The definition of the concept of a “mental disorder,” fundamental to the mental health field, has been an important and controversial issue in psychology. Labeling a person’s behavior abnormal, effects the way they are viewed and view themselves, and determines the recommendations for treatment. Since the term describes such a broad range of illnesses, it is difficult to come up with a definition that is adequately inclusive and consistent. J.C. Wakefield (1992) made a …showed first 75 words of 741 total…

…showed last 75 words of 741 total…definitional guidelines described in the DSM-IV provide a procedure for analysis, and therefore are only as good as their application within a culture. References Emery, R.E., & Oltmanns, T.F. (1998). Abnormal Psychology (2nd ed.). Upper Sadle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc. Kleinman, A. (1988). What is a psychiatric diagnosis? In A. Kleinman (Ed.), Rethinking psychiatry (pp. 5-17). New York: The Free Press. Wakefield, J.C. (1992). On the boundary between biological facts and social values. American Psychologist, 47, 373-388.