5 Questions
What is the DSM-5 definition of a mental disorder?
It involves clinically significant difficulties in thinking, feeling, or behaving
According to Wakefield’s harmful dysfunction concept, what is a key aspect of a mental disorder?
Failure of internal mechanisms in the mind to function properly
Which factor is not considered enough to define a mental disorder?
Cultural specificity
What is a characteristic of a mental disorder according to the text?
Involves dysfunction in processes that support mental functioning
Which factor is emphasized in the definition of a mental disorder?
Not primarily a result of social deviance or conflict with society
Study Notes
DSM-5 Definition of Mental Disorder
- The DSM-5 defines a mental disorder as a syndrome characterized by clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior that reflects a dysfunction in the psychological, biological, or developmental processes underlying mental functioning.
- This dysfunction must not be merely an expectable and culturally sanctioned response to a particular event, such as the loss of a loved one.
Harmful Dysfunction Concept
- According to Wakefield’s harmful dysfunction concept, a key aspect of a mental disorder is that it involves harm or impairment that affects the individual’s well-being.
- This concept emphasizes that a mental disorder must involve some kind of harmful dysfunction, not just statistical deviation from norms.
Definition of Mental Disorder
- Having a statistically rare pattern of behavior or a pattern that differs from the norm is not enough to define a mental disorder.
- A characteristic of a mental disorder is that it involves a dysfunction in psychological, biological, or developmental processes that impairs the individual’s well-being.
- The definition of a mental disorder emphasizes the dysfunction or impairment of psychological, biological, or developmental processes.
Test your knowledge of psychopathology with this quiz! Explore the nature, development, and treatment of psychological disorders while learning about challenges in maintaining objectivity and reducing stigma. Delve into the DSM-5 definition and criteria for mental disorders.
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