3.3 Psychopathology - Failure to function adequately

Question 1

What is Failure to Function Adequately?

Answer 1

When an individual is unable to cope with the demands of everyday life

Question 2

When is someone Failing to Function Adequately?

Answer 2

. When behaviour is irrational and a danger to a person and others
. Behaviour stops individual from achieving life goals
. Behaviour is a discomfort to others e.g being very close to someone
. Hygiene and nutrition isn’t maintained

Question 3

Real Life example that proves Failure to Function Adequately is problematic

Answer 3

Harold Shipman - We’ll respected GP with a wife and family. Despite this he manipulated his elderly patients or forged their will to leave him money. He then infected them with diamorphine and murdered them (around 250) then signed their death certificate leaving no suspicion

Question 4

Real life example of FTFA

Answer 4

Depression - Distress and difficulty maintaining hygiene can be a side effect

Question 5

Limitations of Failure to Function Adequately

Answer 5

. Unreliable - not all those mentally unwell fail to Function Adequately e.g Harold Shipman
. Based on subjective opinion of the doctor
. Relies on people telling the truth - people may lie to get government money so negative economic impact