Question

What considerations need to be made when distinguishing one's pattern of behavior as mental health or mental illness?

a. Whether or not the behavior pattern is outside of cultural expectations
b. Whether or not the behavior pattern is appropriate for expected developmental stage
c. Whether or not the behavior pattern is interfering with the individual's functioning
d. All of the above must be considered when distinguishing one's pattern of behavior as mental health or mental illness."

Answer 1

To distinguish between mental health and mental illness, it's necessary to consider the DSM's diagnostic criteria, personal and family history, and the difference between mental disorders, affecting daily life mildly, and mental illnesses, which are more severe and long-lasting.

Step-by-step explanation:

When distinguishing one's pattern of behavior as mental health or mental illness, various factors need to be taken into account. Mental illnesses are nervous system disorders characterized by issues in thinking, mood, or social relations, severely impacting quality of life and daily functioning. Accurate diagnosis often relies on criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association, which outlines the symptoms and classifications of different mental disorders.

Additionally, it is essential to consider personal and family medical history, as mental health conditions can arise from genetics or life experiences, with factors such as trauma or drug usage potentially triggering mental illness. Psychologists focus on internal factors such as emotions and thoughts, while sociologists examine societal influences on behavior. Keeping in mind that there's a distinction between mental disorders, which mildly affect day-to-day activities, and mental illnesses, which are more severe and persistent, requiring long-term treatment, is crucial.