Psychopathology

1.3 Assignment. Classifications of Psychopathology

Getting Started

The  Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is used by clinicians and psychiatrists to diagnose mental illnesses. Published by the American Psychiatric Association, the DSM covers all categories of mental health disorders for both adults and children. The DSM is widely used in the United States for diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and insurance coverage purposes. It is considered the definitive reference for classification of mental disorders. In 2013, a new version, known as the DSM-5, was released.

It’s good that we have a general reference for understanding the full range of mental disorders. The DSM-5 is the result of many years of research and new advances in both theory and practice. This shared knowledge allows clinicians and others to carry on a dialogue that uses common terms for the treatment of individuals living with these conditions.

There is growing controversy over whether diagnostic labels are more harmful than helpful. For example, diagnostic labels can be used as loose guidelines to better understand and delve into the intricacies of a person’s story. This approach uses the DSM as an entry point into understanding more about a particular person’s distress. But it is only a starting point. The main learning comes from interaction with the client.

Diagnostic labels can also be detrimental, especially with very busy clinicians who use the labels as prescriptive treatments and fit the person to the diagnosis. For example, a person who meets the criteria for a major depressive episode would receive a standard treatment of cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressant medication. This might be the best combination for a given individual, but it wouldn’t apply to every individual with this diagnosis.

Then there is the never-ending controversy over which conditions should be included in the DSM and which shouldn’t. For example, a new diagnosis that was included in the DSM-5 was hoarding disorder. One that was considered but didn’t make it in this edition was Internet addiction. Why does one condition make it in and another not? The stated reason is the breadth or dearth of research that supports or fails to support the inclusion of a behavior or condition. But it also has as much to do with politics, and that is where the controversy heats up. More clinicians than ever are using the DSM as needed but without the enthusiasm of previous editions.

In this Dropbox assignment, you have the opportunity to explore this issue firsthand. You’ll do your own critical thinking about the advantages and potential disadvantages of diagnostic labels. The diagnosis is typically made within the first few interactions the therapist has with the client. As an integrative part of this diagnostic sorting, you’ll wade into the issue of whether a clinician should inquire about a person’s spiritual beliefs and whether that could be helpful information during the diagnostic interview process.

Upon successful completion of the course material, you will be able to:

· Examine the pros and cons of using diagnostic labels, specifically related to the DSM.

Resources

· Textbook:  Modern Psychopathologies: A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal

· Article: DSM Is Guide Not Bible—Ignore Its Ten Worst Changes

· Article: Advantages and Disadvantages of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual

· Video: Rosenhan’s Experiment: Being Sane in Insane Places

Background Information

Read Chapter 2 in the textbook and watch the video “Rosenhan’s Experiment: Being Sane in Insane Places” before beginning the paper. It’s important to go beyond the general pros and cons mentioned in the introduction to this assignment. These are meant to simply give an overview and jump-start thinking. This paper requires critical thinking and may require additional research outside of the assigned resources.

Instructions

1. Read Chapter 2, “Classification in Contemporary Mental Health,” in your textbook.

2. Watch the video,  Rosenhan’s Experiment: Being Sane in Insane Places  (19:10 minutes).

a. A transcript is available on the website.

3. Review the following articles:

a. DSM Is Guide Not Bible—Ignore Its Ten Worst Changes

b. Advantages and Disadvantages of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual

4. Write a three- to four-page paper that addresses the following questions:

a. What are some potential advantages of using diagnostic labels?

b. What are some potential disadvantages of using diagnostic labels?

c. In your opinion, do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or vice versa? Explain.

d. Why are medical diagnoses (cancer, for example) seemingly more valued in modern society than some psychological diagnoses (such as depression)?

e. Diagnoses are typically made after one or two visits with a clinician. In your opinion, should clinicians inquire about a patient’s spiritual beliefs during the initial interview as part of the diagnosis? Explain?

f. What might be some positive or negative consequences of inquiring about a person’s religious/spiritual beliefs when used for diagnostic purposes?

5. Fully elaborate your responses. Be sure to cite your sources in  APA Style  format in the text of your paper and in a reference page at the end.

1.1 Discussion- The Healer

Getting Started

Consider the following passages of scripture about Jesus of Nazareth, the Healer. From far and wide people flocked to Him, bringing their sick, their hurting, even those who were possessed by demons. Reading these passages, we may be inclined to believe there is such a thing called “healing” and such a thing called “sin.” Are illness and sin interrelated? Does sin have anything to do with either physical illness or mental illness? If so, how much? Consider the following passages of scripture about Jesus of Nazareth, the Healer:

Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Acts 5:15–16

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Acts 10:38

Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

James 5:13–16

Upon successful completion of the course material, you will be able to:

· Discuss the nature of sin and its potential impact on illness.

· Share your perspective on mental illness and demon possession.

Resources

· Bible

· Video & Transcript: The Healer

Background Information

There was a time when mental illness was perceived as a result of sin and evil. We have come such a long way in our approach toward both physical and mental illness. We no longer put those who are suffering into prisons or isolate them in dungeons. We care for one another when we become ill. Jesus of Nazareth, the healer and lover of our very souls, did not blame, shame, demean, or isolate those who came to Him with ailments and illnesses. He loved them into health. Can He still do this today?

How much can Jesus and the power of his Holy Spirit play a role in healing? How much are we accountable for our own health? How much is life circumstance and how much is sin-related? These are the questions we struggle with as we do our best to love others and to love even ourselves into greater healing.

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Watch the video below.

3. Watch the video below.

4. YOUTUBE-THE HEALER

1. Transcript of the video .

2. The Healer Transcript

5. Speaker 1: Consider the following passages of scripture about Jesus of Nazareth, The Healer. From far and wide, people flocked to him bringing their sick, their hurting, even those who were possessed by demons. Reading these passages, we may be inclined to believe that there is a thing called healing and that there is such a thing called sin. Are illness and sin interrelated? Does sin have anything to do with either physical illness or mental illness? And if so, how much?

6. Jesus: Go. Wash in the pool of Siloam.

7. Speaker 1: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven. Confess your sins one to another. Pray for one another that ye may be healed.

8. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

1.

9. Navigate to the Discussion page and respond to the following prompts:

1. How do you perceive mental illness?

2. Describe a time when you have witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit at work in healing.

10. Your initial post is due by the end of the day of the workshop.

11. Read and respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings, as well as instructor follow-up questions directed to you, by the end of the workshop.

12. Your postings should also:

1. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.

2. Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.

1.2 Discussion. What Is Psychopathology

Getting Started

When we encounter a physical illness, such as an infection or a diagnosis of cancer, we have blood tests, scans, and other means to actually see the presence of something that is wrong. And we can measure the treatments (antibiotics or chemotherapy, among others) that we employ to see if these treatments are correcting or eradicating the problem. But mental health is concerned with less-tangible parts of daily living, such as disturbances of feeling and thought that manifest in problem behaviors. It’s easier to visualize the removal of a tumor than banish depression.

This invisible line between what is normal and abnormal has always been challenging for mental health professionals to determine. Take, for example, a person who feels depressed a year after the loss of a loved one. Is this length of time for grieving considered abnormal behavior or just a longer-than-average grieving process?

And what if we define  normal as the degree to which a person conforms to societal norms? Does that mean artists, inventors, songwriters, novelists, poets, entrepreneurs, or other nonconventional innovators would be considered abnormal because they choose to push against established societal norms to stretch the limits of imagination? When we diagnose someone with a mental disorder, we need to make sure we are not just saying they are different. We need to be much clearer about what characterizes mental illness than simply pointing out idiosyncratic behavior.

The history of mental health in America, even as recently as the first half of the twentieth century, is full of horror stories of mentally ill people being treated in unacceptable ways. Though we’ve come a long way since that time, there is still enormous stigma attached to those labeled mentally ill. The stigma is often reinforced by people who know little about mental health or have had bad experiences in the mental health system.

In this discussion, you will have the opportunity to wrestle with these issues of what constitutes normal versus abnormal behavior, how the stigma continues to live on in our culture, and how we might be able to push against this bias.

Upon successful completion of the course material, you will be able to:

· Discuss the concept of psychopathology and how it relates to stigma for those with mental health issues.

Resources

· Textbook:  Modern Psychopathologies: A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal

· File: How to Write an Engaging Online Discussion Post

· Audio/Transcript: Speaking of Psychology: Fighting the stigma of mental illness, with Patrick Corrigan, PsyD

· Video & Transcript: Toward a New Understanding of Mental Illness

Background Information

You should read Chapter 1 from the textbook and watch the videos “Toward a New Understanding of Mental Illness” and “The Stigma of Mental Illness” before they begin the discussion. These resources will provide a solid base to jump-start some critical thinking for the discussion.

Instructions

1. Read Chapter 1, “Classification in Historical Pastoral Care,” in your textbook.

2. Review the following videos (if you are not logged in to the Jackson Library site, you will be asked to do so):

a. Toward a New Understanding of Mental Illness  (13:00 minutes)

i. Transcript of the "Toward a New..." video .

b. Speaking of Psychology: Fighting the stigma of mental illness, with Patrick Corrigan, PsyD

i. A transcript is available on the website.

3. Review the file,  How to Write an Engaging Online Discussion Post .

a. Apply these guidelines to your weekly discussion posts.

4. Navigate to the Discussion page and respond to the following prompts:

a. How would you define the idea of mental illness in your own words?

b. What characteristics or behaviors distinguish a person who has a mental illness from someone who is simply struggling with issues that are considered normal?

c. Do you think there is a significant stigma in modern culture toward people who seek help for mental health issues?

i. Give an example to support your perspective.

d. In your experience, is the stigma about mental illness and getting psychological help stronger in churches, or is there more understanding and support in the church for this population? Explain.

5. Your initial post:

a. Should be between 400 to 500 words.

b. Is due by the end of the fourth day of the workshop.

6. Read and respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings, as well as instructor follow-up questions directed to you, by the end of the workshop.

7. Your postings should also:

a. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.

b. Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.

1.3 Assignment. Classifications of Psychopathology

Getting Started

The  Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is used by clinicians and psychiatrists to diagnose mental illnesses. Published by the American Psychiatric Association, the DSM covers all categories of mental health disorders for both adults and children. The DSM is widely used in the United States for diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and insurance coverage purposes. It is considered the definitive reference for classification of mental disorders. In 2013, a new version, known as the DSM-5, was released.

It’s good that we have a general reference for understanding the full range of mental disorders. The DSM-5 is the result of many years of research and new advances in both theory and practice. This shared knowledge allows clinicians and others to carry on a dialogue that uses common terms for the treatment of individuals living with these conditions.

There is growing controversy over whether diagnostic labels are more harmful than helpful. For example, diagnostic labels can be used as loose guidelines to better understand and delve into the intricacies of a person’s story. This approach uses the DSM as an entry point into understanding more about a particular person’s distress. But it is only a starting point. The main learning comes from interaction with the client.

Diagnostic labels can also be detrimental, especially with very busy clinicians who use the labels as prescriptive treatments and fit the person to the diagnosis. For example, a person who meets the criteria for a major depressive episode would receive a standard treatment of cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressant medication. This might be the best combination for a given individual, but it wouldn’t apply to every individual with this diagnosis.

Then there is the never-ending controversy over which conditions should be included in the DSM and which shouldn’t. For example, a new diagnosis that was included in the DSM-5 was hoarding disorder. One that was considered but didn’t make it in this edition was Internet addiction. Why does one condition make it in and another not? The stated reason is the breadth or dearth of research that supports or fails to support the inclusion of a behavior or condition. But it also has as much to do with politics, and that is where the controversy heats up. More clinicians than ever are using the DSM as needed but without the enthusiasm of previous editions.

In this Dropbox assignment, you have the opportunity to explore this issue firsthand. You’ll do your own critical thinking about the advantages and potential disadvantages of diagnostic labels. The diagnosis is typically made within the first few interactions the therapist has with the client. As an integrative part of this diagnostic sorting, you’ll wade into the issue of whether a clinician should inquire about a person’s spiritual beliefs and whether that could be helpful information during the diagnostic interview process.

Upon successful completion of the course material, you will be able to:

· Examine the pros and cons of using diagnostic labels, specifically related to the DSM.

Resources

· Textbook:  Modern Psychopathologies: A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal

· Article: DSM Is Guide Not Bible—Ignore Its Ten Worst Changes

· Article: Advantages and Disadvantages of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual

· Video: Rosenhan’s Experiment: Being Sane in Insane Places

Background Information

Read Chapter 2 in the textbook and watch the video “Rosenhan’s Experiment: Being Sane in Insane Places” before beginning the paper. It’s important to go beyond the general pros and cons mentioned in the introduction to this assignment. These are meant to simply give an overview and jump-start thinking. This paper requires critical thinking and may require additional research outside of the assigned resources.

Instructions

1. Read Chapter 2, “Classification in Contemporary Mental Health,” in your textbook.

2. Watch the video,  Rosenhan’s Experiment: Being Sane in Insane Places  (19:10 minutes).

a. A transcript is available on the website.

3. Review the following articles:

a. DSM Is Guide Not Bible—Ignore Its Ten Worst Changes

b. Advantages and Disadvantages of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual

4. Write a three- to four-page paper that addresses the following questions:

a. What are some potential advantages of using diagnostic labels?

b. What are some potential disadvantages of using diagnostic labels?

c. In your opinion, do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or vice versa? Explain.

d. Why are medical diagnoses (cancer, for example) seemingly more valued in modern society than some psychological diagnoses (such as depression)?

e. Diagnoses are typically made after one or two visits with a clinician. In your opinion, should clinicians inquire about a patient’s spiritual beliefs during the initial interview as part of the diagnosis? Explain?

f. What might be some positive or negative consequences of inquiring about a person’s religious/spiritual beliefs when used for diagnostic purposes?

5. Fully elaborate your responses. Be sure to cite your sources in  APA Style  format in the text of your paper and in a reference page at the end.