FIU Psychology What Is Normal Symptom of Mental Illness Discussion

What is Normal?

Ideas of “normal” and “abnormal” are largely shaped by social standards and can have profound social ramifications. A few things to consider:

• What is considered “normal”, changes with changing societal standards.

• Despite the challenges inherent in defining “normal,” it is still important to establish guidelines to be able to identify and help people who are suffering. This is the goal of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (known as the DSM-5).
• The DSM-5 attempts to explicitly distinguish normality from abnormality based on specific symptoms.
• In very crude terms, society generally sees normality as good and abnormality as bad. Being labeled as “normal” or “abnormal” can have profound ramifications for an individual, such as exclusion or stigmatization by society.

• Stigma and discrimination can add to the suffering and disability of those who are diagnosed with (or perceived to have) a mental disorder.
• In order to reduce stigma, a recent move has been made toward the adoption of person-centered language: referring to people as “individuals with mental illness” rather than “mentally ill individuals” (e.g., a “person with bipolar disorder,” rather than a “bipolar person”).

Source: Boundless. “Defining “Normal” and “Abnormal”.” Boundless Psychology Boundless, 21 Jun. 2016.

Please indicate below (Yes or No) whether you believe each of the following is a symptom of mental illness.

1. Demonstrates a pattern of not asking for help or assistance when needed
2. Fails to spend sufficient time with partner, children, or other loved ones
3. Has difficulty making everyday decisions without an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others
4. Tries to control or dominate the actions, speech, or opinions of others (usually an intimate partner)
5. Is physically or emotionally abusive toward intimate partner, children or other family members
6. Needs others to assume responsibility for most major areas of his or her life
7. Has difficulty expressing disagreement with others because of fear of loss of support or approval
8. Is unrealistically preoccupied with fears of being left to take care of himself or herself
9. Is frequently unable to express oneself emotionally (e.g., to talk about one’s feelings, to cry, to express affection)
10. Goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others, to the point of volunteering to do things that are unpleasant
11. Is socially restricted and frequently prefers isolation or, when in the company of others, lack of conversation or small talk
12. Feels uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of exaggerated fears of being unable to care for himself or herself
13. Demonstrates a pattern of deriding, teasing, insulting, humiliating, or otherwise putting down intimate partner, children, or other family members
14. Frequently insists on being right in discussions and conversations, to the point of being unable to admit being wrong or making a mistake
15. Urgently seeks another relationship as a source of care and support when a close relationship ends
16. Has difficulty initiating projects or doing things on his or her own (because of a lack of self-confidence in judgment or abilities rather than a lack of motivation or energy)
17. Tends to use power, silence, withdrawal, and/or avoidance rather than negotiation in the face of interpersonal conflict or difficulty
18. Displays an inability to derive pleasure from doing things for others