Page 130 - Biblical Counseling II-Textbook

“Psychologists define a psychological disorder broadly as psychological dysfunction in an individual that
is associated with distress or impairment and a reaction that is not culturally expected. When
considering if something is a symptom of a disorder, consider the three Ds: Is it
psychologically dysfunctional? Is it distressing or handicapping to the individual or others? Is it
associated with a response that is atypical or deviant?” (Broadway, 2015).

“Standards for deviance also vary by context and by culture. In one context wartime-mass killing may be
viewed as normal and even heroic. In some contexts, people are
presumed deranged when they hear voices. But in cultures practicing
ancestor worship, people may claim to talk with the dead and not be
seen as disordered because other people find them rational” (Myers,
2009).

“Deviant and distressful behaviors are more likely to be considered
disordered when also judged to be a harmful dysfunction. If a
behavior becomes disabling, it is not a typical behavior. An intense
fear of spiders may be deviant (unusual), but if it doesn’t impair your
life it is not a disorder. Psychological disorders are diagnosed using a
book called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
5 (or the DSM-5). The DSM-5 is a helpful and practical tool to help
psychologists diagnose disorders (Myers, 2012). The manual is put
together by the American Psychiatric Association and is used by
counselors, researchers, health insurance companies and policy
makers. If we were meeting in person, I would bring my DSM to show
you the layout of the book. It is an interesting manual to look through. (DSM-5 photo from psychcentral.com)

“Mental disorders include: depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other psychoses
(characterized by an impaired relationship with reality), anxiety disorders, dementia and developmental
disorders including autism. There are effective strategies for preventing mental disorders such as
depression. There are also effective treatments for mental disorders and ways to alleviate the suffering
caused by them. Access to health care and social services capable of providing treatment and social
support is key to treating mental disorders. The burden of mental disorders continues to grow with
significant impacts on health and major social, human rights and economic consequences in all countries
of the world” (“Mental Disorders,” p. 1, 2019). Let’s spend some time briefly looking at several different
mental disorders. We’ll first look at anxiety disorders.

Anxiety Disorders
“Anxiety disorders are psychological disorders characterized by distressing, persistent anxiety or
maladaptive behaviors that reduce anxiety” (Myers, 2012). According to the National Alliance on
Mental Illness (NAMI), “We all experience anxiety. For example, speaking in front of a group can make
us anxious, but that anxiety also motivates us to prepare and practice. Driving in heavy traffic is another
common source of anxiety, but it helps keep us alert and cautious to avoid accidents. However, when
feelings of intense fear and distress become overwhelming and prevent us from doing everyday
activities, an anxiety disorder may be the cause” (NAMI, 2020).

Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder marked by unpredictable minutes-long episodes of intense dread
in which a person experiences terror and accompanying chest pain, choking, or other frightening
sensations” (Myers, 2012). “Many people accept their phobias and live with them, but others are

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