Challenges In Identifying Mental Disorders 913735

Challenges In Identifying Mental Disordersmost Mental Disorders Lie On

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.

Paper For Above instruction

The identification of mental disorders presents a complex challenge rooted in the nuanced, continuous spectrum of human behaviors and experiences. Unlike physical illnesses with clear diagnostic tests, mental health disorders lack definitive biomarkers, making their diagnosis reliant on subjective judgment, cultural context, and clinical interpretation. This essay explores the difficulties in distinguishing abnormal behavior from normal variations, emphasizing the influence of social norms, diverse indicators of abnormality, societal stigma, and the necessity for objectivity.

One key challenge in identifying mental disorders lies in the continuum of human behaviors. As pointed out by Compton and Hoffman (2013), mental health symptoms often exist on a spectrum with normal functioning at one end and severe pathology at the other. For instance, feelings of fear are a natural part of human experience; however, when fear becomes excessive or persistent, it may be classified as an anxiety disorder. Yet, what constitutes "excessive" varies across cultures and individuals, complicating diagnosis. In this context, the boundary between normal and abnormal behavior becomes blurred, making clinical judgments inherently subjective (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013).

Social norms significantly influence how behaviors are interpreted and classified. What is unacceptable or abnormal in one society may be tolerated or even considered typical in another. For example, hearing voices may be viewed as a sign of psychosis in Western cultures but regarded as spiritual communication in some Indigenous societies (Kirmayer et al., 2014). Thus, cultural relativism plays a crucial role in diagnosis and highlights the challenge of establishing universal criteria for abnormality. Rigid adherence to a specific cultural model runs the risk of pathologizing culturally normative behaviors or overlooking genuine disorders (Lewis-Fernández & Aggarwal, 2014).

The multiplicity of indicators of abnormality further complicates diagnosis. Disorders manifest through various signs such as mood changes, behavioral deviations, or cognitive impairments. These indicators are often inconsistent, overlapping, and influenced by individual differences. The DSM-5 (APA, 2013) attempts to standardize diagnostic criteria, yet clinicians must still rely on their judgment to interpret symptoms within the context of each patient's life. This multiplicity of signs, coupled with the variability in presentation, makes the identification process inherently challenging and sometimes unreliable.

Societal stigma surrounding mental illness adds an additional layer of difficulty. Labeling someone as mentally ill can lead to social exclusion, discrimination, and self-stigmatization. Consequently, individuals may hide symptoms or avoid seeking help to escape judgment (Corrigan et al., 2014). This concealment hampers accurate diagnosis and delays treatment, exacerbating the individual's distress and impeding public health efforts. Recognizing and managing stigma is vital for improving the identification process and ensuring compassionate, unbiased care.

Finally, the need for objectivity in diagnosing mental disorders is significant but challenging. Mental health professionals strive to base their assessments on empirical evidence; however, the subjective nature of clinical judgment, cultural biases, and personal values can influence decisions. The development of standardized diagnostic tools like the DSM and ICD attempts to mitigate biases, yet they cannot eliminate all subjectivity (Kutchins & Kirk, 2014). Achieving a balance between scientific rigor and cultural sensitivity remains a persistent challenge in mental health diagnosis.

In conclusion, identifying mental disorders is inherently difficult due to the continuum of human behaviors, cultural influences, diverse indicators, societal stigma, and the quest for objectivity. Recognizing these complexities is essential for mental health professionals to develop more culturally sensitive, accurate, and compassionate approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Continued research, education, and societal effort are necessary to refine diagnostic criteria and reduce the challenges faced in identifying mental health disorders.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
• Compton, W. C., & Hoffman, E. (2013). The scientific basis of mental health disorders. In W. C. Compton & E. Hoffman (Eds.), Introduction to psychology (15th ed., pp. 289-319). Cengage Learning.
• Kirmayer, L. J., Brass, G. M., & Tait, C. L. (2014). The cultural context of mental health and distress. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychiatry, 50(4), 1-22.
• Lewis-Fernández, R., & Aggarwal, N. K. (2014). Culture and the diagnostic process: A review. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 37(4), 631-645.
• Kutchins, H., & Kirk, S. A. (2014). Making us crazy: The psychiatric examination of the mentally ill. Routledge.
• Corrigan, P., Morris, S. B., Michaels, P. J., Rafacz, J. D., & Rüsch, N. (2014). Challenging the public stigma of mental illness: A systematic review of outcome studies. Psychiatric Services, 65(10), 1272-1280.
• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).