health strategies. Mental disorders can arise from multiple sources, and in many cases there is no single accepted or consistent cause currently established. Studies have indicated that variation in genes can play an important role in the development of mental disorders, although the reliable identification of connections

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Mental Disorder

...Mental health is a person’s condition with regard to their emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Basically meaning that it affects how we think, feel, and act. For example, it helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood to adolescence through adulthood. In relation, emotional intelligence is a concept developed by Daniel Goleman, and it means the ability to identify, use, understand, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, and overcome challenges. This ability is important to being mentally healthy because uncontrolled emotions and stress impacts your mental health, making you vulnerable to anxiety and depression. If you are unable to understand, be comfortable with, and manage your emotions, you’ll be at risk of being unable to form strong relationships, which can leave you feeling lonely and isolated. Mental disorder is a pattern of behavior in an individual that is associated with distress or disability in an important area of functioning or with significantly increased risk of suffering, death, pain, or disability. One of the common cause of mental disorders are by complex interactions of biological factors, such as neurotransmitter levels. Neurotransmitters are the vehicle by which messages travel from one nerve cell to another in the brain. They affect mood, memory, and our ability to concentrate...

Words: 678 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Mental Disorders

...Mental stability or mental health is the way humans react to, think about, and feel about what goes on in their everyday lives. It is a psychosomatic and emotional state of being. Throughout history, people with odd or dangerous behaviors were seen as witches or ones possessed by evil spirits. These people were thrown in prisons or institutions to isolate them from others. Not too long ago, in the 1950’s with a great deal of research and much more highly developed technology many people with mental disorders have been treated. In America, more than 45 million adults suffer from a mental disorder (MENTAL ILLNESS AND THE FAMILY: RECOGNIZING WARNING SIGNS AND HOW TO COPE). That’s about 25 percent of people over the age of 18. Many of these people fail to realize that they have a mental illness or succeed in hiding it from others. When these disorders remain ignored they lead to harmful stages in ones life such as, drug abuse, suicide, violence, or conflicts with family and friends. When ones behavior is labeled as a mental disorder it influences the way that person and the others around that person perceives them. Education about mental disorders is necessary (What is mental illness?). In society today, how people distinguish one with a mental disorder and one without a mental disorder is by judging them as “normal” or “abnormal.” Today’s normal is considered as the acceptance in society. Abnormal labels people who are not considered “socially normal.” People use the term “mental...

Words: 312 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Mental Health Disorders

...Mental health disorders, during the Greek and Roman period, were called things like melancholia, dementia, hysteria, and hallucinations (“Abnormal Psychology,” 2010). These ailments were thought to be caused by some physical problem. Hippocrates believed that these brain pathologies were causes by humors. These humors were yellow bile, black bile, blood, and phlegm (“Abnormal Psychology,” 2010). Plato and Aristotle were also of the opinion that mental disturbances came from inside the individual and not outside forces such as evil spirits (“Abnormal Psychology,” 2010). As the presence of Christian priests grew across Europe during the Middle Ages mental health disorders were viewed as the conflict between good and evil (“Abnormal Psychology,” 2010). During this time, patients suffered cruel methods of treatment to rid them of evil spirits. These methods often resulted in death of permanent disability. It was during the Middle Ages that hospitals for the mentally ill began to emerge (“Abnormal Psychology,” 2010). The Renaissance, a time when science grew, saw a German physician named Johann Weyer specialize in mental health. Johann Weyer is considered the father of psychopathology. There was some progress in the treatment of the mentally ill made in England and Belgium but by the mid sixteenth century it began to fall off as asylums were being built to replace hospitals (“Abnormal Psychology,” 2010). During the time of the French Revolution, Philippe Pinet...

Words: 849 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Classification of Mental Disorders

...Classification of Mental Disorders PSY/310 May 1, 2013 Abstract The discussion of this paper will be on Kraepelin’s early development classifying system for mental disorders. The subjects will be the advantages, and the disadvantages of classifying mental disorders into types and maintaining such taxonomy for clinical reference. It will also describe the modern classification system and what current events are happening regarding this system. This paper will give a better understanding of how mental disorders were classified, and maintained from early times to modern day. Classification of Mental Disorders In the early seventeenth century society was faced to deal with individuals whose thought processes, emotions, and behavior were deemed as deviant. With little knowledge of metal illnesses during that century, society’s only thought on why individuals behaved the way they did was because he or she were evil or possessed; thus the only way to deal with it was by torture, locked in cells, or put to death. It was not until many trials and errors with mental illness that in 1883 Emil Kraepelin wrote a textbook that was a classification scheme for illness, which went through nine editions, the last one appeared after his death (Goodwin, 2008, p. 407). Through Kraepelin’s classification system he could identify thirteen categories of mental diseases in 1899 that ranged from mild with promising prognosis, to the more serious disorders. Kraepelin’s Early Development...

Words: 913 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Mental Disorders: Schizophrenia

...Schizophrenia is a mental disorder involving the breakdown of thought processes and emotional responsiveness, and symptoms can range from paranoia and disorganized thoughts to more severe Hallucinations and delusions.Often confused in the public eye, Schizophrenia is not a split personality disorder or a "multiple personality disorder", it is best described as a "splitting of mental functions. The history of schizophrenia has not been particularly easy to record. First off, the word schizophrenia was used to describe the separation of function between thinking, personality, perception, and memory. Some scientists believe that the disease has always existed, only to be used as a diagnosis in the early 1900s. Before the modern term came to...

Words: 1293 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Incarceration of People with Mental Disorders

...Incarceration of people with mental disorders José Miguel Avendaño Monroy Colegio Británico Research Skills Abstract This paper explores many published articles, and statistics that report and explain on results from research the incarceration of people with mental disorders, founding and explaining why criminals with mental disorders (schizophrenia, and major depression) should be incarcerated instead of being sent to a psychiatric center?; founding that there are many factors that can start the development of mental illness such as combination of biological, psychological, and environment factors (Hall-Flavin, 2015). Also it was set the most common mental disorders in inmates, that were schizophrenia, major depression, and bipolar disorder. Additionally it was present that up to the fifty five percent inmates suffer a mental disorder (Glaze & James, 2006). Also it was present a murder case which occurs in Perú, for demonstrated that people with mental illness can be highly dangerous in certain moments and they may affect the people who is surrounded them. In conclusion, there is still a long and endless debate between the same society trying to convince and prove why criminals with mental illness should be or not incarcerated. Keywords: mental disorder, criminals with mental disorders, recidivism, bipolar disorder, criminal rates. Incarceration of people with mental disorders I. ABSTRACT II. INTRODUCTION III. MENTAL DISORDER a. Definition ...

Words: 2666 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Mental Disorder

...A mental disorder is a psychological or behavioral pattern generally associated with subjective distress or disability that occurs in an individual, and which is not a part of normal development or culture. Mental disorder has a wide scope of illness for centuries. It has many levels of illness and most of the illness are common conditions faced by individuals either they noticed it or not. In Malaysia, Ministry of Health did a survey and shows 11% of our people have mental illness. That means out of every 10 Malaysians, at least 1 has mental illness. How can it happen and what are the actual causes of mental disorder? There are many causes of mental disorder such as health problems, failed to control emotions and problems that occur in community. One cause of mental disorder is the health problems faced by humans in natural ways. Genetic factors often play an important role in the development of mental disorders as it can be related by pregnancy and birth. It is important to recognize that even a gene with a weak effect may provide a pathway toward new, targeted therapies for schizophrenia or autism, even if the actual targets are downstream from the original gene of interest (Collins FS, 2003). The mental disorder may also happen because of disease, injury and also infection. Some injury cases may cause traumatic brain injury. It is severe head injury that was associated with a loss of consciousness or confusion. Fann JR (2004) explained those without traumatic brain injury...

Words: 650 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Mental Disorders: Axis III

...The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) used by clinicians and investigators to describe the diagnostic categories to aide in the communication about, study and treatment of people with various mental disorders (Schraffenberger, 2013). Characterized by a multiaxial system of five axes, I will discuss Axis III, which is defined as mental disorders with general medical conditions (GMC) present and how they should be coded. Axis III involves psychological disorders such as anxiety/panic attacks, depression, impulse- control, personality changes (mood), sleep disorders, and sexual dysfunctions. Medical conditions such as substance abuse, thyroid problems (e.g. hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism),...

Words: 284 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Mental Disorders

...mental Disorders       Mental disorders have become remarkably common in the modern day world. They have become common to the extent that some people fail to know that they have mental disorders. Other people tend to cover it up, when they understand that they have mental disorders. Mental disorders have existed in the world for many years. However, the understanding of mental disorders has been improving as new medical technologies, diagnosis, testing and interventions continue to be discovered.       Mental disorders refer to health conditions that interfere with a person’s thinking, mood, feeling and ability to relate to other people, in his or her daily functioning. They are psychological patterns that are reflected in people’s behaviours that are considered as abnormal development. Mental disorders are health conditions that cause diminished capacity for copying with basic demands of life. The causes of mental disorders vary from person to person. The causes depend on varied factors that are related to specific disorders, social issues and environmental issues. Mental disorders are usually caused by combinations of biological, genetic and environmental factors. The use of substances and drugs can also play a role in causing mental illnesses (Farrell and Solomon 4).       There are different types of illnesses that are considered as mental disorders. Anxiety disorders are manifested in severe anxiety and fear that are associated with certain objects, events, people or situations...

Words: 288 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Mental Disorders Research Paper

...Mental disorders control the lives of millions of humans across the world. Mental disorders impact the everyday functions of these people. According to Shannon L. Alder, “ The True Definition of mental illness is when the majority of your time is spent in the past or the future, but rarely living in the realism of now”. Most mental disorders affect the functions, to the point where it can be hard to do simple task. Some even face the everyday difficulty of getting out of bed. Knowing the whole day is before them, creates struggle to want to start the day. Many suffer from mental disorders that keep them from living in the present, but rather they live in the past reliving events, or in the future dreaming of events to come. Many disorders come...

Words: 329 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Mental Disorders

...Name: Course: Lecturer: Date: Mental Disorders Mental disorders have become remarkably common in the modern day world. They have become common to the extent that some people fail to know that they have mental disorders. Other people tend to cover it up, when they understand that they have mental disorders. Mental disorders have existed in the world for many years. However, the understanding of mental disorders has been improving as new medical technologies, diagnosis, testing and interventions continue to be discovered. Mental disorders refer to health conditions that interfere with a person’s thinking, mood, feeling and ability to relate to other people, in his or her daily functioning. They are psychological patterns that are reflected in people’s behaviours that are considered as abnormal development. Mental disorders are health conditions that cause diminished capacity for copying with basic demands of life. The causes of mental disorders vary from person to person. The causes depend on varied factors that are related to specific disorders, social issues and environmental issues. Mental disorders are usually caused by combinations of biological, genetic and environmental factors. The use of substances and drugs can also play a role in causing mental illnesses (Farrell and Solomon 4). There are different types of illnesses that are considered as mental disorders. Anxiety disorders are manifested in severe anxiety and fear that are associated with certain...

Words: 639 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Cultural Bias In Mental Disorders

...AM This thread is flagged This thread is pinned Subscribe This page automatically marks posts as read as you scroll. Adjust automatic marking as read setting Difficulties in Identifying Mental Disorders It is apparent that there are difficulties involved in determining mental disorders. There are several considerations that must be taken into account when diagnosing a mental illness. Some of those considerations include: culture, symptoms, and social norms. In addition, the view of behavior must have a reference point from the patient who views their behaviors or their expectations of the ideal behavior. Culture When examining subjects that involve normal and abnormal behavior there are many aspects that one must consider....

Words: 668 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Mental Disorders

...Week 5: Discussion 5: Mental Disorders Analyze the factors (both genetic and environmental) contributing to the development of a specific mental disorder (of your choice). Discuss steps that could be taken to reduce the incidence of the disorder that you had identified above. Be sure to focus on prevention, not treatment. My choice for a mental disorder is Bipolar. I chose bipolar because it’s a mental disorder that runs in my family and has affected my family tremendously. I have researched it somewhat but not in depth so this gave me a great time to start. Bipolar disorder is also known as also known as bipolar affective disorder, manic-depressive illness, or affective psychosis. A person with bipolar disorder will experience mood swings that will range from depression to mania. When a person is depressed they might feel sad, irritable, anxious, suicidal, low levels of self-esteem. Then, when they have a mood switch you might feel increased sex drive, poor judgments, euphoria, and high levels of self-esteem. There are several types of bipolar disorder (Bipolar phase 1 & 2, Cyclothymic disorder, Mixed bipolar, and Rapid-cycling bipolar). Some steps that could be taken to help reduce the incidence of Bipolar disorder: Paying attention to your warning signs- If you pay attention to your symptoms early on can prevent episodes from getting worse. Avoid drugs and alcohol- Even though drugs and alcohol will make you feel better at first. It will actually make your...

Words: 339 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Crj 322 Case Study 5 Mental Disorders

...Study 5 Mental Disorders To Buy this Class Copy & paste below link in your Brower Or Visit Our Website Visit : http://www.homeworkregency.com Email Us : homeworkregency@gmail.com CRJ 322 Case Study 5 Mental Disorders Preview: A mental illness and a mental disorder have different definitions that distinguish both of them. The term “mental illness” is directly similar to “mental disorder.” Anyone can use the two terms interchangeably as one tackles the same concepts when it comes to what an individual is experiencing on a daily basis. Mental illnesses and mental disorders have similarities and differences between them. Adam Lanza’s engagement with violent video games was a stressor that caused him to act out his obsession with mass murders. In my opinion, I believe that Adam Lanza would have been a good candidate for treatment of his mental illness if he had not committed suicide at such a young age. In my opinion, psychologists could have done something to help Adam when he was young with his mental illness and it would have helped in preventing the assault that occurred at Sandy Hook elementary. The key characteristics that are associated with functional mental disorders, minor mental disorders, and manic-depressive behavior have differences. I believe that a person that experiences a manic-depressive disorder is more severe affecting one in so many more negative ways compared to a person having a functional mental disorders or a minor mental disorder. A mental...

Words: 287 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Mental Disorders and Mel Gibson

...Mental disorders are common in the United States and internationally. Mental disorders are health conditions that are characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, or behavior that are associated with distress and/or impaired functioning. Mental disorders contribute to a host of problems that may include disability, pain, or death. Mental disorders are among the most common causes of disability. The resulting disease burden of mental illness is among the highest of all diseases. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), in any given year, an estimated 13 million American adults (approximately 1 in 17) have a seriously debilitating mental illness. Mental health disorders are the leading cause of disability in the United States and Canada, accounting for 25 percent of all years of life lost to disability and premature mortality. Moreover, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for the deaths of approximately 30,000 Americans each year. (National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). One celebrity that faces with a mental disorder is Mel Gibson. Mel Gibson born in Peekskill, NY on January 3, 1956. Mel Gibson moved to Australia during his youth and went on to pursue a film career. After appearing in the Mad Max and Lethal Weapon series, Gibson eventually directed and starred in the Academy Award-winning Braveheart and directed The Passion of the Christ. (Mel Gibson. (2012). The Biography Channel website) Mel Gibson...

Words: 785 - Pages: 4