Introduction to psychological disorders

Question 1

How should we draw the line between normality and disorder?

Answer 1

** Disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation or behaviour.

• If they become dysfunctional or maladaptive (interfering with day-to-day activities)

Question 2

How do the Medical Model and the Biopsychosocial approach influence our understanding of psychological disorders?

Answer 2

• Moral treatment
• A psychopathology needs to be diagnosed on the basis of its symptoms, thus can be treated through therapy, including a hospital

Biopsychosocial

Biological, psychological and social cultural influences combine

(gene+Brain function+inner thoughts)

Latin + fear of black magic = Susto
Japan + social anxiety of physical appearance = Taijin Kyofusho
Malaysia + Sudden outburst of violent behaviour = Amok

= Gave rise to vulnerability stress model - Individual stressors + environmental stressor influence psychological disorders = (epigenetics)

Question 3

How and why do clinicians classify psychological disorders, and why do some psychologists criticise diagnostic labels?

Answer 3

why

Classification aims to order and describe symptoms

• helps to predict future course
• suggests appropriate treatment
• prompt research into its cases

how

name and describe it

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder = DSM-5

worldwide - International Classification of Diseases (ICG)

Critics

• Field trials ( over-diagnosing)
  ( eg PTSD and ASD = 70%)
• too wide a net, bringing any behaviour into psychiatry)
  (Grief - depressive disorder or normal reaction)

Complementary approach

National Insitute of mental health research domain criteria (RDoC)

• organise disorders accrosing to behaviour and brain activities
• Labeling - confirms view
  (self-fulfilling or stigmatising)

Question 4

What factors increase the risk of suicide, and what do we know about nonsuicidal self-injury?

Answer 4

Factors that Increase

• National Differences
• Racial Differences
• Gender Differences
• Trait difference
• day of the weak and seasonal differences
• year by year

Non -Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI)

• Mostly adolescents and females
• Less able to tolerate + regulate emotional distress
• Self-critical and impulsive

Often self-reinforcing

• Distraction of pain from intense thoughts
• Attract support
• Relieve guilt through punishment
• Force others to change their negative behaviours
• Fit in with peer group

Suicide gestures, NOT attempters

(however still a suicidal factor, especially linked with bipolar disorder)

Question 5

Do Psychological disorders predict violent behaviour?

Answer 5

most violent criminals are not mentally ill and most mentally ill people are not violent

in addition, clinical prediction of violence is unpredictable

• people with the disorder - higher chance of becoming victims

Better predictors

• Alcohol or drug use
• previous violence
• Gun availability
• Brain damage

Question 6

how many people have or have had a psychological disorder? what are some risk factors?

Answer 6

Rates vary depending on time and place

• Countries interest and lack of report
• Poverty is a risk factor
• Some disorders can lead to poverty
• Immigrant paradox ( better mental for those immigrating in than those of the same heritage in US)