Final answer:
The distinction between psychological disorders and normal behavior is defined by the DSM and includes considerations of the duration, abnormality, distress, and impairment caused by behaviors or thoughts that are not attributable to substances or medical conditions. Anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and other mental illnesses significantly disrupt daily life and constitute a large portion of mental health issues in the U.S. The DSM is a key reference for categorizing and evolving these classifications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Distinguishing Psychological Disorders from Normal Behavior
The distinction between what constitutes a psychological disorder and "normal" behavior is central to clinical psychology and is governed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association. Psychological disorders are characterized by patterns of behavior or thinking that cause significant distress, are persistent, variegated, and diverge significantly from societal norms. They are not the result of substance use or other medical conditions. For instance, personality disorders exhibit long-standing, pervasive patterns deemed abnormal by society but may seem normal to the individual suffering from them, and affect about 9 percent of the population in the United States annually.
Anxiety disorders, which include OCD, panic disorders, PTSD, and phobias, are the most common mental disorders in the U.S., with almost 18 percent of adults experiencing them in a given year. Unlike typical stress responses, anxiety disorders involve intense and protracted periods of fear and worry. Mental illnesses can be debilitating to the extent that they impair a person's ability to undertake daily tasks and have been noted to affect approximately 12.5 million Americans.
Understanding the difference between psychological theory and sociological perspective also frames the discussion of mental health. While psychologists focus on the mental and emotional processes influencing behaviors, sociologists study the impact of societal structures and relationships on individuals.
The DSM's classification system is dynamic and updates with advancing scientific knowledge regarding mental disorders. This reflects an ongoing dialogue among experts about how to best identify and manage mental health conditions in society.