Analyze and apply critical thinking skills in the psychopathology of mental health patients and provide treatment and health promotion while applying evidence-based research
scenario;
A 44 year old white Australian man who was not religious was referred to outpatient psychiatric treatment. He had been playing with an OUIJA board for two months when he started to believe that a spirit had entered his body through his rectum and was controlling him. He thought the spirit made him move and speak in a certain way.
He sought help from a local church, where he was told it was a psychiatric problem and that he was not really possessed. Two exorcisms at a local failed to achieve any improvement.
Questions
1.Discuss the relationship between mental illness and religion
2.is this classified as psychopathology? Support your response using DSM5 criteria.
submission instructions
.Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources. your initial post is worth 8points.
The scenario you’ve presented involves a 44-year-old Australian man who has been experiencing unusual beliefs and behaviors related to his involvement with an OUIJA board, leading him to believe that a spirit has entered his body through his rectum and is controlling him. He sought help from a local church, which failed to provide any improvement through two exorcisms. To discuss the relationship between mental illness and religion and whether this case can be classified as psychopathology, we will analyze the situation using the DSM-5 criteria and relevant academic sources.
- Relationship Between Mental Illness and Religion: The relationship between mental illness and religion is complex and multifaceted. Religion can both positively and negatively influence mental health. Some individuals find solace, support, and a sense of purpose in their religious beliefs, which can contribute to their mental well-being. However, in some cases, religious beliefs and practices can exacerbate or even contribute to mental health issues. It’s important to note that these interactions are highly individualized and can vary greatly among individuals and cultures.
- Classification as Psychopathology (DSM-5 Criteria): To determine whether the man’s condition can be classified as psychopathology, we can consider the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
a. Criterion A (Clinical Significance): The man’s belief that a spirit has entered his body and is controlling him is clearly causing significant distress and impairment in his life. He sought help from a local church and underwent exorcisms, indicating his distress and impairment.
b. Criterion B (Behavioral, Psychological, or Biological Dysfunction): His belief in spirit possession and the associated behaviors, such as moving and speaking in a certain way, are dysfunctional and deviate from cultural norms.
c. Criterion C (Etiological Factors): To meet DSM-5 criteria, the symptoms should not be better explained by another medical or mental health condition. In this case, it’s essential to rule out other potential medical and psychiatric causes for his symptoms through a comprehensive evaluation.
d. Criterion D (Duration): The scenario mentions that he had been playing with the OUIJA board for two months. The duration of his symptoms is significant, suggesting that this is not a brief, transient experience.
e. Criterion E (Exclusion): It is crucial to rule out culturally accepted or religious practices that may explain the symptoms. However, the man sought help from the church, which recognized it as a psychiatric problem rather than a religious practice.
f. Criterion F (Functional Impairment): As previously mentioned, the man’s belief in spirit possession and its associated behaviors are causing functional impairment, impacting his daily life.
Considering these criteria, the case appears to meet the criteria for psychopathology. The man’s symptoms are causing distress and impairment, are not culturally accepted, and are not better explained by another medical or psychiatric condition. Therefore, they warrant further psychiatric evaluation and intervention.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the relationship between mental illness and religion is complex, and it can vary greatly among individuals. In this case, the man’s belief in spirit possession, as described, appears to meet the criteria for psychopathology according to the DSM-5. However, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive assessment to rule out other potential causes and to provide appropriate evidence-based psychiatric treatment and health promotion interventions to address his symptoms and improve his mental well-being. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach that considers both religious and psychiatric perspectives.