Psychological Disorders: Mental health conditions that involve significant disturbances in an individual's thoughts, emotions, or behavior. These disorders can cause distress and impair day-to-day functioning, affecting an individual's ability to cope with life’s demands.
Cultural/Societal Norms: The shared beliefs, values, and behaviors that are considered acceptable in a particular culture or society. These norms shape expectations for behavior and can influence what is classified as a psychological disorder. For example, certain behaviors might be viewed as symptomatic of a disorder in one culture but not in another.
Deviation (from the social norm): A criterion used to define psychological disorders where an individual's behavior differs significantly from what is considered typical or acceptable by society. While deviation from social norms can sometimes indicate a disorder, it's important to consider cultural context as what is deemed "normal" can vary greatly across societies and time periods.
Dysfunction: A term used to describe when an individual's psychological processes (such as thinking, emotion, or behavior) are impaired and no longer function in a way that supports healthy, effective functioning. Dysfunction is a key criterion for diagnosing many psychological disorders.
Distress: Emotional suffering or discomfort that is often associated with mental health disorders. Distress can manifest as anxiety, sadness, irritability, or other negative emotions and can significantly impact a person's well-being and ability to function.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM): A comprehensive classification system used by mental health professionals to diagnose and classify psychological disorders. The DSM includes criteria for identifying disorders, as well as detailed descriptions of symptoms, prevalence rates, and other relevant information. The DSM is regularly updated, with the latest edition being the DSM-5.
International Classification of Mental Disorders (ICD): A global classification system developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to categorize and diagnose diseases and health-related conditions, including psychological disorders. The ICD is used internationally, providing a common language for mental health professionals and researchers to identify and treat disorders, and is used for coding health conditions for billing and statistical purposes.
Stigma: Negative attitudes, beliefs, or stereotypes about individuals with psychological disorders. Stigma can lead to discrimination, social exclusion, and individuals being reluctant to seek treatment. It is a barrier to mental health care and can exacerbate the challenges of living with a disorder.
Discrimination: Unfair or unequal treatment of individuals based on characteristics such as race, sex, age, or other factors. Discrimination in the context of mental health can influence how individuals with psychological disorders are perceived, treated, and provided with resources or support.