Definition of psychological disorder in psychology
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Definition of Psychological Disorder in Psychology
Introduction to Psychological Disorders
Psychological disorders, also known as mental disorders, are conditions characterized by significant disturbances in an individual's cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior. These disturbances reflect a dysfunction in the psychological, biological, or developmental processes underlying mental functioning 35. Psychological disorders can lead to considerable distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning 3.
Harmful Dysfunction and Social Norms
One prominent conceptualization of psychological disorders is the "harmful dysfunction" model. This model posits that a disorder arises when there is a failure of a mental mechanism to perform a natural function for which it was designed by evolution, combined with a value judgment that the dysfunction is harmful based on social norms 1. This approach integrates both scientific and value-based components, distinguishing it from purely biological or purely social definitions of mental disorders 1.
Historical and Conceptual Evolution
The need for a precise definition of mental disorders has been driven by various factors, including scientific, ethical, legal, and financial considerations. The first formal definition emerged from the work of Robert Spitzer, who aimed to create an atheoretical and evidence-based classification system. This definition has evolved over time to address new challenges and incorporate advances in psychiatric research 2.
Clinical Significance and Functional Impairment
Psychological disorders are often defined by their clinical significance, which includes disruptions in behavior, cognition, and emotional control that lead to distress or functional impairment. Common examples include depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders 3. These conditions can vary in severity and impact different individuals in diverse ways 3.
Diagnostic Criteria and Classification
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) are the primary tools used for diagnosing and classifying psychological disorders. These manuals provide standardized criteria for identifying mental health conditions, ensuring consistency and reliability in diagnosis 8. The DSM, for instance, categorizes disorders based on observable symptoms and reported experiences, facilitating a common language for clinicians and researchers 8.
Lay Perspectives on Mental Disorders
Laypeople's understanding of mental disorders often aligns with professional definitions to some extent. A study on American undergraduates revealed that their judgments of what constitutes a mental disorder were strongly associated with the concepts of harmful dysfunction and peculiarity, showing moderate convergence with DSM criteria 9. This indicates that while there is some overlap, lay perceptions may also include unique dimensions not captured by clinical definitions 9.
Conclusion
In summary, psychological disorders are complex conditions characterized by significant disturbances in mental functioning, leading to distress or impairment. The definition of these disorders incorporates both scientific and value-based elements, reflecting the interplay between biological dysfunctions and social norms. Over time, the conceptualization and classification of psychological disorders have evolved to address new challenges and incorporate advances in research, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of these conditions.
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