Can we define mental disorder by using the criterion of mental dysfunction?

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Medicine
• Philosophy of Mind
• Psychiatry

Background:

• The concept of mental disorder is often defined by mental dysfunction, mirroring somatic disease definitions.
• However, defining mental function and dysfunction faces unique philosophical challenges not present in physiological models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify philosophical problems concerning the concepts of mental function and dysfunction.
• To explore potential solutions to these conceptual challenges.
• To examine the implications for defining mental disorder.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical analysis of teleological structures in general functions.
• Examination of scientific and evolutionary approaches to identifying mental functions.
• Discussion of the value-laden nature of mental function models.

Main Results:

• General functions possess a teleological structure (e.g., heart pumps blood).
• Identifying specific mental functions scientifically, particularly via evolutionary theory, is problematic.
• Models of mental functions may be inherently value-laden, complicating objective definition.

Conclusions:

• Current definitions of mental disorder relying on mental dysfunction lack a secure foundation.
• Resolving philosophical issues surrounding mental function is crucial for robust psychiatric nosology.
• Further philosophical inquiry is needed to establish a clear scientific basis for mental dysfunction.