Mental Disorders

What is the benefit of being diagnosed correctly?

A person can get the right type of treatment or medication he needs.

What is a problem with DSM diagnoses that some people don't like?

Any diagnosis indicates that you have a mental illness, no matter how mild.

DSM

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

Peter is concerned about the horrible feelings he constantly has and his tendency to always feel anxious. What is a healthy action he could take?

Listen to a mental health professional who can guide him through his troubles.

symptom

a sign or indication of something

What are the two most common disorders in the United States?

anxiety and depression

What does Axis I of the DSM categorize?

clinical and mental disorders

adverse

extremely unfavorable

psychotic

suffering from delusions or hallucinations

diagnose

to classify or determine

What do the five axes of the DSM represent?

major categories that a mental heath professional will use to assess a person

Why won't some people get treated for mental illness, mild or severe?

Some people don't want a mental health record following them. Cultural biases prevent them from seeking help. They know that mental health professions never offer real help.

What does the DSM allow a mental health professional to do?

diagnose psychosocial problems diagnose mental and clinical disorders diagnose developmental and learning disorders

What does Axis III of the DSM categorize?

medical conditions and physical disorders

depression

persistent feelings of general sadness