According To The Text: Mental Disorders May Be Caused 880697

According To The Text Mental Disorders May Be Caused Organically Or V

According to the text, mental disorders may be caused organically or via chemical or genetic causes. In either case, if left untreated the cost is usually dire. In this case study, you will explore a mental disorder that was not properly controlled via the case of Adam Lanza. Read the article titled “Adam Lanza”, located at . Next, view the article that discusses Lanza’s psychiatric treatments titled “Lanza's Psychiatric Treatment Revealed In Documents”, located at .

Write a five (5) page paper in which you: Compare and contrast three (3) key similarities and three (3) differences between mental illnesses and mental disorders. Provide one (1) example of each similarity and difference to support your response. Speculate whether or not Adam Lanza’s engagement with violent video games was a stressor that caused him to act out his obsession with mass murders. Next, hypothesize whether or not Adam Lanza would have been a good candidate for treatment of his mental illness if he had not committed suicide. Justify your response.

Since Lanza was diagnosed at a young age with a mental illness, suggest one (1) action psychologists should have suggested that could have prevented the assault that occurred at Sandy Hook elementary. Support your response. Differentiate between the key characteristics associated with functional mental disorders, minor mental disorders (i.e., neuroses), and manic-depressive behavior. Next, support or criticize the notion that one disorder is more severe than the other. Justify your response.

Use at least three (3) quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar type Websites do not qualify as academic resources. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

Paper For Above instruction

The complex relationship between mental disorders and mental illnesses necessitates a nuanced understanding of their similarities and differences, especially within the context of high-profile cases such as that of Adam Lanza. Mental disorders and mental illnesses, terms often used interchangeably, have distinct characteristics that influence diagnosis, treatment, and societal perceptions. Exploring these distinctions not only deepens our understanding of mental health but also sheds light on potential intervention strategies that could mitigate tragic outcomes, such as the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

Similarities between Mental Disorders and Mental Illnesses

One of the primary similarities between mental disorders and mental illnesses is that both involve significant disruptions to normal psychological functioning. For instance, depression is categorized as a mental illness, but it also qualifies as a mental disorder due to its symptomatic manifestations that impair daily life (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). These disruptions can range from mood disturbances to cognitive impairments, affecting an individual's ability to maintain relationships, employment, or personal well-being.

Another similarity is that both are diagnosable conditions based on specific criteria outlined in diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5. This standardized approach allows clinicians to categorize and treat these conditions systematically. For example, schizophrenia, characterized by hallucinations and delusions, is recognized as both a mental disorder and a mental illness (Tandon et al., 2013). Such diagnostic clarity is essential for developing treatment plans and conducting research.

The third similarity pertains to the etiology of many mental disorders and illnesses, which can be both biological and environmental. Genetics, neurochemical imbalances, traumatic experiences, and stressful life events can all contribute to the onset of these conditions. An example is bipolar disorder, which has a genetic component but is also influenced by environmental stressors (Goodwin & Jamison, 2007). This dual causality complicates treatment but underscores the interconnectedness of mental health factors.

Differences between Mental Disorders and Mental Illnesses

A key difference lies in the scope and usage of the terms. "Mental illness" is a broader term often associated with clinical diagnoses recognized by medical professionals, primarily used in medical and insurance contexts. Conversely, "mental disorder" is a more inclusive and sometimes more culturally sensitive term, encompassing a wider variety of psychological conditions, including those not officially classified as illnesses (World Health Organization, 2019).

Another distinction exists in the severity and functional impairment levels. Mental illnesses such as major depressive disorder or schizophrenia typically entail significant impairments in functioning and require ongoing treatment. In contrast, minor mental disorders like neuroses may involve milder symptoms, such as anxiety, which do not severely impair daily activities (Roth & Cohen, 2004). Hence, the degree of impairment often influences treatment approaches and prognosis.

A third difference concerns the chronicity and stability of conditions. Mental illnesses tend to be more chronic and lifelong, necessitating long-term management. For example, bipolar disorder often involves recurrent episodes over a lifetime. Conversely, some mental disorders are episodic or situational, such as adjustment disorders, which occur in response to specific stressors and may resolve once the stressor is removed (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Speculation on Video Games as a Stressor and Treatment Potential

Regarding Adam Lanza, the role of violent video games as a stressor has been debated extensively. Some researchers argue that exposure to violent media can desensitize individuals to aggression or increase aggressive thoughts, potentially exacerbating existing mental health issues (Anderson & Bushman, 2001). However, others contend that violent video games alone do not cause violent acts but may act as a stressor in those already prone to aggressive behaviors due to underlying psychological conditions (Ferguson, 2015).

In Lanza's case, his obsession with mass murders and violent content could have been a manifestation of underlying psychopathic tendencies or other severe mental illnesses. Therefore, while violent video games may have contributed to his agitation or fixation, it is unlikely they solely caused his actions. Instead, they could have served as triggers for pre-existing impulses or psychopathologies.

If Lanza had not committed suicide, mental health treatment might have been beneficial. Given his diagnosis at a young age, appropriate intervention—such as psychotherapy or medication—could have alleviated symptoms or reduced violence risk. Early intervention is critical in high-risk individuals, as it can modify developmental trajectories and mitigate potential for harm (Weist et al., 2015).

Preventive Actions and Differentiation of Mental Disorders

One preventative action that psychologists could have suggested is proactive behavioral monitoring and early intervention programs, especially for children exhibiting signs of severe emotional or behavioral disturbances. Family-based interventions, school counseling, and community mental health services could have addressed underlying issues before they intensified (Cohen et al., 2016).

Distinguishing among functional mental disorders, neuroses, and manic-depressive behaviors provides insight into their severity and management. Functional mental disorders, such as somatoform disorders, involve significant distress but no clear organic cause (Kaplan & Sadock, 2015). Minor mental disorders, like neuroses, involve less severe symptoms—such as generalized anxiety—without profound impairment. Manic-depressive behavior, or bipolar disorder, is characterized by recurrent episodes of mania and depression, often causing substantial disruption to life (Goodwin & Jamison, 2007).

Critics argue that bipolar disorder, given its episodic nature and severity, is more damaging than neuroses or certain functional disorders. For instance, bipolar disorder's potential to include psychotic features and suicide risk makes it arguably the most severe of these conditions. However, some posit that severity is subjective and context-dependent, with functional disorders potentially leading to social isolation and impairment over time (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Conclusion

Understanding the distinctions and overlaps between various mental health conditions is vital in forming effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. The case of Adam Lanza underscores the importance of early intervention and the need for comprehensive mental health support for at-risk youth. While violent media may contribute to triggering violent impulses, underlying mental health disorders are often the core issue requiring attention. Differentiating among types of disorders based on severity and stability informs more tailored and effective treatment options, potentially preventing tragedies and improving quality of life for affected individuals.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
• Anderson, C. A., & Bushman, B. J. (2001).Effects of violent video games on aggressive behavior, aggressive cognitions, and aggressive affect: A meta-analytic review. Psychological Science, 12(5), 353–359.
• Cohen, J., et al. (2016). Early intervention strategies for child and adolescent mental health: A systematic review. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 57(4), 392-405.
• Ferguson, C. J. (2015). Do Angry Birds make for angry children? A meta-analysis of media violence effects on aggression. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 4(4), 319–329.
• Goodwin, F. K., & Jamison, K. R. (2007). Manic-depressive illness: Bipolar disorders and recurrent depression (2nd ed.).
• Kaplan, H. I., & Sadock, B. J. (2015). Synopsis of psychiatry: Behavioral sciences/clinical psychiatry. (11th ed.).
• Tandon, R., et al. (2013). Schizophrenia, DSM-5 Tr. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 47(4), 390-401.
• Weist, M. D., et al. (2015). School mental health in the United States: Challenges and opportunities. The Journal of School Psychology, 53(4), 287-295.
• World Health Organization. (2019). International Classification of Diseases (11th ed.).
• Roth, A., & Cohen, M. (2004). Approach and avoidance temperament and PTSD. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 113(2), 396-403.