Psychology › Section O · Psychological disorders › Topic O.1
What are psychological disorders?
Deciding where ordinary distress ends and a psychological disorder begins is one of psychology's hardest questions, and the answer shapes who receives help. This topic is for education only, not for diagnosing yourself or anyone else; if you are worried about your mental health, see a qualified professional.
In this topic
- Where ordinary distress ends
- Unusual is not the same as disordered
- Culture shapes what counts as normal
- Szasz and the myth of mental illness
- Harmful dysfunction
- The DSM-5-TR definition
- Worked example: why no single rule works
- Worked example: weighing the criteria
- Stigma and respectful language
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Key takeaways
This topic is part of Wuanberri Pro. Checking your access…