Discussion Question 1: Defining Mental Disorder in the DSM. Does
this definition reflect any distinctions between mental states, psychological
states, and physical states? Identify
specific terms in the definition when offering reasons for why you think it
does or does not make such distinctions.
DSM-V:
a)
A behavioral or psychological syndrome or
pattern that occurs in an individual
b)
Reflects an underlying psychobiological
dysfunction
c)
The consequences of which are clinically
significant distress (e.g., a painful symptom) or disability (i.e., impairment
in one or more important areas of functioning)
d)
Must not be merely an expected response to
common stressors and losses (ex. the loss of a loved one) or a culturally
sanctioned response to a particular event (ex. trance states in religious
rituals)
e)
Not primarily a result of social deviance or
conflicts with society
Discussion Question 2: What are some advantages of taking the
reductionist view? What are some
advantages of the pluralist view? For
example, does the reductionist view, based in science, give us the possibility
of a more objective account of mental disorder?
Discussion Question 3: What stigmas exist and how should they be
handled? Do any of these stigmas make
unfair assumptions about mental disorder (e.g. that a person can just “get over
it” because it is purely in the mind)?