9.4 Understanding Psychological Disorders

Notes

A psychological disorder is a pattern of thoughts, feelings or behaviors that causes significant distress or impairs daily life. Mental health conditions are common, real and treatable. They are not a sign of weakness or a character flaw.

• Psychologists often consider whether behavior is atypical, disturbing to the person, maladaptive (interfering with life) and unjustifiable.
• The biopsychosocial model says disorders come from a mix of biological factors (genes, brain chemistry), psychological factors (thoughts, past experience) and social factors (stress, relationships, culture).
• The DSM-5 is the manual clinicians use to diagnose disorders. Only a trained professional can diagnose.
• Stigma (negative stereotypes) can stop people from seeking help. Respectful language matters: say "a person with depression," not "a depressed person."
• If you or someone you know is struggling, talk to a trusted adult, school counselor or doctor.