Concepts of Normality and Mental Health Unit

AC 1.1- Using specific examples, critically discuss the concept of normality and the difficulties that are associated with a clear concept of abnormality.

You must include reference explanations from competing perspectives and illustrate with relevant and appropriate examples.

All work must be HARVARD REFERENCED

• Definition of normality including an example.- explain the definition “normal” in greater detail referring to the explanations of the sources for example Merriam Webster 2019, and WHO including what the limitation of defining this term, why, and the impact of this on individuals and why
• Definition of abnormality including an example.
• Explain how abnormality is diagnosed using the standard diagnostic classification.
• Explain how the diagnostic classification (DSM-5) is used relating to it a specific disorder e.g. alcohol addiction. – Who developed this tool? Why was this tool developed? Why is it important for healthcare professionals to use this tool? What are the symptoms considered by DSM-5 for alcohol abuse? Explain if all users exhibit all the symptoms at all times and why. Explain if DSM-5 recognises consumption of alcohol as a problem that relates to abnormal behaviour and why.
• Explain in detail how the (ICD-10) diagnostic classification is used relating to it a specific disorder e.g. alcohol addiction.- Who was the ICD-10 developed by? Who uses this tool? How is it used in relation to abnormal relating to alcohol? Explain the criteria used to diagnose dependence on alcohol.
• Explain the different types of assessment (observation of behaviour/clinical interview/psychological tests/physiological tests) and the pros and cons of each assessment.- What are the different types of assessment? How is each type used including reasons for each relating to normal and in particular abnormal behaviour?
• Explain how social norms are described relating to the deviation from social norms considering different cultural perspectives, ethnic groups including specific statistical differences and historical relativism – historical changes. – Explain in detail and depth what social norms are and why. Explain in detail and depth what social norm deviation is and why. Give examples of social norm deviation. Explain social norm deviation relating to alcohol. Explain in detail and depth how social norms are different ie different perspectives, ethnic groups, historically including historical relativism, and the specific changes including the reasons.
• Explain alcohol consumption among different cultures
• Include a summary of relativism.
• Define and explain the term ‘normal’.
• Define and explain the term ‘maladaptive’.
• Include a conclusion of the key points i.e. explaining if there is a definitive way to classify what is considered ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ and the reasons why.