Exam 7: Mental Disorders

In Rosenhan's follow-up study on psychiatric diagnosis ("Being sane in insane places"), he told the administrators of a prestigious teaching hospital that within the next three months at least one "pseudo-patient" would attempt to be admitted as a psychiatric patient. During that period of time, hospital staff estimated that out of 191 psychiatric admissions, patients were likely "pseudo-patients"; Rosenhan had actually sent in "pseudo-patients".

Ramon is born into an upper-middle class family. At the age of 18, he develops schizophrenia. Because of difficulties with controlling his disorder, he is unable to keep a job, and eventually ends up living in an inner city rooming house. Which of the following hypotheses best explains Ramon's economic experiences?

As of 2006, Canada was the only G8 nation to lack a national mental health policy.

Despite the criticisms launched against the DSM, it does have considerable overlap with the diagnostic categories contained in the ICD used by the World Health Organization.

What proportion of Canadian university students report significant levels of "psychological distress"?

Describe the costs of mental illness, and explain why Wolff (2007) suggests that we must approach cost-of-illness estimates with caution. Elaborate upon your opinion of Wolff`s argument, providing support.

According to the World Health Organization, what proportion of the world's population is affected by a mental disorder at some point in their lives?

Discuss Rosenhan's (1973) explanation of how social factors and psychiatric biases affect the diagnosis of the mentally ill.

According to Wolff (2007), cost-of-illness estimates regarding mental illness are independent of the costs of medication.

People with mental disorders are perceived as being unpredictable, violent and Dangerous. As a result

What have been the consequences of the deinstitutionalization movement?

Due to international efforts (such as by the World Health Organization), the proportion of people with mental disorders who receive treatment has increased from 30% to 60% since 1980.

People with mental illnesses who live in rural areas have an easier time with recovery than those who live in urban areas, due to the stronger social support networks in rural communities.

According to some researchers, cost-of-illness estimates regarding mental illness actually reflect negative attitudes toward people with mental disorders.

Which of the following is an example of resistance to the stigmatization of mental illness?

Explain how Rosenhan's research ("Being Sane in Insane Places") reinforced Goffman's earlier work on total institutions.

Policies and programs within the discrimination paradigm focus on the symptoms of mental illness that hinder the individual's effective functioning in daily life

Describe the hydraulic relationship that Penrose (1939) proposed existed between the mental health care system and the criminal justice system, and discuss the extent to which you believe this relationship still exists in the 21st century.

The majority of countries in the world allocate 1%, or even less, of their annual budgets to mental health.

When did the deinstitutionalization movement develop?