Within this unit I will be showing my past and learnt knowledge of the main forms of mental health problems according to the psychiatric classification system. I will be looking at the strengths, Limitations and alternative frameworks for understanding mental health. I will also demonstrate ways in which mental health problems can and do impact the individual and there social network. 1. 1 Most Mental heath problems can be categorised into two categories ‘Neurotic’ and ‘Psychotic’ Neurotic health issues are most common forms of mental heath throughout the UK and are normally seen as severe forms of emotion stress.
Examples include- Stress, Depression, anxiety etc The less common Psychotic forms of mental heath issues are forms that affect a person’s reality. Examples include – Schizophrenia, bi-Polar At present there are two established classification systems for mental disorders, ICD (International classification of diseases) & DSM (Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental health disorders) The ICD includes personality disorders on the same domain as other mental disorders, unlike the DSM.
The ICD states that mental disorder Is “not an exact term” although is generally used to imply the existence of a clinically recognisable set of symptoms or behaviours associated in the most cases, with distress and with interference with personal functions There are two alternative schemes for understanding mental health. Chinese classification of mental disorders (currently CCMD-3) and the Latin American guide for Psychiatric Diagnostic (GLDP) though these are less commonly recognised/ Used in practice. 1. 2 1. 3 A number of psychological frameworks have been influential in informing The theory and practice of mental health.
Two of these are Biological and medical frameworks (sometimes referred to as the disease Model) these view psychological problems as resulting, in the main, from physical causes such as brain defects, hereditary factors or as the results of accidents or injury. Recent developments in this area suggest that disorders such as schizophrenia are linked to defects located in the brain and can be inherited through genetic make-up. The biological model draws on traditional medicine and attempts to identify the presence of a ‘stable’ phenomenon called mental illness through scientific objectivity.
One of the consequences of viewing Mental illness in this manner is the belief that such illnesses can be identified and classified (As in the DSM & ICD) 1. 4 Mental health is indicated in many ways, including • Attitudes of the individual towards him/herself • Individuals style and degree of growth, development or self-actualisation • Individual’s relation to reality in terms of Autonomy, Perception of reality, and environmental mastery. • The ability of an individual to integrate developing and different aspects of themselves over time.
Mental health issues can also be indicated threw individuals emotions, thinking and behaviour. Common signs may include Depression, OCD, anxieties, Eating disorders, phobias etc… Common behaviours as a result of this may include self harm, panic attacks and suicidal thoughts. 2. 1 Individuals with a mental health illness tend to experience discrimination due to misinformation, assumptions and stereotyping. Many people in our society are not educated on the subject of mental illnesses and often have misconceptions about the conditions and what affects these pre conceived deas can have on the individual suffering from the illness. Attitudes towards people with mental health Problems are often inconsistent and contradictory. Stereotyping, that is the belief that all people in a certain group conform to an unjustifiably fixed mental picture, is widespread and often leads to prejudice expressed through intolerance and ignorance. This is compounded by media stereotypes of individuals with mental illness, who are often portrayed as violent criminals. Psychotherapists and counsellors do much to challenge the dominant Discourses around psychiatric and mental illnesses.
However, they can also, Unintentionally, perpetuate the negative and uninformed views that lead to Labelling, stigmatisation and subsequent isolation. This can simply be through lack of knowledge and understanding of the relationship of mental illness. 2. 2 The effects of mental illness have physical, social, and financial implications. Depression, outbursts of frustration, and excessive stress. Mentally ill individuals often experience financial difficulties due to the inability to sustain employment. The effects of mental illness sometimes extend to family members who must assume greater household and financial responsibilities.
