Applications - Characteristics of Mental Disorders

Question 1

What is an example of a psychotic disorder and how is it diagnosed?

Answer 1

Schizophrenia
Two or more of the positive symptoms must be experiences for one month to be diagnosed as schizophrenic.
Positive symptoms include: Hallucinations, delusions, racing thoughts
Negative symptoms include: social withdrawal, diminished emotional expression and motivations

Question 2

What is an example of and affective disorder and how is it diagnosed?

Answer 2

Depression
Five or more symptoms present the same two-week period including depressed mood and tearfulness and noticeably reduced interest or pleasure in all activities.
The symptoms should not be related to any other cause such as another disorder or substance, and must be causing significant distress or impairment in functioning.

Question 3

What is an example of an anxiety disorder and how is it diagnosed?

Answer 3

Phobias - agoraohobia
Marked fear or anxiety about two or more of the following:
-Using public transport
-being in open spaces
-Being in enclosed spaces
-Standing in line or in a crowd
-Being outside of the home alone

symptoms must be:

• six months or more
• persistent fear
• avoid phobic situations
• disrupts normal life
• excessive fear is recognised

Question 4

Applicable debates?

Answer 4

• usefulness
• Nature Vs Nurture
• Reductionism Vs Holism
• Freewill Vs Determinism
• Individual Vs Situational