Soc 360 CH8 Mental Disorder

Chapter 8: Mental Disorder

Carrie Fisher's Story

• Carrie Fisher, known for her role as Princess Leia in Star Wars, struggled with bipolar disorder without seeking help for years.

• Stigma surrounding mental illness delayed her treatment, culminating in a suicide attempt.

• After undergoing treatment, Fisher stated, "I have gotten to the point where I can live a normal life," emphasizing the importance of predictable behavior for her family.

• Despite challenges in her recovery, she advocated for mental health awareness, declaring herself "the poster child for mental illness" and emphasizing that treatment is possible.

Prevalence of Mental Disorders

• Mental disorders are common in the U.S.; nearly half of adults experience one episode in their lifetime, with over 20% treated in the past year (NIMH, 2020).

• Misconceptions about mental illness can hinder individuals from seeking help.

Myths vs. Realities

Common Myths

1. Myth: People with severe mental illness are extremely weird or disturbed.

   • Reality: Most individuals are not significantly disturbed, and common symptoms like hallucinations in schizophrenia are not definitive of their character.

2. Myth: Mental illness is incurable.

   • Reality: Many recover and develop coping strategies; about 50% of people with schizophrenia improve over time.

3. Myth: Mentally ill individuals are dangerous.

   • Reality: The majority (90%) are not violent; they are more at risk of self-harm.

4. Myth: Depression only occurs in the winter.

   • Reality: Depressive episodes can happen in any season, often related to social interactions.

5. Myth: A mental illness will always lead to severe impairment.

   • Reality: Many people with mental disorders lead relatively normal lives.

Societal Perceptions

• Mental health has gradually become a less taboo topic in modern society, though stigma persists.

• There is a disparity in how we address physical versus mental illness in professional environments—reflecting societal perceptions.

• Recognition of mental health in the workplace is increasingly valued.

Types of Mental Disorders

Classification

• Organic Disorders: Caused by physical damage to the brain (head injuries, substance abuse).

• Functional Disorders: Rooted in psychological factors (depression, anxiety).

  • Types of Functional Disorders:

    • Psychosis: Losing touch with reality; includes schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

    • Neurosis: Anxiety and stress without losing touch with reality.

    • Personality Disorder: Patterns of thinking and behavior that are problematic.

DSM-5 and Mental Health

• The DSM-5-TR categorizes over 300 mental disorders with specific symptoms.

• Examples include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Social Factors Influencing Mental Health

Gender and Mental Illness

• Gender differences exist in mental health: women are more likely to experience depression; men tend towards antisocial disorders.

• Research shows both genders face mental health challenges, but coping mechanisms differ.

Social Class

• There is a clear correlation between lower socioeconomic status and higher rates of mental disorders, exacerbated by environmental stressors like debt.

Age and Depression

• Young people (ages 18-25) show increased rates of depression, potentially due to the impacts of social media and changing societal expectations.

Labeling and Misdiagnosis

• Labeling Theory: Suggests that labeling individuals as mentally ill can lead to permanent identities as 'patients', affecting their self-perception and fulfillment of societal roles.

• Critics argue this oversimplifies the complexity of mental health conditions.

Responses to Mental Illness

Historical Perspective

• Mental illness has historically been stigmatized or viewed as possession, leading to brutal treatments.

• The advent of modern psychiatry introduced moral treatment models, yet many individuals remain institutionalized.

Modern Mental Health Care

• Shift towards community mental health care with a focus on integration and support.

• Organizations and community support networks essential for recovery, especially for those with severe mental illnesses.

Conclusion

• Addressing mental health requires sensitivity, understanding societal constructs that influence perceptions of mental illness.

• As awareness grows, ongoing research and policy changes are crucial to support affected individuals better and combat stigmas.

Social factors preventing de-stigmatization of mental illness include:

• Societal Perceptions: While mental health has become less taboo, stigma persists, particularly in professional environments where physical health is often prioritized over mental health.

• Myths and Misconceptions: Common myths about mental illness, such as individuals being dangerous or mentally ill people are always disturbed, contribute to negative perceptions and fears.

• Historical Perspectives: Historical stigmatization and viewing mental illness as possession or weakness still influence contemporary attitudes and reactions to mental health issues.

• Gender Norms: Gender differences in perceived masculine and feminine behaviors may affect the way issues are communicated and addressed in society. For instance, men may be less likely to seek help due to traditional views on masculinity.

• Social Class: Lower socioeconomic status can correlate with higher rates of mental disorders, and economic struggles may inhibit access to treatment and support.

• Cultural Factors: Different cultures may have varying beliefs and attitudes towards mental illness, impacting individuals' willingness to seek help.

The case of Andrea Yates raises complex questions about mental illness, culpability, and the justice system. Given that she was suffering from schizophrenia and severe depression at the time of the killings, it is essential to consider the following arguments:

1. Insanity Defense: Many legal systems recognize the insanity defense, which allows individuals to be found not guilty due to mental illness at the time of the crime. Yates's diagnosed psychosis would support an argument that she was not in a sound mental state when she committed the acts, impairing her ability to understand the nature of her actions or discern right from wrong. This is crucial in determining moral culpability.

2. Mental Health Treatment: Instead of imprisonment, committing her to a mental health facility may provide her with the necessary treatment for her disorders. The justice system should prioritize rehabilitation over punishment for individuals who are genuinely not in control of their actions due to mental illness.

3. Public Safety: While some might argue that releasing her from prison could pose a risk to society, it is essential to assess whether she remains a danger to herself or others. Continuous evaluation and appropriate treatment in a secure environment can mitigate such risks.

4. Stigma and Understanding: Finding her not guilty by reason of insanity could also contribute to broader societal awareness and understanding of mental health issues, combating stigma surrounding those with severe mental illnesses.

Based on these points, I would lean towards finding Andrea Yates not guilty by reason of insanity and committing her to a mental hospital. This approach recognizes her mental health struggles and prioritizes the need for appropriate ongoing treatment rather than punishment.

To address the prevalence of mental illness among jail and prison populations alongside the challenges of limited funds and deficit spending, policymakers should focus on the following initiatives:

1. Invest in Mental Health Screening and Assessment: Implementing comprehensive mental health screening at the point of entry into the criminal justice system is crucial. This step will help identify individuals who need mental health care and support immediately, rather than after they have been incarcerated. By understanding the mental health needs of the population, resources can be allocated more effectively.

2. Enhance Access to Community-Based Mental Health Services: Prioritizing funding for community-based mental health services can help alleviate the burden on the prison system. By providing individuals in crisis with the support they need in their communities, the likelihood of incarceration can be reduced.

3. Training for Law Enforcement and Correctional Staff: Providing training for police officers and correctional staff on handling people with mental illness can improve interactions and outcomes. This includes de-escalation techniques and understanding mental health issues, reducing the likelihood of harmful incidents and ensuring appropriate care pathways.

4. Implementing Diversion Programs: Establishing diversion programs that guide individuals with mental illnesses away from the criminal justice system into treatment facilities can help address mental health needs while reducing the prison population.

5. Collaboration with Health Departments: Creating partnerships between criminal justice systems and health departments can facilitate integrated care approaches, ensuring that individuals receive holistic support that addresses both mental health and other social needs.

The first crucial step should be investing in mental health screening and assessment at entry points into the justice system. This foundational step is essential for ensuring that the underlying mental health issues are identified early, preventing further deterioration and fostering a more informed allocation of mental health resources. By addressing mental health needs right from the start, the overall effectiveness of interventions can be enhanced, potentially reducing long-term costs associated with untreated mental illness in the justice system.

Sociological Models of Mental Illness

1. Medical Model

   • Description: The medical model views mental illness primarily as a disease or disorder that can be diagnosed, treated, and cured, similar to physical illnesses. Treatment often focuses on biological factors and may involve medications and medical interventions.

   • Strengths: Provides a framework for understanding mental illness in a scientific manner; facilitates access to medical treatments.

   • Weaknesses: Can lead to over-medicalization; may overlook social, cultural, and environmental factors contributing to mental health issues.

2. Psychosocial Model

   • Description: This model focuses on the interplay between psychological factors (like stress, coping mechanisms, and personality) and social influences (such as family dynamics, social relationships, and cultural context). It emphasizes the importance of social interactions and environmental factors in the development and recovery from mental illness.

   • Strengths: Acknowledges the complexity of mental health and the role that environment and relationships play in mental well-being.

   • Weaknesses: Can sometimes lack a clear pathway for treatment and may be criticized for being too vague or subjective.

3. Labeling Theory

   • Description: This sociological perspective suggests that mental illness is a social construct; individuals are labeled as mentally ill based on societal norms and expectations, which can lead to stigmatization and criticism of the affected person’s behavior. The response to the label can impact self-identity and social interactions.

   • Strengths: Highlights the impact of stigma and societal responses on individuals with mental illness; raises awareness about how labeling can influence recovery.

   • Weaknesses: May not fully account for the biological aspects of mental illness; can oversimplify complex mental health issues.

4. Cultural Model

   • Description: This model examines how cultural beliefs and practices influence the understanding of mental illness and the coping strategies employed by individuals. Different cultures may interpret mental health issues in varied ways, which can affect treatment acceptance and help-seeking behavior.

   • Strengths: Acknowledges the diversity of experiences and perceptions of mental health across different cultures.

   • Weaknesses: Risk of overgeneralization; cultures are not monolithic, and experiences can vary widely within cultural groups.

5. Structural Functionalism

   • Description: This perspective views mental illness in relation to social structures and functions within society. It suggests that mental health disorders may arise from dysfunctions within social systems and that the mental health system can help maintain societal stability.

   • Strengths: Explores the role of societal structures and institutions in mental health.

   • Weaknesses: May downplay individual differences and experiences; could focus too heavily on maintaining social order rather than addressing individual needs.

Conclusion

Sociological models of mental illness provide a multifaceted view of mental health, highlighting the importance of considering biological, psychological, and social factors. Understanding these models can aid in developing comprehensive approaches to mental health treatment and policy.