Challenges In Identifying Mental Disorders 191180

Challenges In Identifying Mental Disordersmost Mental Di

Assignment 3: Challenges in Identifying Mental Disorders Most mental disorders lie on a continuum with "normal" behavior at one end. For example, nearly everyone has a fear of something, but it does not rise to the level of a phobia. A behavior may seem abnormal in one context but completely normal in another context. These two aspects show why it can be challenging to properly identify mental disorders. Using your textbook and the Argosy University online library resources, research the principles and methods of identifying mental disorders.

Note particularly the diversity of views and the challenges of identification. Based on your research, write a reflective essay. Use the following question to direct your thoughts and organize your essay: Why is determining abnormal behavior or a mental disorder so difficult? To develop your essay, keep in mind issues such as the role of social norms in defining the abnormal, the multiplicity of indicators of what is abnormal, the stigma suffered by those identified as abnormal, and finally the need for objectivity in dealing with the concept. Write a 2–3-page essay in Word format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

Paper For Above instruction

The identification of mental disorders presents a complex challenge rooted in the nuanced and often subjective nature of human behavior and psychological states. Mental health professionals face the intricate task of distinguishing between what constitutes normal variation in behavior and what signifies a diagnosable disorder. Several interconnected factors contribute to the difficulty of accurately identifying mental disorders, including the influence of social norms, variability in diagnostic indicators, societal stigma, and the imperative for objective assessment methods.

One fundamental challenge lies in the role of social norms in defining abnormal behavior. Societies establish normative standards that delineate acceptable versus unacceptable behaviors, but these standards are culturally dependent and continually evolving. For instance, expressions of emotional distress or unconventional behaviors may be viewed as pathological in one cultural context but considered normal or even admirable in another. This cultural relativity complicates the diagnostic process, as mental health professionals must navigate diverse perspectives and avoid imposing their cultural biases (Kleinman, 2004). Consequently, what is deemed abnormal in one society may be overlooked or misunderstood in another, making the universality of mental disorder diagnoses problematic.

Adding to this complexity is the multiplicity of indicators used to identify abnormality. These include behavioral symptoms, emotional states, cognitive patterns, and biological markers. However, these indicators are often subjective, context-dependent, and susceptible to interpretation bias. For example, a person’s fear or anxiety might be classified as a phobia or an appropriate response, depending on contextual factors such as stress levels or personal history. The variability and ambiguity inherent in such indicators necessitate careful assessment and highlight the challenges in establishing clear-cut diagnostic criteria (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Moreover, the evolution of diagnostic manuals like the DSM and ICD reflects ongoing debates about which indicators are most valid and reliable.

Stigma associated with mental health diagnoses adds another layer of difficulty. Individuals labeled with a mental disorder often face societal prejudice, discrimination, and self-stigma, which can influence their willingness to seek help or accurately disclose symptoms. The fear of stigmatization may lead to underreporting or masking of symptoms, thereby impeding accurate diagnosis (Corrigan et al., 2014). This societal reaction underscores the importance of sensitivity and confidentiality in clinical practice while also complicating the assessment process.

Furthermore, achieving objectivity in diagnosing mental disorders is a significant challenge. Despite efforts to develop standardized criteria, subjective judgment inevitably influences interpretation. Clinicians must balance clinical intuition with empirical evidence, often relying on self-reports, observations, and standardized tests that may have inherent limitations. The need for reliability and validity in diagnostic procedures is critical, yet perfectly objective assessment remains elusive due to the inherently complex and multidimensional nature of human psychology.

In conclusion, identifying mental disorders involves navigating a myriad of social, cultural, psychological, and methodological challenges. The fluidity of social norms, variability of diagnostic indicators, societal stigma, and the pursuit of objectivity collectively contribute to the difficulty of determining what constitutes an abnormal behavior or mental disorder. Continued research, cultural competence, and the development of more precise diagnostic tools are essential to addressing these challenges and improving mental health assessment.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
• Corrigan, P. W., Druss, B. G., & Perlick, D. A. (2014). The impact of mental illness stigma on seeking and participating in mental health care. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 15(2), 37–70.
• Kleinman, A. (2004). Culture and depression. New England Journal of Medicine, 351(10), 951–952.
• World Health Organization. (2019). International Classification of Diseases (11th ed.).
• Insel, T. R. (2014). The grand challenge of mental health. Nature, 515(7528), 181–187.
• Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., et al. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427–440.
• Jorm, A. F. (2012). Mental health literacy: Empowering the community to take action on mental health. The Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 46(12), 1095–1097.
• Reynolds, C. R., & Kamphaus, R. W. (2015). Assessment of child and adolescent psychopathology. Guilford Publications.
• Mulder, R. (2011). Cultures of mental illness: Situating psychiatric diagnosis. Anthropology & Medicine, 18(2), 278–289.
• Vogel, D. L., Wade, N. G., & Haake, S. (2006). Why do some people fail to accept help for their depression? Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 25(6), 704–721.