Mental Disorder: What It Is, How to Recognize It, and Its Impact on People’s Lives

Mental disorders affect millions of people worldwide, interfering with how we think, feel, and relate to others. Psychopathology, the branch of science that studies these conditions, seeks to understand their causes, manifestations, and impacts on individuals’ lives. As explained by psychiatrist and writer Paulo Dalgalarrondo, this is a constantly evolving science that seeks to understand mental illness without prejudice or judgment.

In this article, we will explore the concept of mental disorder, ways to view it, and how it affects people’s lives, bringing a broader and demystifying vision on the subject.

What Are Mental Disorders?

Psychopathology is the field of science dedicated to studying mental disorders and their manifestations, seeking to understand everything from their biological causes to the social and emotional factors involved. Unlike a dogmatic area, this science is always open to revisions and new discoveries.

Karl Jaspers, a German-Swiss psychiatrist and philosopher, emphasizes that psychopathology is an essential foundation for clinical practices such as psychiatry and psychology. He highlights that, although psychopathology methods are rigorous, clinical practice also involves intuition and subjectivity, as each individual is unique.

Ways of Viewing Mental Illness

There are two main approaches to understanding mental disorders:

• Medical-Naturalist Perspective: Views mental disorders as failures in brain functioning, emphasizing the biological and physiological origin of psychiatric conditions.
• Existential Perspective: Sees mental disorders as particular and often painful forms of human experience, considering psychological and social influences.

Both perspectives are valid and complementary, contributing to a broader understanding of mental health.

The Concept of Normality and Mental Health

What is considered “normal” or “abnormal” in mental health varies according to time, culture, and scientific advances. Georges Canguilhem (1943) proposes two ways of understanding mental disorders:

1. Quantitative View: Considers health as a state of balance. When this balance is broken, disease emerges.
2. Qualitative View: Sees disease as a profound transformation of the individual, altering their way of existing in the world.

Currently, instead of “mental illness,” the term “mental disorder” is used, as many psychological conditions do not present visible alterations in brain structure, as defended by Dalgalarrondo (2019).

Impact of Mental Disorders on People’s Lives

Mental disorders can affect various aspects of life, including:

• Relationships: People with mental disorders may have difficulties in social interaction and establishing healthy bonds.
• Productivity and Professional Life: Some disorders can impair the ability to concentrate, make decisions, and perform at work.
• Self-care and Well-being: In more severe cases, there is a direct impact on quality of life, making daily activities difficult.

Understanding these impacts is essential to offering adequate support to those facing these conditions.

Why Does the Debate on Mental Health Still Face Stigmas?

Despite advances in the field, prejudice regarding mental disorders is still a problem. The classification of what is “normal” or “abnormal” often carries value judgments, marginalizing individuals who deal with these conditions.

To overcome this stigma, it is essential to broaden the debate, promote evidence-based information, and encourage the welcoming of people facing challenges related to mental health.

Conclusion

Mental disorders are a complex topic that involves biological, psychological, and social factors. Psychopathology plays a fundamental role in understanding these conditions, helping to demystify them and promote a more humane and inclusive view.

The discussion on mental health should continue to evolve, making room for more empathy, support, and understanding in society. By recognizing the complexity of human beings, we can offer better conditions for those living with mental disorders.

References

• Dalgalarrondo, Paulo. Psychopathology and Semiology of Mental Disorders. Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2019.
• Jaspers, K. General Psychopathology. Rio de Janeiro: Atheneu, 1979.
• Canguilhem, Georges. The Normal and the Pathological. 6th ed. rev. Rio de Janeiro: Forense Universitária, 2009.