Introduction
Mental disorders are complex conditions influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Understanding their aetiology (causes) and classification is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. This blog delves into key models like the biomedical, psychoanalytic, and biopsychosocial approaches, alongside modern classification systems such as DSM-5 and ICD-10.
Whether you're a student, clinician, or someone seeking clarity, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of how mental disorders are studied and categorized.
Aetiology of Mental Disorders
1. Biomedical Model
The biomedical model focuses on physical causes of mental illness, including:
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Neurotransmitter Imbalance
Dopamine, Serotonin, GABA: Dysregulation linked to depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety.
Hormonal Factors: Cortisol (stress hormone) and thyroid imbalances can trigger mood disorders.
Genetic Vulnerabilities
Down Syndrome: Caused by trisomy in chromosome 21.
Diathesis-Stress Model: Genetic predispositions activated under stress (e.g., trauma triggering depression).
2. Psychoanalytic Model (Freud)
Freud’s theory emphasizes unconscious conflicts and childhood stages:
Psychosexual Stages:
Oral (0-2 yrs): Fixation may lead to dependency or addiction.
Phallic (3-5 yrs): Unresolved Oedipus/Electra complexes may cause anxiety.
Id, Ego, Superego: Imbalance leads to neuroses (e.g., excessive guilt = superego dominance).
3. Humanistic Model (Rogers)
Focuses on self-actualization and barriers to growth:
Conditions of Worth: External validation distorting self-concept (e.g., perfectionism in anxiety).
Pathology: Stems from incongruence between real and ideal self.
4. Behavioral Model
Maladaptive behaviors result from:
Classical Conditioning: Phobias via association (e.g., fear of dogs after a bite).
Operant Conditioning: Depression reinforced by social withdrawal.
5. Biopsychosocial Model
A holistic approach integrating:
Biological: Genetics, brain chemistry.
Psychological: Coping mechanisms, trauma.
Social: Poverty, stigma, family dynamics.
Example: A depressed individual may have a genetic risk (biological), negative thought patterns (psychological), and unemployment (social).
Classification of Mental Disorders
1. Categorical Approach (DSM-5 & ICD-10)
DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual)
Axis I: Clinical disorders (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder).
Axis II: Personality disorders (e.g., Borderline PD).
Axis III: Medical conditions (e.g., diabetes).
Axis IV: Psychosocial stressors (e.g., divorce).
Axis V: Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF).
ICD-10 (WHO System)
F00-F09: Organic disorders (e.g., dementia).
F30-F39: Mood disorders (e.g., bipolar).
F40-F48: Anxiety disorders (e.g., PTSD).
2. Dimensional Approach
Quantifies symptoms on a spectrum (e.g., rating depression severity from mild to severe).
3. Prototypal Approach
Combines categorical and dimensional elements. Example:
Essential: Hallucinations in schizophrenia.
Non-essential: Variable mood swings.
Key Takeaways
Multifactorial Causes: Mental disorders arise from biology, psychology, and environment.
Diagnostic Systems: DSM-5 (U.S.) and ICD-10 (global) standardize classifications.
Treatment Implications: Models guide therapies (e.g., SSRIs for biomedical, CBT for behavioral).
FAQ
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🔹 Community Organization – Methods for empowering communities.
