Definition The condition that is said to exist when a person's emotions thoughts, or behavior deviate substantially from what is considered to be normal at a certain time and place in history. In other words, the definition of mental illness depends on a society's norms, or rules of behavior. Behaviors that violate these norms are considered signs of deviance or, in some cases, of mental illness.
             Criteria for Diagnosing Mental Illness
             W.B. Maher and B.A. Maher consistently found the following symptoms among those living with Mental Illness.
             · Harmful behavior- self-mutilation or suicide this behavior is thought to be contrary to survival the exceptions to this is cultural beliefs or warfare.
             Example of cultural belief: In Italy castration is used if a person is thought to have musical talent- in order to prepare him for an operatic career as a castrato.
             · Unrealistic thoughts and perception- such as delusions or hallucinations
             Delusions are a type of psychotic symptom that indicate a person has lost contact with reality
             Hallucinations are false perception in any of the five senses
             · Inappropriate Emotions – laughing when you should not or having extreme emotional reactions.
             · Unpredictable Behavior- rapid shifts in moods or beliefs
             Early Explanations of Mental Illness
             Biological Explanation - theory that all disease is caused by the malfunctioning of some aspect of the body. The bodily abnormalities causing mental illness can be inherited. The biological perspective views mental illness in terms of bodily processes. Studies suggest a genetic influence in some mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, although the evidence is not conclusive.
             Psychological Explanation – proposes that abnormal behavior is caused by psychological experiences such as fear, grief, anxiety, frustration, and guilt. Psychological perspectives emphasize the ...