Psychological problems are simply aspects of our behavior- broadly defined to include our ways of thinking, perceiving, feeling, and acting-that cause us distress or interfere with functioning in important areas of our lives. This straightforward and pragmatic definition of psychological problems is offered as an alternative to the current medical model view in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association and the International Classification of Diseases published by the World Health Organization that dominates thinking about psychological problems in most of the world today. Psychological problems are not the result of terrifying illnesses of the mind. Although can be very distressing and problematic for individuals, they are surprisingly commonplace variations in the natural continua of psychological problems that arise in perfectly ordinary ways. This perspective has the advantages of scientific validity and reducing the stigma inherent in viewing psychological problems as mental illnesses, mental disorders, or psychopathology"--
A remarkable and extremely important ongoing positive revolution in how we think about psychological problems is rapidly reaching a tipping point. This book provides a manifesto for this revolution. An increasing number of psychologists and psychiatrists are proposing that we either radically change the next edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the Mental Disorders and the International Classification of Diseases or leave them behind entirely. The author argues for a view of psychological problems that is far less stigmatizing and better supported by the data but which will require large changes in thinking. First, there is no clear distinction between "normal" and "abnormal" psychological functioning. Psychological problems do not reflect rare and terrifying "illnesses" of the mind, but are problematic ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving that lie on continuous dimensions from minor to severe. Crucially, psychological problems are ordinary aspects of the human experience. They are ordinary in the sense of being commonplace-the great majority of us will experience distressing and disruptive psychological problems at some time during our lives-and are ordinary in arising through the same natural interplay of genetic and environmental influences as any other aspect of behavior. The dimensions of psychological problems are highly correlated and these correlations provide vital clues as that allow us to see a hierarchy of causes of psychological problems for the first time. These range from factors that influence the likelihood of exhibiting some kind of psychological problem, but not which kind, to highly specific causes.
The aim of Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Social Work is to provide a comprehensive text, taking on assessment (biopsychosocial-cultural/spiritual risk and resilience; DSM; standardized assessment scales); goal-setting; and intervention, including medication, evidence-based interventions and the process of evidence-based practice with children and adolescents. The social work context is integrated throughout by: 1) considering the complexities of multiple system levels involved with the occurrence of mental disorders and youth adjustment and recovery; and 2) professional ethics and demeanor when working with impoverished, diverse, and vulnerable youth populations in inter-disciplinary settings.
This updated edition features increased coverage of positive psychology and evolutionary psychology. It also includes information of developmental changes in the brain, and their relations to changes in behaviour and mental processes. Powerweb gives students current articles, curriculum-based materials, weekly updates with assessment, informative and timely world news, refereed Web links, research tools, study tools and interactive exercises
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