Models of Abnormality: Nervous System Essay Example

functions.

To summarize, the medulla is in charge of controlling important bodily functions like coughing, vomiting, breathing, and heart rate. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in connecting the spinal cord with the cerebrum. The spinal cord acts as a means for transmitting messages between the brain and body organs. When psychological disorders arise, they can interfere with these communication pathways, leading to reduced performance within the nervous system. The peripheral system is another significant component of the nervous system.

The peripheral system is vital for connecting the central nervous system to the rest of the body. It comprises nerves, the autonomic nervous system, and the somatic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system regulates automatic functions like smooth muscle operation, organ functioning, heartbeats, and fight or flight response. On the other hand, the somatic nervous system allows voluntary control over skeletal muscles. Nerves transmit messages to cells and organs throughout the body. However, psychological disorders can disrupt the smooth message transmission along these neural pathways (Carson, Butcher ; Mineka, 2002).

The psychodynamic perspective, which is influenced by Sigmund Freud, offers an explanation for the origins of psychological disorders. It suggests that these disorders stem from an imbalance between the conscious and unconscious mind. This perspective asserts that the unconscious mind, shaped by past experiences, greatly affects individuals' mental well-being and can lead to negative behaviors and emotions. Essentially, it proposes that the unconscious mind retains past experiences that may appear as initial symptoms of psychological disorders like depression or anxiety.

For instance, during early childhood, an oedipal fixation can lead to competitive personality, anxiety, or aggressiveness in adulthood when interacting with others (Comer, 2014). According to the behavioral perspective,

psychological disorders derive from ineffective or faulty orientation, learning, and conditioning within an individual’s environment. For example, negative aggressiveness towards a peer may stem from negative or ineffective learning and conditioning during early childhood. Mostly, psychological disorder sufferers have been subject to negative teaching. The behavioral theory advocates for teaching appropriate methods or reshaping these negative behaviors to address the effects of psychological disorders (Comer, 2014).

The humanistic-existential perspective and the existentialist perspective both emphasize the significance of social integration, human choice, self-determination, and locus of control in the development of psychological disorders. When individuals lack self-actualization, cooperativeness, and friendly interactions with others in society, they may experience nervousness, anxiety, and even depression leading to psychological disorders. The existentialist perspective shares this viewpoint by highlighting that an individual's responsibility, internal locus of control, choices, and authenticity can also contribute to psychological disorders if not properly managed (Rieber & Carton, 1993). For example, individuals who rely on fate and luck instead of taking personal responsibility for their own success are at risk of developing such disorders.

If individuals are not lucky, they may feel depressed or anxious about their future, which can lead to psychological disorders. The socio-cultural perspective suggests that these disorders arise from cultural, community, or family values and norms. In other words, acquiring cultural or community values through cognitive or learning processes can result in psychological disorders. For example, American women often suffer from anorexia nervosa and bulimia because of the cultural emphasis on having a thin and attractive female body. As a result, the pursuit of these cultural values often leads to unexpected psychological disorders among women in European and American countries (Comer, 2014).

On the other hand, the biological perspective argues that addressing the underlying biological mechanisms or concerns responsible for the disorder is necessary for effective treatment of psychological disorders.

Various methods can be used to reduce the impact of psychological disorders. These methods include medications like antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anxiolytics. Another biological approach is electroconvulsive therapy, which uses electrodes to improve brain function. Psychosurgery involves surgical procedures that remove affected brain tissue and aid in patient recovery. Psychodynamic treatments involve insight-oriented therapy, psychotherapy, and medication as means of treating psychological disorders (Comer, 2014).

Insight-oriented therapy aims to decrease the negativity found in the unconscious aspects of human behavior. Its goal is to help individuals achieve a positive equilibrium between their past and present experiences in their surroundings, thereby influencing their attitude and relationships to reach acceptable levels. In cases of severe anxiety, stress, or depression, clinical medication is employed (Rieber ; Carton, 1993). When addressing psychological disorders, behavior therapy focuses on assisting patients in comprehending the transformations in their lives and how modifying negative behaviors can lead to a gratifying existence.

The main objective is to increase individual engagement in positive socially reinforced activities. This therapy uses methods such as self-monitoring, role-playing, and positive behavior modification to reward patients when they exhibit positive behavior (Comer, 2014). Humanistic-existential therapies, on the other hand, aim to promote personal growth and self-awareness in individuals' lives by helping them recognize their potential and energy for seizing current opportunities. These therapies utilize both individual and group therapy sessions.

However, it is recommended to utilize group therapy as it facilitates individuals who are affected to recognize their abilities through social interaction (Rieber ; Carton, 1993). According

to the multicultural perspective, psychological disorders stem from the strengths or weaknesses of a particular society, not from oneself. A patriarchal society or one that diminishes the worth of women and girls, for instance, can cause depression in women.

According to the perspective, the only successful treatment methods for addressing psychological disorders are empowerment, oral therapy, and capacity building for the affected group (Tilleard-Cole ; Marks, 1975). For instance, when treating psychological depression in women living within a patriarchal system, it may involve educating them on how to handle the stressors imposed by males. China has a complex history in the treatment of psychological disorders, with the establishment of its first psychological treatment institution in 1849 by western missionaries like Dr. John G.

Since the time of missionaries, China has been providing appropriate care and treatments for psychologically affected patients, addressing their specific needs. Culturally-specific disorders in China include Koro, Wendigo, Saora Disorder, and Gururumba.

Koro

This is a culturally specific psychological disorder characterized by the delusion of the shrinkage and retraction of the human penis into the stomach.

These signs are accompanied by feelings of fear and panic about dying. According to Chinese cultural values, the psychological disorder develops from the belief that engaging in uncultured behaviors like prostitution or masturbation has detrimental impacts on one's health (Listverse, 2009).

Wendigo

This disorder is unique to a particular culture, where an otherwise normal person develops a craving for human flesh, making them feel like a cannibal.

According to Listverse (2009), Saora Disorder is a psychological disorder characterized by hostility, antisocial behavior, and violence towards others in society. This disorder also includes symptoms such as inappropriate

laughter or crying, hallucinations, memory loss, or even loss of consciousness in severe cases. It primarily affects young adults and teenagers who do not adhere to cultural norms. For more information on this topic, please visit this link.

References

• Listverse (2009). Top 10 Bizarre Cultural Disorders - Listverse. Listverse. Retrieved 29 August 2016 from http://listverse.com/2009/08/21/top-10-bizarre-cultural-disorders/
• Comer, R.J. (2014). Fundamentals of abnormal psychology.

New York, NY: Worth Publishers

M., Johnson, S. L., and Davison, G. C.'s (2013) work titled "Abnormal psychology."

Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons

Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons

Boston, MA: Springer US.