Strengths And Limitations Of The Psychiatric Classification System

This test differs from the definition of mental disorder in section 16(1) of the Code, since the test “is predicated on the existence of a mental disorder and focuses on the ability to instruct counsel and conduct a defence” (R v Whittle, 1994). Additionally, the

The author provides evidence from different studies completed throughout the years. The author’s arguments and basic assumptions are valid. With the large amount of information provided in the chapter it bakes and valid the authors assumptions and arguments. The author’s argument did not have to persuade me. It did however give me more information to believe the system and policy dealing with mental illness individuals is flawed.

Doctors and psychiatrists are too willing to place someone on medications for a quick fix. We are an overmedicated society looking for an easy answer for a solution to our problems. Research suggests that one in five Americans are diagnosed with a mental health disorder. I firmly believe that there is a mental health crisis in the United States and many people go undiagnosed. Mental health, does in my opinion, has stigmas attached to it.

Throughout recent years, mental illness has become a belittled and “taboo” topic in a multitude of different societies. As a result, a majority of the world’s population isn’t exactly clear as to how one should approach those suffering from mental instability. Unlike physical illness, where an entire system of doctors and hospitals and medical research developed in order to cater to those who were physically ill, mental illnesses do not get nearly as much attention. Some would argue that a physical illness proves to be significantly more detrimental to one’s day to day life. However, observation of mentally ill individuals proves that mental illness can be as equally debilitating (you probably know someone in your life who has died from the

• These classifications do not account for people who have ‘atypical’ symptoms or those that do not clearly follow the ‘script. • Critics claim that categorical systems reduce humans to one-dimensional sources of data rather than encouraging practitioners to treat the whole person. • Critics also see these systems as tools for social control – giving mental health professionals control over people’s lives. 3. Explain two alternative frameworks for understanding mental distress.

With mental health first being documented in 1100 B.C. there have been millennia for scientific opinions to develop to get to where it is today. Before modern-day medicine, it’s been documented that throughout history, struggling with mental health was equivalent to the behavior and actions of animals. Furthermore, the lack of education made the treatment given to those struggling with mental health inflict physical damage upon the body. Ingrid Farreas, a professor at Hood College, published an online article in 2020 about the history of mental health, stating that “While inhumane by today’s standards, the view of insanity at the time likened the mentally ill to animals…who did not have the capacity to reason [and] could not control themselves.” (Farreras).

When people hear the words, “mental illness,” they think of insane asylums and psychiatric wards, but that’s not necessarily the case. Yes, back in the 1800’s they did have asylums for people with mental disorders. But that was when doctors didn’t fully understand mental illnesses and disorders. But currently, doctors are able to comprehend illnesses and disorders.

How they are perceived, and their of lack ability to meet the expectations of society was interpreted as mental illness. Although they are all institutionalized for different reasons, the one they all have in common is society. McMurphy, for example, was admitted for being a “psychopath”, while others felt that they were not able to function and signed themselves up voluntarily. Consequently, society sets up expectations for what is viewed as normal. If these expectations are not met or if someone is different they walk the fine line of sanity vs.

The articles The Myth of Mental Illness and Road Rage: Recognizing a Psychological Disorder addressed the issue of mental illness in two completely different contexts. Both authors agreed that societal context plays a large role in classifying what is “mental illness”. In The Myth of Mental Illness, Thomas S. Szasz was critical and sceptical of the definition of mental illness. Mental illness was defined as a deviation in behaviour from psychological, ethical or legal norms. He then proceeded to ask the reader, “Who defines the norms and hence the deviation?”

Euripides’ Medea, is a play that follows the journey of a young woman seeking vengeance against her husband, well now ex-husband. The steps she takes to get her revenge make Medea seem like a monster. However, her actions and the torments she has endured make it appear as though she may suffer from a mental illness. So the question is, does Medea have some form of mental illness, or was she just enraged by the injustices committed by her “loving” husband? Evidence leans more toward her being mentally unfit than her being a murderer.

Of society’s many issues, one of the most pressing in terms of public health is the common occurrence of misdiagnosis in mental health illnesses. Mental illnesses, more specifically looking at mental illnesses in adolescents, are being too frequently misdiagnosed and there are patients being given inaccurate prescriptions that often worsen their symptoms and can have lasting negative effects on their health. The concept of misdiagnosed mental illness and inaccurate medications being prescribed is an issue where some say government regulation of the medications is necessary, while others say government regulation is unnecessary. Several studies have been conducted to determine the effects of misdiagnosis in mental illness for cases of bipolar

Patients with mental health illnesses are many times defined because of their diagnosis and that is

Stigmatization of mental illness existed well before psychiatry became a formal discipline, but was not formally labeled and defined as a societal problem until the publication of Goffman’s book (1963). Mental illnesses are among the most stigmatizing conditions, regardless of the specific psychiatric diagnosis. Unlike other illnesses, mental illness is still considered by some to be a sign of weakness, as well as a source of shame and disgrace. Many psychiatric patients are concerned about how people will view them if knowledge of their condition becomes public Mental health stigma can be divided into two distinct types: • social stigma is characterized by prejudicial attitudes and discriminating behavior directed towards individuals with mental health problems as a result of the psychiatric label they have been given and has those types stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination Stereotypes are based on knowledge available to members of a group and provide a way to categorize information about other groups in society Prejudiced persons agree with these negative stereotypes, and these attitudes lead to discrimination through negative behaviors toward mentally ill individuals those negative perceptions create fear of and social distance from mentally ill persons. • perceived stigma or

Why do the people of today still associate stigma, shame and blame with mental health issues? Mental health issues are extremely and widely misunderstood. Despite the fact one in four people are likely to experience some kind of mental health problem a year in the United Kingdom. “Mental health is a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being and it affects how we feel, think and act. It also helps to determine how we handle situations such as stress, how we relate to others and how we make decisions.

INTRODUCTION Clinical psychology is a broad branch of psychology that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Some of the more common disorders that might be treated include learning disabilities, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. The field of psychology became more recognized during the second half of the 19th century, although clinical psychology wasn't recognized until the end of the 19th century. It was around this time that Lightner Witmer first helped treat a boy with a learning disability.