The document defines mental disorders as disturbances in behavior, psychology, or functioning that are not culturally accepted and cause distress, disability, or impaired overall functioning. It then lists some key characteristics of mental illness including that most cause emotional pain and impair daily functioning, and that societies often stereotype and discriminate against those with mental disorders. The document goes on to discuss historical views of the causes of mental illness and past treatments.

2. disturbances of an
individual’s behavioral or
psychological functioning
that are not culturally
accepted and that lead to
psychological distress,
behavioral disability,
and/or impaired overall
functioning (Baron, 2005).

3.  Many mental disorders are uncommon.
 Most, although not all, mental illness causes emotional pain.
 Impairment- most mental disorders interfere with individuals daily
functioning.
 Societal disapproval- we often stereotype and discriminate against
individuals with mental disorders.
 Biological dysfunction- failures in biological systems.
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4. CAUSES
 1400’s- moon influenced brain and induced madness
 Supernatural forces
 Possession of evil spirits
 Physical factors- brain damage, hereditary
TREATMENT
 Asylums
 Exorcism
 Beaten
 Starved
 Rest, good food and drink and solitude
 bloodletting, sensory deprivation, electro-shock therapy, lobotomy
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5.  Disruptive Disorders (defiance disorder, ADD,
ADHD)
 Food and Eating Disorders (bulimia, anorexia)
 Developmental Disorders (autism)
 Mood Disorders (bi-polar, depression)
 Anxiety Disorders (phobias, OCD, paranoia, PTSD)
 Dissociative Disorder (amnesia, identity disorders)
 Schizophrenia
 Personality Disorders
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6.  Living with the disorder – impact on life and others
 Treatment (past and present)
 How society views the disorder
 Causes of the disorder
 Genetic factors – run in families
 Biological factors
 Biochemical factors
 Psychological factors – families create environments that place their
children at risk.
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7.  Inherited (as in hemophilia, sickle-cell
anemia, diabetes).
 Physical damage - may be temporary or
permanent
 Organic – lack of nutrition, chemical
poisoning from environment, cancer
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