PSY Ch13 - Psychological Disorders – Defining Mental Illness

What is abnormal psychology and psychopathology?

It is the scientific study of mental disorders, including theory, research, diagnosis, and treatment.

How is mental illness defined?

Mental illness refers to health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking, or behavior (or a combination of these).

What are mental illnesses often associated with?

Mental illnesses are often associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work, or family activities.

What percentage of adults experienced mental illness in 2020?

Approximately 21% of adults experienced mental illness in 2020.

What is the Bio-psycho-socio-cultural model of mental illness?

It is a way of understanding disorder that assumes it is caused by biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors.

Besides being unusual, what other criteria help determine if a behavior is a psychological disorder?

The behavior must also be maladaptive and cause distress.

Define comorbidity in the context of psychological disorders.

Comorbidity occurs when individuals diagnosed with one psychological disorder are simultaneously diagnosed with one or more additional psychological disorders.

What is the purpose of diagnostic criteria in psychology?

Diagnostic criteria are used to help practitioners determine if a person’s behavior is to be considered a psychological disorder.

What is the full name and purpose of the DSM?

DSM stands for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and it provides a common language and standard criteria for the classification of psychological disorders.

When was the DSM first published and when was its most recent revision?

The DSM was first published in 1952 and its most recent revision (DSM-5) was in 2013.

What factors influence revisions of the DSM?

New knowledge and changes in cultural norms about disorder influence DSM revisions.

What are common criticisms of the DSM?

The DSM has been criticized for its categorization system and its focus on Western illness.

How does a DSM diagnosis impact therapy costs regarding insurance?

With a DSM diagnosis, insurance is more likely to cover therapy costs compared to paying out of pocket without a diagnosis.

According to the notes, what makes a behavior maladaptive in the context of psychological disorders?

It causes distress and/or problems functioning.

What is the main purpose of diagnostic criteria for practitioners?

To determine if a person's behavior should be considered a psychological disorder.

What does "DSM" stand for?

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

What two things does the DSM provide for classifying psychological disorders?

A common language and standard criteria.

How many times has the DSM been revised since its first publication?

5 times.

What is one major criticism regarding the DSM's focus?

It tends to focus on Western illness.

Beyond the psychological disorder itself, what other factors does the DSM approach consider during assessment?

Medical condition, psychological and cultural factors, and individual functions in everyday life.