Term

What is mental illness (basic definition)?

Definition

Behavior or cognition that deviates from cultural norms and causes distress or dysfunction.

Term

What are the four themes that define mental illness?

Definition

1. Harmful behavior Behavior that endangers self or others. 2. Unrealistic thoughts/perceptions Delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations (false perceptions). 3. Inappropriate emotions Emotional responses that are exaggerated or socially mismatched. 4. Unpredictable behavior Erratic, unstable, or inconsistent behavior over time

Term

What are the three early explanations of mental illness?

Definition

1. Biological Caused by brain dysfunction, genetics, disease, or physiological imbalance. 2. Psychological Caused by emotional conflict, trauma, fear, anxiety, or stress. 3. Supernatural Caused by spirits, demons, witchcraft, or divine punishment.