In the current era of modernization, where there is a strong competition and strive to excel, stress levels have become exceedingly high, which is galvanized by the economic crunch and job crunch, amongst a myriad of other factors. This has lead to an increased number of mental disorders, whereby one is disturbed socially and psychologically (Cassidy, 1999). The World Health Organization had proposed a system for classifying mental related disorders, which is known as the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Likewise, there is a parallel system of classifying the numerous types of mental disorders, which is known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM IV).
The current paper envisages in exploring the issues pertaining to mental disorders and conducting an analysis towards the validity and applicability of the ICD-10 and DSM-IV models of diagnosis.
KEY ISSUES CONCERNING ETIOLOGICAL, IDEOLOGICAL AND TAXONOMY OF PERSONALITY DISORDERS
Personality disorders are of numerous types, depending upon the specification and intensity of an abnormal behavior, thoughts or processes an individual may possess. It is thus, not an easy task to classify each disorder into predetermined categories (Bateman, 2004). Neither is it possible to satisfy and various schools of thoughts, and to categorize the symptoms fitting each school. Thus, in order to rectify these issues, and to stream line the various types of disorders, the principles proposed by the WHO are implemented by all leading psychological institutes in the world. These institutes implement the DSM-IV and the ICD-10 codes and adopt the strategies outlined in these documents. Likewise, many treatments are implemented for the treatment of disorders, and a plethora of treatments are also implemented sometimes, which do render to be effective. However, there is no hard and fast rule or protocol that could be followed for treatment of certain types of symptoms. Mostly, each institute either adopts a hit and trial method, or on the contrary, they adopt random approaches for treatment. The need of the time is to ensure that a logical and systematic mode of treatment is implemented across various institutes.
The theories proposed by the DSM-IV and ICD-10 are rendered effective in promulgating the remedies for the rectification of mental disorders. They are proposed in a systematic manner, explicitly outlined after a deep study of theories and principles which should be implemented in a regulatory fashion in modern day practice for mental health care. The advent of the DSM-IV and ICD-10 regulations will not hinder the recovery process and instead will aid in the fast and effective recovery of patients, and will generate a source of confidence amongst patients, as they will be treated in a logical and systematic fashion.
The model proposed by ICD-10 and DSM-1V consists of the patient addressing a detailed questionnaire, in a yes no fashion. These questions analyze the personality and issues pertaining to a patient, and the practitioner can gather sound, first hand information about what the patient thinks about himself. The questionnaire is then passed through a rigorous screening process, where the answers are analyzed and a conclusion is drawn regarding what the patient thinks about himself, and what his inner feelings are (Clarkin, 1995). This will indicate how much the patients behavior deviates from the norm, and to which degree he is rendered to be abnormal. This method is very reliable due to the accession of direct, first hand information from the patient. However, contradictions regarding symptoms and their treatments do arise due to the varying schools of thoughts which differ in their models of treatments, each school proposing their own ideology, and imposing their own model of treatment. An integrated approach could be rendered effective and a logical strategy should be adopted for a fast recovery.
An analysis of the research findings behind the study of personality disorders and how they are utilized in further clinical practice
Much research has been conducted pertaining to the various forms of personality disorders that are prevalent in modern day society. Research studies indicate that in some cultures and geographical localities, it is considered to be a social taboo to be labeled as a hysteric or a psychopath, where, patients are mocked at and ridiculed. However, as people have advanced in terms of their scientific know how, it has become apparent that this is a serious issue that occurs more commonly in these economically tough times with huge job cuts, amongst a plethora of factors. Research findings also indicate that it is not uncommon for patients to adopt a pseudo-personality disorder just for the sake of seeking attention (Monte, 2003). This condition has especially developed with the advent of the internet age, where a more self-centered approach is adopted, and people are dug deep into their computers and seek pleasure and satisfaction in their virtual world, with virtual friendships. Thus, actual relationships are ignored up to dangerous levels, and people living in the same house often tend to communicate via electronic text messages in lieu of actual real life conversations. This has aggravated the situation, drastically causing a lower self esteem amongst some people, and inflicting a dual personality which is exaggerated up to severe levels, so much so, that it drastically affects their day to day performance, and could also be detrimental for the development of the society.
Clinical approaches have been developed to find remedies to the root causes of multiple personalities or disorders a person may have (Livesley, 2001). Counseling centers have been introduced, and made accessible to public with an assurance of preserving the patients confidentiality and privacy. Such centers have also been introduced in larger numbers in academic institutions and Universities, as it has been indicated via studies, that youth are more prone to personality disorders due to a myriad of factors, ranging from domestic issues up to academic disturbances.
Likewise, awareness campaigns have been launched, in order to educate the masses regarding the drastic effects of mental disorders, and especially to encourage patients to seek guidance and counseling and to educate the public to be more accommodating to these patients. Clinical practice has been modified and improved, and now adopt a more systematic strategy and provide love and inculcate a sense of trust with their patients, so that they want to come back and seek further counseling in order to be absolutely cured. Patients are provided a sense of confidence, and they are ensured that privacy will be protected, so that there cognitive thoughts are expressed, and as a result they could be treated accordingly (Hare, 1970)
A critical evaluation of the models of personality disorders
Many models pertaining to the remedy of personality disorders are being practiced, depending upon the schools of thoughts and ideologies that are being exercised. Sometimes, integrated approaches, in which several models are combined, are also adopted and prove to be more effective in a fast and reliable treatment of patients.
Main et al (1985), proposed a model depicting the attachment a patient has with his peers and how much he lacks in terms of security and confidence when this attachment is lost, thus developing mental and personality disorders. Likewise, Kramer et al (1992) developed a cognitive model which was base on neurophysiologic causes, which pertained to a mental inefficiency of a patient and had to be rectified accordingly. Similarly, Bowlby (1988) proposed a model in terms of analyzing the anxiety levels a patient has and determining how the intensity or severity of anxiety could affect and arouse an attachment behavior, in which patients long for security and comfort from others.
Similarly, Jonathan (2001) in his research paper, conducts a deep study as to the causes of such disorders in children. His model of treatment is unique in a sense that he studies the social circle in which the child harbors, and tries find the root causes behind the childs abnormal behavior. His paper indicates that a sound and logical counseling to parents will rectify the problem. It is also indicated in his paper that, an antisocial behavior adopted by the child leads to this behavior, and that the child should be inclined towards sports, games, and extracurricular activities, which involve team work, so that he could get involved with others. Other scientists like Adshead (1998) (Bowlby, 1999, 1988) in his paper describes the efficiency therapeutic approaches could have on the treatment of personality disorder patients. He proposes that an early intervention in cases, and a thorough history of the patient will yield effective and last treatment affects. Various therapies, like catharsis, muscular massages, and relaxation therapies have been proposed and rendered effective, as these give a soothing effect and patients develop a sense of satisfaction and happiness.
The five factor model implemented by Miller et al (2005) proposes a scheme of analyzing the five different types of Personality disorders with computed matching devices, and he claims that questionnaires filled manually by patients will be a prototype and match computerized devices. He depicts that this FMM approach is very effective in terms of a thorough, comparative analysis.
An appraisal of the classification systems of personality disorders and their usefulness to practice
Categorization of Personality disorders is a task that is still not solved even up to date, due to the various contradictions in policies and approaches adopted by scientists. There is a severe lack of coherence, and this skepticalism has created ambiguity even within the DSM and ICD disciplines (Tyrer, 2007). However, the 10th revision of the ICD seems to be effective and is now being implemented by a majority of practitioners. This is mainly because of the long lasting effects of the strategies adopted, so that the patient does have a reoccurrence of symptoms, and does not develop this distressed period again. Personality disorders vary by very small degrees from the personality of other such patients, thus making it very difficult to classify the symptom. However, currently, there are five categories in which a patient could fit in, which are, passive-dependent, schizoid, sociopathic, anankastic and a fifth not personality disorder group. It has been indicated via previous data, that a majority of patients fall into the category of passive- dependent sociopathic category (Derkson, 1995).
Reich and Thompson, (1987) proposed a system which hybridized dimensional and categorical models of personality disorders, by which three overall broader groups were extracted from the DSM-IV. Group A was labeled as the old and eccentric type, which consists of paranoid, schizoid, and the schizotypal disorder. Group B was denoted as the dramatic, emotiona or the erratic types, and included the histrionic, narsissistic, antisocial and borderline personality disorder. Group C which was labeled as the anxious and fearful types, were know to possess obsessive-compulsive, avoidant and dependence symptoms. However, this is just one type of classification adopted from an enormous bank of ideologies proposed by many psycho pundits.
There has been a long lasting debate that the severity of the personality disorder should be taken into consideration, and not just the symptoms themselves. The intensity of trait developed should also be integrated with other developing diseases, as a kind of contamination exists in the pure topological classification approach. Thus, a cross integrated approach is mandatory when subjecting the patient to a certain class (Fallon, 1999). The ICD and DSM proposes looking into the overall history of a patient and also considering other factors that may come into play. This is very useful in the treatment of a patient, as he will be made aware and be conscious of the root causes behind his psychological disorder, and will be ensured that the condition is prevalent due to the root causes of medical problems, in appropriate cases.
Previous classifications were based on empirical research, and a proper logging of facts was lacking. With the advent of DSM, a more practical and documented approach has been introduced, which has been rendered effective in treatment of such patients (Morrison, 2001).
An examination of the ideological basis of personality disorders
Personality disorders, which are prevalent across all age groups have been proposed by some schools of thoughts to be as a result of severe neglect and lack of being wanted. Thus, to counter these symptoms, antidepressant drugs like serotonin have also been used by many practitioners. However, in currently, it has been postulated that a therapeutic approach is much more effective, and yields a longer lasting effect on the patient. Catharsis, is encouraged, in which the patient is regularly encouraged to spill it out, and practitioners have to very often intervene into domestic issues that have caused this condition (Millon, 1996, 2003). Society plays a strong role in these patients lives, as patients usually feel hostile and neglected. This is prevalent especially among the elderly, and thus, it is the responsibility of communities to develop vocational centers in which the elderly, or the uneducated youth could be groomed, and their skills developed, thus harnessing their potentials.
This will be beneficial, as keeping ones mind busy and occupied is the essence to a healthy personality. In addition, if the patient is exposed to a chore, by which he would generate his own income, it will be an additional source of satisfaction, thus increasing his morals and making him understand his value and worth. This will also serve towards the constructive development of the society, economically and socially.
However, in some cases, psychologists have to report domestic violence to appropriate law enforcing agencies, if the need arises (Pilgrim, 2001). This is especially in the cases where one develops a personality disorder due to domestic physical violence, or cases of sexual abuse, especially in children. Thus, mass awareness campaigns should be launched in such societies, and communities should be educated and be aware of such cells in which they could report their cases to. Counseling cells should be made accessible to women and children who should be encouraged to report cases to relevant authorities, as it has been postulated that due to a repressive attitude patients are unable to express their inner feelings, and thus their condition deteriorates, aggravating their situation.
Current practices are now more accommodating, encouraging people to be more liberal and discuss their issues. A gradual strategy is adopted, instead of an imposing one, and a systematic and logical protocol of treatment is practiced. Regulations are implemented, and proper documentation of all symptoms, medications and treatment administered, with logical reasoning is now mandatory. With this regulated approach and with a vigilant check and balance, treatment will be envisioned to improve and thus a satisfying and long lasting approach is implemented.
A critical review of personal attitudes, values and beliefs regarding personality disorders
There is a vast difference in the way people behave when the topic of personality or mental disorder is talked about (Wright, 2007). In this modern era, most of the eastern countries consider it to be taboo to be mentally disorientated, and people fail to realize that this is a genuine disorder that needs medical attention. In some cases, people think that the patient is pretending, in order to seek attention, or to avoid certain domestic issues like relationships or loans he may be unable to pay. In other similar case, communities may consider it to be influence of witchcraft, and that the person is under the influence of black magic or the like. Communities tend to hide the fact that they have a patient with a personality disorder, and usually take matters into their own hands, which further aggravates the patients condition.
On the contrary, if communities are conducive and accommodating, sometimes the patients themselves adopt a self centered approach and do not want to seek guidance, counseling or treatment. Patients develop a feeling of being admonished and think that the world hates them, thus they develop a severe sense of insecurity (Main, 1985). Similarly, patients may have undergone a trauma in terms of academic breakdown, which is commonly seen amongst high achievers when they are unable to achieve their targets in terms of being rewarded appropriately. This lack of appreciation despite excelling in their fields will inculcate a strong sense of being unwanted and demoralize one, thus causing mental disharmony or related disorders.
Attitude of public is also sometimes not very conducive, and instead of assisting the patient and treating him, he is often isolated and prone to neglect. Society is usually not very accommodating to such patients, due to a self centered approach and busy routine. This is aggravated by a sense of competition which has made people look very busy and excel in many ways, even by negative means, thus the deserving candidates are often suppressed (Blackburn, 1995). Due to a self centered attitude, personality disorders are created, and are further aggravated by neglect and isolation. Patients need to be treated with utmost care and provided counseling and inculcate a feeling of being important and wanted. They should not be ignored by society, and this stereotype should be changed.
Moreover, practitioners should adopt accommodating approaches, and psychologically guide the patients in terms of a fast and effective recovery.
Psychological disorders are prevalent since a long time, and there are a lot of conflicts for treatment of these abnormalities, which if left untreated, may lead to decline in society and will be detrimental for the progress and development for nations. Practitioners previously had developed a strong conflict regarding the treatments that were to be applied (Roth, 1998). Each school of thought wanted to impose their own theories and principles. This has lead to a haphazard way of thinking, with no set of standards that could be followed in a systematic manner. However, with the progress in science and technology, new ideologies have been proposed, and a more regulated and monitored regulation is now adopted in the treatment of patients.
With the advent of DSM IV and ICD-10, which are being currently implemented in current day medical practice. The revised 10 edition of the ICD, consists of an integrated approach covering many aspects of the symptoms simultaneously, and finding remedies to the root causes behind the disorder. Modern day practice is more accommodating and with reliable models of treatments, patients have developed a secure and confident way of thinking, which raises the self esteem and motivates the patients to think positively. Interprofessional rivalry which was once quite prevalent, has now been reduced by the advent of healthy salary packages and interpersonal grooming and regulated approach is introduced.
Thus, now the modern day practice is very effective and the DSM-IV and ICD-10 principles and protocols that are being implemented provide an authentic and reliable manner of treatment which results in a long lasting treatment for the disturbed personal.
The current paper envisages in exploring the issues pertaining to mental disorders and conducting an analysis towards the validity and applicability of the ICD-10 and DSM-IV models of diagnosis.
KEY ISSUES CONCERNING ETIOLOGICAL, IDEOLOGICAL AND TAXONOMY OF PERSONALITY DISORDERS
Personality disorders are of numerous types, depending upon the specification and intensity of an abnormal behavior, thoughts or processes an individual may possess. It is thus, not an easy task to classify each disorder into predetermined categories (Bateman, 2004). Neither is it possible to satisfy and various schools of thoughts, and to categorize the symptoms fitting each school. Thus, in order to rectify these issues, and to stream line the various types of disorders, the principles proposed by the WHO are implemented by all leading psychological institutes in the world. These institutes implement the DSM-IV and the ICD-10 codes and adopt the strategies outlined in these documents. Likewise, many treatments are implemented for the treatment of disorders, and a plethora of treatments are also implemented sometimes, which do render to be effective. However, there is no hard and fast rule or protocol that could be followed for treatment of certain types of symptoms. Mostly, each institute either adopts a hit and trial method, or on the contrary, they adopt random approaches for treatment. The need of the time is to ensure that a logical and systematic mode of treatment is implemented across various institutes.
The theories proposed by the DSM-IV and ICD-10 are rendered effective in promulgating the remedies for the rectification of mental disorders. They are proposed in a systematic manner, explicitly outlined after a deep study of theories and principles which should be implemented in a regulatory fashion in modern day practice for mental health care. The advent of the DSM-IV and ICD-10 regulations will not hinder the recovery process and instead will aid in the fast and effective recovery of patients, and will generate a source of confidence amongst patients, as they will be treated in a logical and systematic fashion.
The model proposed by ICD-10 and DSM-1V consists of the patient addressing a detailed questionnaire, in a yes no fashion. These questions analyze the personality and issues pertaining to a patient, and the practitioner can gather sound, first hand information about what the patient thinks about himself. The questionnaire is then passed through a rigorous screening process, where the answers are analyzed and a conclusion is drawn regarding what the patient thinks about himself, and what his inner feelings are (Clarkin, 1995). This will indicate how much the patients behavior deviates from the norm, and to which degree he is rendered to be abnormal. This method is very reliable due to the accession of direct, first hand information from the patient. However, contradictions regarding symptoms and their treatments do arise due to the varying schools of thoughts which differ in their models of treatments, each school proposing their own ideology, and imposing their own model of treatment. An integrated approach could be rendered effective and a logical strategy should be adopted for a fast recovery.
An analysis of the research findings behind the study of personality disorders and how they are utilized in further clinical practice
Much research has been conducted pertaining to the various forms of personality disorders that are prevalent in modern day society. Research studies indicate that in some cultures and geographical localities, it is considered to be a social taboo to be labeled as a hysteric or a psychopath, where, patients are mocked at and ridiculed. However, as people have advanced in terms of their scientific know how, it has become apparent that this is a serious issue that occurs more commonly in these economically tough times with huge job cuts, amongst a plethora of factors. Research findings also indicate that it is not uncommon for patients to adopt a pseudo-personality disorder just for the sake of seeking attention (Monte, 2003). This condition has especially developed with the advent of the internet age, where a more self-centered approach is adopted, and people are dug deep into their computers and seek pleasure and satisfaction in their virtual world, with virtual friendships. Thus, actual relationships are ignored up to dangerous levels, and people living in the same house often tend to communicate via electronic text messages in lieu of actual real life conversations. This has aggravated the situation, drastically causing a lower self esteem amongst some people, and inflicting a dual personality which is exaggerated up to severe levels, so much so, that it drastically affects their day to day performance, and could also be detrimental for the development of the society.
Clinical approaches have been developed to find remedies to the root causes of multiple personalities or disorders a person may have (Livesley, 2001). Counseling centers have been introduced, and made accessible to public with an assurance of preserving the patients confidentiality and privacy. Such centers have also been introduced in larger numbers in academic institutions and Universities, as it has been indicated via studies, that youth are more prone to personality disorders due to a myriad of factors, ranging from domestic issues up to academic disturbances.
Likewise, awareness campaigns have been launched, in order to educate the masses regarding the drastic effects of mental disorders, and especially to encourage patients to seek guidance and counseling and to educate the public to be more accommodating to these patients. Clinical practice has been modified and improved, and now adopt a more systematic strategy and provide love and inculcate a sense of trust with their patients, so that they want to come back and seek further counseling in order to be absolutely cured. Patients are provided a sense of confidence, and they are ensured that privacy will be protected, so that there cognitive thoughts are expressed, and as a result they could be treated accordingly (Hare, 1970)
A critical evaluation of the models of personality disorders
Many models pertaining to the remedy of personality disorders are being practiced, depending upon the schools of thoughts and ideologies that are being exercised. Sometimes, integrated approaches, in which several models are combined, are also adopted and prove to be more effective in a fast and reliable treatment of patients.
Main et al (1985), proposed a model depicting the attachment a patient has with his peers and how much he lacks in terms of security and confidence when this attachment is lost, thus developing mental and personality disorders. Likewise, Kramer et al (1992) developed a cognitive model which was base on neurophysiologic causes, which pertained to a mental inefficiency of a patient and had to be rectified accordingly. Similarly, Bowlby (1988) proposed a model in terms of analyzing the anxiety levels a patient has and determining how the intensity or severity of anxiety could affect and arouse an attachment behavior, in which patients long for security and comfort from others.
Similarly, Jonathan (2001) in his research paper, conducts a deep study as to the causes of such disorders in children. His model of treatment is unique in a sense that he studies the social circle in which the child harbors, and tries find the root causes behind the childs abnormal behavior. His paper indicates that a sound and logical counseling to parents will rectify the problem. It is also indicated in his paper that, an antisocial behavior adopted by the child leads to this behavior, and that the child should be inclined towards sports, games, and extracurricular activities, which involve team work, so that he could get involved with others. Other scientists like Adshead (1998) (Bowlby, 1999, 1988) in his paper describes the efficiency therapeutic approaches could have on the treatment of personality disorder patients. He proposes that an early intervention in cases, and a thorough history of the patient will yield effective and last treatment affects. Various therapies, like catharsis, muscular massages, and relaxation therapies have been proposed and rendered effective, as these give a soothing effect and patients develop a sense of satisfaction and happiness.
The five factor model implemented by Miller et al (2005) proposes a scheme of analyzing the five different types of Personality disorders with computed matching devices, and he claims that questionnaires filled manually by patients will be a prototype and match computerized devices. He depicts that this FMM approach is very effective in terms of a thorough, comparative analysis.
An appraisal of the classification systems of personality disorders and their usefulness to practice
Categorization of Personality disorders is a task that is still not solved even up to date, due to the various contradictions in policies and approaches adopted by scientists. There is a severe lack of coherence, and this skepticalism has created ambiguity even within the DSM and ICD disciplines (Tyrer, 2007). However, the 10th revision of the ICD seems to be effective and is now being implemented by a majority of practitioners. This is mainly because of the long lasting effects of the strategies adopted, so that the patient does have a reoccurrence of symptoms, and does not develop this distressed period again. Personality disorders vary by very small degrees from the personality of other such patients, thus making it very difficult to classify the symptom. However, currently, there are five categories in which a patient could fit in, which are, passive-dependent, schizoid, sociopathic, anankastic and a fifth not personality disorder group. It has been indicated via previous data, that a majority of patients fall into the category of passive- dependent sociopathic category (Derkson, 1995).
Reich and Thompson, (1987) proposed a system which hybridized dimensional and categorical models of personality disorders, by which three overall broader groups were extracted from the DSM-IV. Group A was labeled as the old and eccentric type, which consists of paranoid, schizoid, and the schizotypal disorder. Group B was denoted as the dramatic, emotiona or the erratic types, and included the histrionic, narsissistic, antisocial and borderline personality disorder. Group C which was labeled as the anxious and fearful types, were know to possess obsessive-compulsive, avoidant and dependence symptoms. However, this is just one type of classification adopted from an enormous bank of ideologies proposed by many psycho pundits.
There has been a long lasting debate that the severity of the personality disorder should be taken into consideration, and not just the symptoms themselves. The intensity of trait developed should also be integrated with other developing diseases, as a kind of contamination exists in the pure topological classification approach. Thus, a cross integrated approach is mandatory when subjecting the patient to a certain class (Fallon, 1999). The ICD and DSM proposes looking into the overall history of a patient and also considering other factors that may come into play. This is very useful in the treatment of a patient, as he will be made aware and be conscious of the root causes behind his psychological disorder, and will be ensured that the condition is prevalent due to the root causes of medical problems, in appropriate cases.
Previous classifications were based on empirical research, and a proper logging of facts was lacking. With the advent of DSM, a more practical and documented approach has been introduced, which has been rendered effective in treatment of such patients (Morrison, 2001).
An examination of the ideological basis of personality disorders
Personality disorders, which are prevalent across all age groups have been proposed by some schools of thoughts to be as a result of severe neglect and lack of being wanted. Thus, to counter these symptoms, antidepressant drugs like serotonin have also been used by many practitioners. However, in currently, it has been postulated that a therapeutic approach is much more effective, and yields a longer lasting effect on the patient. Catharsis, is encouraged, in which the patient is regularly encouraged to spill it out, and practitioners have to very often intervene into domestic issues that have caused this condition (Millon, 1996, 2003). Society plays a strong role in these patients lives, as patients usually feel hostile and neglected. This is prevalent especially among the elderly, and thus, it is the responsibility of communities to develop vocational centers in which the elderly, or the uneducated youth could be groomed, and their skills developed, thus harnessing their potentials.
This will be beneficial, as keeping ones mind busy and occupied is the essence to a healthy personality. In addition, if the patient is exposed to a chore, by which he would generate his own income, it will be an additional source of satisfaction, thus increasing his morals and making him understand his value and worth. This will also serve towards the constructive development of the society, economically and socially.
However, in some cases, psychologists have to report domestic violence to appropriate law enforcing agencies, if the need arises (Pilgrim, 2001). This is especially in the cases where one develops a personality disorder due to domestic physical violence, or cases of sexual abuse, especially in children. Thus, mass awareness campaigns should be launched in such societies, and communities should be educated and be aware of such cells in which they could report their cases to. Counseling cells should be made accessible to women and children who should be encouraged to report cases to relevant authorities, as it has been postulated that due to a repressive attitude patients are unable to express their inner feelings, and thus their condition deteriorates, aggravating their situation.
Current practices are now more accommodating, encouraging people to be more liberal and discuss their issues. A gradual strategy is adopted, instead of an imposing one, and a systematic and logical protocol of treatment is practiced. Regulations are implemented, and proper documentation of all symptoms, medications and treatment administered, with logical reasoning is now mandatory. With this regulated approach and with a vigilant check and balance, treatment will be envisioned to improve and thus a satisfying and long lasting approach is implemented.
A critical review of personal attitudes, values and beliefs regarding personality disorders
There is a vast difference in the way people behave when the topic of personality or mental disorder is talked about (Wright, 2007). In this modern era, most of the eastern countries consider it to be taboo to be mentally disorientated, and people fail to realize that this is a genuine disorder that needs medical attention. In some cases, people think that the patient is pretending, in order to seek attention, or to avoid certain domestic issues like relationships or loans he may be unable to pay. In other similar case, communities may consider it to be influence of witchcraft, and that the person is under the influence of black magic or the like. Communities tend to hide the fact that they have a patient with a personality disorder, and usually take matters into their own hands, which further aggravates the patients condition.
On the contrary, if communities are conducive and accommodating, sometimes the patients themselves adopt a self centered approach and do not want to seek guidance, counseling or treatment. Patients develop a feeling of being admonished and think that the world hates them, thus they develop a severe sense of insecurity (Main, 1985). Similarly, patients may have undergone a trauma in terms of academic breakdown, which is commonly seen amongst high achievers when they are unable to achieve their targets in terms of being rewarded appropriately. This lack of appreciation despite excelling in their fields will inculcate a strong sense of being unwanted and demoralize one, thus causing mental disharmony or related disorders.
Attitude of public is also sometimes not very conducive, and instead of assisting the patient and treating him, he is often isolated and prone to neglect. Society is usually not very accommodating to such patients, due to a self centered approach and busy routine. This is aggravated by a sense of competition which has made people look very busy and excel in many ways, even by negative means, thus the deserving candidates are often suppressed (Blackburn, 1995). Due to a self centered attitude, personality disorders are created, and are further aggravated by neglect and isolation. Patients need to be treated with utmost care and provided counseling and inculcate a feeling of being important and wanted. They should not be ignored by society, and this stereotype should be changed.
Moreover, practitioners should adopt accommodating approaches, and psychologically guide the patients in terms of a fast and effective recovery.
Psychological disorders are prevalent since a long time, and there are a lot of conflicts for treatment of these abnormalities, which if left untreated, may lead to decline in society and will be detrimental for the progress and development for nations. Practitioners previously had developed a strong conflict regarding the treatments that were to be applied (Roth, 1998). Each school of thought wanted to impose their own theories and principles. This has lead to a haphazard way of thinking, with no set of standards that could be followed in a systematic manner. However, with the progress in science and technology, new ideologies have been proposed, and a more regulated and monitored regulation is now adopted in the treatment of patients.
With the advent of DSM IV and ICD-10, which are being currently implemented in current day medical practice. The revised 10 edition of the ICD, consists of an integrated approach covering many aspects of the symptoms simultaneously, and finding remedies to the root causes behind the disorder. Modern day practice is more accommodating and with reliable models of treatments, patients have developed a secure and confident way of thinking, which raises the self esteem and motivates the patients to think positively. Interprofessional rivalry which was once quite prevalent, has now been reduced by the advent of healthy salary packages and interpersonal grooming and regulated approach is introduced.
Thus, now the modern day practice is very effective and the DSM-IV and ICD-10 principles and protocols that are being implemented provide an authentic and reliable manner of treatment which results in a long lasting treatment for the disturbed personal.
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