Ch 15 & part of 10- Psychological Disorders (Powerpoint)

Chapter Overview

• This chapter explores the various psychological disorders, their symptoms, and the underlying causes.

• It also examines the different treatment modalities and the effectiveness of therapeutic approaches.

• Key concepts include the classification of disorders, the role of stigma, and the impact of cultural factors on mental health.

Medical Model of Psychological Disorders

The medical model emphasizes:

• Systematic observation and data collection to inform the diagnosis of psychological disorders.

Key Terms:

• Psychopathology: The scientific study of mental illness and psychological dysfunction.

• Diagnosis: The process of identifying specific symptoms and differentiating between various psychological disorders.

• Etiology: The study of the causes and development of a mental illness, which can include genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and psychological factors.

• Prognosis: A forecast regarding the expected course or outcome of a disorder, including potential recovery paths and long-term implications.

Recognizing Psychological Disorders

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), psychological disorders are characterized by:

• Significant disturbances in an individual's thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.

• Reflections of biological, psychological, or developmental malfunctions.

• Resulting in distress or maladaptive behaviors that are not culturally sanctioned or accepted.

Critiques of Mental Illness Concept

Thomas Szasz:

Szasz argues that the term 'mental illness' is misleading and stigmatizes individuals, potentially hindering their acceptance in society.

David Rosenhan:

Rosenhan conducted studies showing that normal behaviors can often be misclassified as mental illness, casting doubt on the reliability of psychiatric diagnoses and the classification process.

Classifying Psychological Disorders

DSM-5:

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Edition) serves as a comprehensive and authoritative manual for diagnosing mental disorders, incorporating:

• Updated classifications and diagnostic criteria as they evolve.

ICD:

The International Classification of Diseases is utilized globally and has differences from the DSM in classification and reporting practices.

Classes of Disorders in DSM-5

The DSM-5 categorizes disorders into various classes, including:

• Anxiety Disorders: Disorders characterized by significant anxiety and fear.

• OCD and Related Disorders: Involving obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

• Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders: Including conditions that develop after traumatic experiences.

• Mood Disorders: Encompassing disorders that significantly impact mood stability.

• Personality Disorders: Persistent patterns of thoughts and behaviors deviating from cultural norms.

• Eating Disorders: Disorders related to food intake and body image.

Diagnostic Criteria for Disorders

The diagnostic criteria are structured lists detailing necessary symptoms and their durations to warrant a specific diagnosis. This includes:

• Identifying necessary indicators as per DSM-5 standards.

Making a Diagnosis

The process involves:

• A thorough review of symptoms during a professional assessment.

• Collecting self-reports and behavioral observations.

• Conducting psychological testing when necessary.

• Assessing how symptoms impair daily life and activities.

• Ruling out alternative causes, including substance misuse or co-occurring disorders.

Prevalence of Psychological Disorders

• Nearly half of adults in the United States will experience a diagnosable mental disorder at some point in their lifetime, highlighting the significance of mental health education and resource accessibility.

Gender Differences in Disorders

• Observations indicate:

  • Schizophrenia and bipolar disorders affect men and women equally.

  • Substance use disorders are significantly more prevalent among men, while anxiety and mood disorders have higher occurrences in women.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

• Defined by the negative health issues arising from substance use and its impacts on various facets of daily living, including:

  • The significance of comorbidity with mental health disorders is particularly noted in individuals with SUD.

Treatment Seeking

• Alarmingly, 80% of individuals experiencing symptoms of psychological disorders do not pursue help due to various barriers, including:

  • Lack of awareness of available resources.

  • The stigma associated with mental health issues.

  • Accessibility constraints to mental health services.

Media Portrayals of Mental Illness

• Media representation plays a powerful role in shaping public perception and stigma towards mental disorders.

• Guidelines to reduce stigma include:

  • Using respectful and inclusive language in discussions about mental health.

1. Anxiety Disorders: These involve excessive fear or anxiety that interferes with daily functioning. This category includes disorders like Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder.

2. OCD and Related Disorders: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that the individual feels driven to perform.

3. Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders: These disorders develop after exposure to a traumatic or stressful event. Examples include Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Acute Stress Disorder.

4. Mood Disorders: These affect a person’s emotional state. Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder are primary examples, where individuals may experience severe fluctuations in mood.

5. Personality Disorders: These are characterized by enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate from cultural expectations. Examples include Borderline Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

6. Eating Disorders: Disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits. Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa are prominent examples that involve extreme focus on body image and food intake.

Each of these classifications involves specific criteria and symptoms, and they can significantly impact an individual's life.