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Introduction to psychopathology
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Unit 6: Introduction to PsychopathologyP1
In this report, I will be evaluating, analysing and explaining the studies and
theoretical literature of historical concepts in psychopathology. It will help in the
training of new members of staff in the psychopathology treatment of patients. We
will look at different theories, their strengths and weaknesses as well as the history
which altered the views on mental health.
What is Psychopathology?
Psychopathology is known as “the scientific study of mental disorders” it refers to
behaviour that is difficult or extreme to control and it studies the manifestations of
behaviour and experience which may show psychological disorders or mental illness
(International Classification of Diseases | Abnormal Psychology, 2022). Illnesses
(mental and physical) have been around from the start of time but our perspectives
have changed throughout the years and were very different then than they are now.
Our understanding, experience and expertise have advanced hence why our
analysis of mental and physical illness has improved. Mental health and
psychopathology go hand in hand and are considered to be on a wide spectrum of
psychologically healthy to psychologically unhealthy. Being psychologically healthy
refers to someone’s mental state being in a good condition and them being able to
withstand stresses in their lives and helping them achieve a goal/their potential. But
on the other hand, being psychologically unhealthy is the complete opposite referring
to their behaviour being poor and mental health being in worse condition, this was
considered abnormal as not a majority of people experienced behaviour of such and
this type of behaviour (Oxford Languages and Google - English | Oxford Languages,
2022).
Deviation:
Statistical definitions are very beneficial as they help determine the number of people
with symptoms from particular problems and help develop the norms considered in
psychopathology. Statistical norm “ mean (average) or modal (most frequent)
examples of particular behaviour”. You’d want to see specific symptoms considered
as “norm” in society whether it's common. A better example would be people who
display traits of anxiety, but for one to be diagnosed they would need to display
higher levels of anxiety than the rest of the people in the world. Norms and values of
society are considered to be society's unwritten rules of what is expected and
anyone who doesn't fit into these rules would be considered abnormal. Laughing at a
funeral, drug abuse or even violent behaviour can be considered deviations from
societal norms. Some of the main strengths are that they are used by clinical
psychologists to assess abnormal behaviour compared to the average demographic.
However, some limitations include people's failure to account for Statistical norms.
As described earlier in this paragraph, some behaviour such as depression is more
, common which means the average is closer therefore some people won't receive
treatment.
Failure to function adequately and ideal mental health:
The DSM-5 also known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
was published by American Psychiatric Association and as of 2013, it is on the 5th
edition. This book is regularly updated due to society's changing views on the
understanding of different mental disorders. Because many diagnoses can have
overlapping symptoms the doctor should be carefully diagnosing the patient. The
definition of abnormal behaviour is “behaviour that is atypical or statistically
uncommon within a particular culture or that is maladaptive or detrimental to an
individual or to those around that individual.” This then means they are unable to
function adequately in social or professional roles. Rosenhan and Seligman (1989)
outlined individuals characteristics who fail to function adequately; Suffering - most
people have seemed to be suffering. Maladaptive behaviour - which prevents them
from achieving life goals such as relationships and jobs. Unpredictable behaviour - a
person's behaviour is not appropriate for the situation. Irrational behaviour - There
are no good reasons for a person to behave a certain way. Violation of Moral
Standards - where a line is crossed in acceptable behaviour in society. The strengths
of this are that it takes into account the feelings and emotions of the person but the
limitations are that these deciding factors are based on a subject rather than
objective so there is room for misdiagnosis as well as someone might not consider
their behaviour as a problem and it will not worry them.
The definition of Ideal Mental Health abnormality is the failure to meet prescribed
criteria for normality and wellbeing. Maslow (1943) created the self-actualisation
theory, Jahoda (1958) found that to fall under self-actualisation an individual needs
to display these characteristics; very high self-esteem, personal growth, accurate
perception of reality, ability to deal with stress, positive relationships and the ability to
be independent. There are also alternative systems called the International
Classification of Diseases (ICD) which work similarly for example. ICD is typically
used for clinical reasons but also used to check populations' general health and
monitor mental health and diseases that have been there before. A weakness of the
system is that it gives this idea of perfect mental health and that it doesn't change
which could create this idealistic idea, this is further reinforced by Maslow's point that
“only a few people achieve self-actualization. The weakness of DSM is that it
oversimplifies human behaviour for instance it does not take people's uniqueness
into account. ICD on the other hand lacks validity as some mental healths go with
others for instance it would be difficult to identify which the main disorder is between
depression and schizophrenia. A strength is that the DSM eliminates doctors or
psychiatrists from guessing and provides mapping work for the symptoms and for
ICD the level of detail is increased meaning there is a higher quality of work and
safety.
Biological model:
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