WHAT IS A MENTAL DISORDER?

[Juan and Yenan]

WHAT IS A MENTAL DISORDER?
Based on the DSM-IV a mental disorder is a manifestation of a dysfunction in the behavioral, psychological and/or biological aspects of an individual. DSM-IV takes in consideration the mind, body and behavioral aspects that manifest through a mental disorder. It is more acceptable for a mental disorder definition the acknowledgment of the brain-mind-body connection from a psychological view, but mostly the brain-body connection that affects the behavior from a biological view.

The DSM IV defines mental disorders as:
A clinically significant behavioral or psychological syndrome or pattern that occurs in an individual and that is associated with present distress (e.g., a painful symptom) or disability (i.e., impartment in one or more important areas of functioning) or with significantly increased risk of suffering death, pain, disability, or an important loss of freedom.
In addition, this syndrome or pattern must not be merely an expectable and culturally sanctioned response to a particular event, for example, the death of a loved one. Whatever its original cause, it must currently be considered a manifestation of a behavioral, psychological, or biological dysfunction in the individual. Neither deviant behavior (e.g., political, religious, or sexual) nor conflicts that are primarily between the individual and society are mental disorders unless the deviance or conflict is a symptom of a dysfunction in the individual.

My definition of mental disorder is: An expression of unconscious programming such as distorted beliefs and values, repressed memories, emotions and feelings, thus, complexes. On a conscious level, a cognitive distortion on the thought processes: distorted memories, values and beliefs; irrational assumptions and/or expectations that are expressed with exaggerated emotions; thus behavior that sabotages reality. We could attach a neurological malfunction and/or loss of energy by the nervous system that affects the body functions. From the spiritual realm, the disorder reflects spiritual deadness and/or separation from God’s Spirit and His Word, which is disconnection from God’s “Zoë” or energy supply. Christ is the life and truth that will empower all the other systems.

I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. (John 3)
Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth… When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. (Colossians 3:2, 4)