Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using classificatory systems in mental illness.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using classificatory systems in mental illness. Although mental illness ("a level of functioning which is not socially acceptable or not personally satisfying" - Boehm, 1972) has as old a history as physical illness, it is only relatively recently that it has been classified: Kraeplin devised the first classification scheme in the 19th Century, with the concept that some syndromes have features in common. Classification has recently been defined rather well as 'the process of reducing the complexity of phenomena by arranging them into categories according to some established criteria for one or more purposes' (Spitzer and Wilson, 1975). However, despite their practical usefulness, or even necessity, classificatory systems have come in for much criticism, most particularly due to their apparent unreliability. Although the evidence seems to be massed against classification, it will become apparent that it is not the concept of classification that is at fault, but its mode of practice. There are seven basic categories for classification, on which most systems are based: mental retardation personality disorder mental disorder adjustment disorder other disorders developmental disorders specific childhood disorders The two main system presently in use in the UK and USA are the Diagnostic And Statistical Manual (DSM IIIR) and the
explanations for abnormality and eating disorders
Vivian 12FB "Some models of abnormal behaviour see abnormal behaviour as rooted in the past, and some see it as due to present circumstances." Evaluate either the psychodynamic or the cognitive model as a way of explaining abnormal behaviour. (12 marks) The psychodynamic model is a psychological approach to abnormality which has caused many arguments. According to the psychodynamic model, there is no physical basis for mental disorders - the origins lie in the human psyche. According to Freud (1915-1918), humans are born with insatiable, demanding instincts called id. People are then socialized into the moral standards of their culture, becoming the second part of personality - the superego. These two parts are in constant conflict and need to be mediated by the ego. Disorders arise when the ego is weakened and there is imbalance betweens id, ego, and the superego. Such a conflict may result in psychological disorders. The idea of the psychodynamic approach is approved by some, as psychoanalysis indeed has some benefits for some patients. Some anxiety disorders can actually be explained by childhood trauma (Barlow and Durand, 1995), and there is some evidence supporting the concept of both repressed and recovered memory as well as some evidence of mental disorder in such patients. Kline (1988) also argues that just because psychodynamic theory lacks scientific validity,
Education of Learners With Hidden Disabilities.
EDUCATION OF LEARNERS WITH HIDDEN DISABILITIES. When attempting to discuss any one of a whole variety of issues that arise from the study of society's attitude toward disability it is first important to try in some way to define what exactly disability is. The use of the words disability or disabled can for many people create images powerful enough for them to instantly form certain assumptions. These assumptions are usually based not on real experiences or on information given to them by those who represent the genuine feelings of those groups that are themselves classed as disabled, but on the attitudes of a society that can often be guilty of stereotyping people with impairments. When trying to find a definition of disability many people tend to offer medical explanations. Stating that disability is a condition for which a cure needs to be found and that it is the job of the medical profession to 'normalise' disabled people. This ethos does certainly seem to have some flaws in it, since it is quite clear that the way in which our society is constructed does in itself create disability. Disability is created within society by attitudes, by the way society educates and in the way it allows members of society to access fundamental information. Indeed if disability was solely a medical condition for which a cure needs to be found, how would members of the medical profession
Is Schizophrenia inherited?
Portfolio Presentation Student No : 01156365 Unit: PSYC3028 Psychological Disorders Is Schizophrenia inherited? For this portfolio presentation I have chosen to look at the mental illness 'Schizophrenia'. My presentation in particular will concentrate on the nature/nurture debate. Whether Schizophrenia is caused by hereditary causes, or by environmental causes. Schizophrenia still remains a partically comprehended illness, with no one single cause (Website 1). I have read a great deal of literature from academics which will be discussed later, but I wanted to do my own field research, and discover first hand what the public thought of schizophrenia, whether they thought it was hereditary or environmentally caused. So I completed a questionnaire, I was able to gain 38 respondents to the questionnaire, of the public's awareness and thoughts of Schizophrenia. I felt this would help me to actually see what the public thoughts and ideas were, other than the academics ideas. I actually got a sense of what people that live day to day life have experienced when it comes to Schizophrenia, and actually how much they know about the illness. Details obtained from this questionnaire will be discussed later on. Schizophrenia is a common psychotic disorder. It is truly puzzling. At times, people with Schizophrenia communicate clearly, have accurate views of reality, and
How and to what extent is dyslexia a cognitive deficit? Draw on different explanations of dyslexia to build your argument.
DSE 212 TMA 05 Option B How and to what extent is dyslexia a cognitive deficit? Draw on different explanations of dyslexia to build your argument. Developmental dyslexia refers to a condition that involves difficulties with reading and writing, learning and retrieving associations between verbal and visual information. Difficulties in dealing with phonological information (speech sounds) within short-term memory have also been identified. Any task that requires the processing of verbal information, mental arithmetic and directional difficulties are also common. Approximately 5% of a population that may have dyslexic problems that are quite severe with 10% having milder difficulties. Although dyslexia is a term that is quite commonplace today, it is quite a recent term and previously had been known as 'congenital word blindness' which originated from Scottish eye surgeon James Hinshelwood in the early 20th centaury. There has been research into areas that surround the condition and this essay will compare how the differing perspectives can be used to explain dyslexia, particularly to examine how far that dyslexia cognitive deficit. Uta Frith (1999) provided a framework for thinking about the nature of developmental difficulties; she suggested there are three perspectives on any developmental condition, behavioral, cognitive and biological. These can also be
IMPULSE CONTROL DISORDERS
IMPULSE CONTROL DISORDERS Many of the self-control disorders involve disturbances in the ability to regulate an impulse - an urge to act. People with impulse control disorders act on certain impulses involving some potentially harmful behavior that they cannot resist. Impulsive behavior in and of itself is not necessarily harmful; in fact, we all act impulsively upon occasion. Usually our impulsive acts have no ill effects, but in some instances they may involve risk. Consider the following two examples. While walking through a clothing store, a young woman decides on the spur of the moment to charge an expensive sweater which is over her budget; she may regret her decision later, but few serious consequences will result. Were she to use all her financial resources to buy an expensive sports car, the consequences would be considerably more serious. Neither of these situations is as threatening as that of another woman, who invites a man she has just met at a singles bar to her apartment where they have unprotected sex--a behavior that puts her at serious risk. People with impulse control disorders repeatedly engage in behaviors that are potentially harmful, feeling unable to stop themselves, and experience mg a sense of desperation if they are thwarted from carrying out their impulsive behavior. Impulse control disorders have three essential features. First, people
The purpose of this essay is to consider different systemic issues in a counselling case study. The focus of systemic approaches is not on the individual, but on their wider social context,
Etma3 Consider systemic issues in a counselling case study. The purpose of this essay is to consider different systemic issues in a counselling case study. The focus of systemic approaches is not on the individual, but on their wider social context, they include their family, current relationship, work, religion and even wider society (Vossler, pg.192) Systemic approaches were mainly influenced by general systems theory and cybernetics. General systems theory looks to identify things that are common to systems in nature and technology. Cybernetics is looks at the structure of systems and how they function. (Vossler, pg.192-193) My case study will be on Andy. I will look at different ways of working with Andy in order to help him with his problems. I will consider if one to one counselling or family therapy would suit him better. I will discuss issues that I feel need addressing for example Andy's role within his family and how his childhood may be contributing this. I will discuss issues around Andy's relationships with his wife and children and look at how these relationships affect his current role with his family. I will look at different methods and techniques that may potentially help Andy and his family. I will address Andy's issue of not feeling part of his family as a man, and the reasons for this. I will finish this essay by summing up what this essay has covered
Counseling a Childhood Sexually abused individual.
Counseling a Childhood Sexually abused individual. Sexual violence against children is a serious problem that has gained the attention of researchers over the past decades. The literature reflects the importance of developmental issues salient in early victimization ( Cole & Putnam, 1992, Finkelhor 1994). Each individual's experiences and consequences to this form of abuse are unique, but it seems there are some common short and long term reactions with it's survivors. These children may experience such psychological problems as, "anxieties, fears, depression, angry and destructive behaviour, phobic reactions and deficits in intellectual, physical and social development." (Green, 1993, p.892). Early identification of sexual abuse victims appears crucial to reduction of suffering, enhancement of psychological development, and for healthier adult functioning (Bagley, 1992; Bagley, 1991; Finkelhor et al. 1990; Whitlock & Gillman, 1989). Despite an increased focus on child sexual abuse in the recent decade, many gaps remain in our knowledge. Many of the studies hitherto published suffer from few children being included, and from a high dropout rate in cases with protracted treatment periods. In addition, comparability is limited by the great variations between different studies in terms of gender and age structure, input symptomatology and treatment focus. Reference groups are
Antisocial Personality Disorder : Psychopathy.
Heather Pauline 4/21/03 Psych313 Antisocial Personality Disorder : Psychopathy Antisocial personality disorder, similar to psychopathy, was typically thought to be associated with drug dealers, murderers, and other criminals to the common individual. What's surprising about all this, though, is that these behaviors are found in politicians, business executives, professors, and other important people in our society. Criteria for being diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder by the current DSM-IV involves two major characteristics. The first being there must be a presence of a conduct disorder before the age of 15. This includes truancy, lying, running away from home, vandalism, and arson. The second being there is a continuation of this pattern of antisocial behavior into adulthood. An adult with antisocial personality disorder reveals irresponsible behaviors, like breaking the law and being reckless. I will be referring to the story of a young man's life, named Bill, who has shown implications of antisocial behavior all his life as I discuss the implications behind antisocial personality disorder. What biological and psychological inconsistencies are researchers finding that are a basis for this disorder? There are several areas that are related to antisocial behaviors. The first of these factors being the role of
The assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with sexually abusive behavior.
The assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with sexually abusive behavior requires an understanding of normal sexual development. A multiplicity of biological and psychosocial factors determines the child's sexual development, gender role, sexual orientation, patterns of sexual arousal, sexual cognitions, sexual socialization, and the integration of sexual and aggressive patterns of behavior. The individual's sexuality evolves in concert and as a result of interaction with family, ethnic, social, and cultural influences. These parameters summarize what we know about the epidemiology and phenomenology of sexually abusive youths and provide guidelines for the assessment and the selection of treatment interventions for these youths. Essential considerations in the assessment and treatment of sexually abusive youths, as well as the different categories of sexually abusive youths which should be recognized and which influence treatment decisions, are presented. The spectrum of currently available psy chosocial and biological treatments will be summarized. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 1999, 38(12 Supplement):55S--76S. Key Words: juvenile, sex, sexual abuse, sex offender, practice parameters, guidelines, children, adolescents. There is evidence of a significant increase in the reports of juvenile sexual aggression and sexual abuse. Sexual assault is one of