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Related Concept Videos

Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder01:29

Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder

The development of psychological disorders, which are characterized by deviant, maladaptive, and personally distressing behaviors, has been explored through several theoretical approaches.
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)01:27

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) serves as the primary classification system for mental health disorders, providing standardized diagnostic criteria for clinicians and researchers. First published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 1952, the DSM has undergone several revisions to reflect evolving psychiatric understanding. The fifth edition, DSM-5, released in 2013, introduced key updates that expanded diagnostic categories and modified diagnostic...
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Depressive Disorders: Etiology

Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
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Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders01:24

Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders

Treatment approaches for psychological disorders fall into three main categories: psychological, biological, and sociocultural. Each approach targets different aspects of mental health, requiring varying levels of education and training.
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Introduction to Psychological Disorders01:19

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Abnormal behavior, often referred to as mental illness, results from changes in brain function that influence thought patterns, behaviors, and social interactions. Psychologists and psychiatrists typically assess abnormal behavior using three primary criteria: deviance, maladaptation, and personal distress, particularly when these traits persist over long periods.
Deviant Behavior
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Defining Psychology01:24

Defining Psychology

Psychology is the scientific discipline dedicated to understanding both observable behavior and the internal mental processes underlying such behavior. It aims to comprehend human nature and apply this understanding to solve practical problems, enhance well-being, and improve societal outcomes. An example of psychology's application is the study of prosocial behavior, such as why and under what conditions individuals might help strangers in need. This process involves describing observed...

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A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
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Should definitions for mental disorders include explicit theoretical elements?

Jaime Adan-Manes1, Pablo Ramos-Gorostiza

  • 1Centro de Salud Mental de Coslada, Madrid, Spain.

Psychopathology
|September 7, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Mental disorders are defined by descriptive criteria, but this approach is flawed. Understanding psychiatric phenomena requires acknowledging underlying theoretical assumptions in diagnosis and research.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Philosophy of Mind
  • Linguistics

Background:

  • Mental disorders are often defined by descriptive criteria.
  • These criteria are assumed to be theory-independent.
  • This leads to an object-like identification of psychiatric symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critique the descriptive theory of meaning in defining mental disorders.
  • To highlight the limitations of descriptive criteria in psychiatry.
  • To advocate for the explicit acknowledgment of theoretical assumptions.

Main Methods:

  • Philosophical analysis of meaning theories.
  • Hermeneutic critique of psychiatric practice.
  • Examination of diagnostic criteria and theoretical discussions.

Main Results:

  • Descriptive theory of meaning inadequately defines mental disorders.
  • Psychiatric symptom identification is theory-dependent, not object-like.
  • Unacknowledged theoretical assumptions influence diagnostic outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • The meaning of mental disorders cannot be captured by superficial descriptive criteria alone.
  • Psychiatric practice is inherently hermeneutic, relying on theoretical frameworks.
  • Explicitly stating theoretical commitments is crucial for clarity and understanding in psychiatry.