PS101 Study Guide - Lgbt Community, Cognitive Therapy, Alcoholism
Document Summary
Any behaviour or emotional state that causes an individual great suffering; is self destructive and seriously impairs the person"s ability to work and get along with others. Drapetomia- the racist disorder from the mid 1800"s that was designed to explain slave running away. Homosexuality also used to be considered a mental disorder because they fit the criteria. Social and cultural beliefs and attitudes allow them to be classified as a mental disorder. Mental health is determined by society: mental disorders are not the same as insanity. Insanity is a legal term that determines if a person can control their behaviour and whether they know right from wrong, unaware of the consequences of their actions. Dilemmas of definition: varying definitions of mental disorders: Mental disorder as a violation of cultural standards. Mental disorder as behaviour that is self-destructive or harmful to others. Scarring, tattooing, piercing, cutting your self could all be considered disorders in certain areas at certain times.
