Mental Health

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter introduces the notion of mental health as it is presently understood in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is published by the American Psychiatric Association. This is then discussed from the perspective of three philosophical stances, namely essentialism, social constructionism, and pragmatism. Historical examples—such as drapetomania, homosexuality, and schizophrenia—illustrate how culture, in particular thoughts about race, sexuality, and civil rights, can shape views on what is mentally normal and what not. Anticipating the later chapter on substance use, addiction receives special attention. Practical ways to assess dependence and also its definition in the DSM are introduced. Finally, the epidemiology of mental disorders is discussed. The question of whether the prevalence of these disorders is increasing is of special relevance. The chapter’s interim conclusion is that mental disorders should be better understood as dynamic biopsychosocial processes which can continually change; they are thus not concrete things (e.g., brain disorders).