5A understanding normality and mental health Flashcards
atypical development
is development that noticeably differs in a significant way from what is usual or appropriate for that age and sex (societal norms) such as a 5-year-old not talking yet
atypical behaviour
is unusual behaviour for an individual.
it raises mental health concerns when it is persistent, is evident across different situations in everyday life, and is maladaptive.
adaptive behaviours
the ability to respond appropriately to different and changing environment and conditions.
maladaptive behaviours
when a person struggles to change their behaviour to match a changing environment or situation and it has a negative effect on their everyday life.
raises concerns when it is consistent and raises issues with everyday functioning.
mental health
is a state of wellbeing in which an individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community
however, “good” mental health does not mean we do not experience times of sadness, anger or anxiety. good mental health is reflected in how well we deal with the positive and negatives emotions associated with the various events in our lives.
mental health problem
- occurs as a result of a life stressor
- is usually less severe and of a shorter duration than a mental disorder.
also, described as a ‘rough patch’ or ‘low point’. it often resolves itself with time or when the stressor changes or passes. however if a mental health problem persists or increases in severity, it may develop into a mental disorder.
mental disorder
- a diagnosed psychological state characterised by the presence of a severe disturbance and sense of distress, involving thoughts, feelings and/or behaviours that are atypical of the person and that significantly impact their ability to function independently.
ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS
- clinically diagnosable
- causes significant stress or disability in everyday functioning
- the disorder is not a result of a personal conflict with society
TREATMENT
the symptoms of most mental disorder can be successfully treated. professional help can include psychotherapy (talking therapy such as CBT), and/or medication. recovery may be complemented with a community program or social support group.
the socio-cultural approach
What is accepted according to a particular set of codes relating to the social and cultural context that an individual is a part of.
the functional approach
Experiencing thoughts, feelings and behaviours that allow the individual to cope with the demands of their everyday lives.
the historical approach
The understanding of normality changes throughout different historical periods of time.
the medical approach
Defining thoughts, feelings, and behaviours according to diagnostic criteria. Use DSM-V
the statistical approach
What has been measured as common thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
the situational approach
What is acceptable in different contexts.
