I. Models of Abnormality: Changing Conceptions of Mental Disorders

What are mental disorders?
Disturbances of an individual's behavioral or psychological functioning that are not culturally expected and that lead to psychological distress, behavioral disability, or impaired overall functioning.

To what factors were such disorders attributed in the past?
At different times in the past, psychological disorders were attributed to supernatural causes (e.g., evil spirits) or natural causes (e.g., injuries to the brain).

What is the modern perspective on such disorders?
The modern psychological view suggests that mental disorders involve biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors as well as the joint effects of individual vulnerabilities (diatheses) and stressors.

	12.1	Psychiatry Information for the General Public This web site provides on-line disorder screening to the general public. Also provides information on diagnosis, treatment, and self-help.

	12.2	Psychiatric Disorders-Internet Mental Health This site allows visitors to view disorders by category. Diagnosis, treatment, and research are all addressed.

	12.1	Review of Key Terms Check your knowledge of some key terms and concepts from this section.