There is a large array of behaviors that have been classified as symptomatic of mental disorders. These can range from maladaptive personality traits, to PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome), hostility toward others, all the way to full blown psychosis. (Psychosis discussed in previous Blog). There is a lack of clarity between menatl health and mental illness, which contributes to the "impression that mental disorders encompass normal or willful differences in human thought, behavior and emotion." (1)
Decisions that regard the level of appropriateness of treatment, researching funding priorities, the care of third party payers financing, workplace accomodation, and responsibility (criminal)lay on expert as well as popular concepts oif mental disorders and mental illness.
Mental disorders and illnesses primarilty affect emotion, thoughts, and behaviors which makes it diffucult to arrive at a clear and concise definition of mental disorders and mental illnesses.
Mental disorders are classified by way of symptomology, due to the fact, as of yet, there are no biological markers or tests in laboratories for them.
Disorders such as Schizophrenia, BiPolar Disorder, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), depression (major), are real, genuine and very often severe and debilitating. Generally they emerge in the late teens through the twenties, although later onset is also possible in many cases. Many live with these disorders unaware that they have a mental disorder or illness. It had been said that Schizophrenia is "arguably the worst disease affecting mankind." (2) It affects thoughts, behaviors, emotions, perceptions, which in turn distorts a person's personal experience of life, and often cripples that individual's ability to be participating in society.
There will be more on this issue next blog session.
1 and 2. New Developments in the Biology of Mental Disorders, by the Research and Education Association. The Authoritative Guide.
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