To many, the mention of the term mental paints a grim picture of an uncontrollable, non-sociable and paranoid individual. Although the above description may be characteristic in some psychological disorders (most notably those with a psychotic component) , it is important to note that it falls short in that it does not cater for a vast majority of illnesses categorised as psychological disorders. The Minister of Health Rev Dr Seakgosing highlighted the importance of education in the success in medical treatment of these disorders at the recent opening of Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital in Lobatse.
What are psychological disorders?
Psychological disorders are abnormal behaviour that affects or is manifested in a person's brain , and can affect the way the person thinks , behaves and interacts with people. The behaviour is usually deviant, maladaptive or personally distressful over a long period of time. The affected individual manifests atypical behaviour that negatively deviates from what is considered normal and acceptable in a culture.
The condition normally interferes with the patient's ability to function effectively and may lead to abnormal and unrelenting sadness. Social and Environmental conditions are important in determining which behaviours are considered normal and which are abnormal (L A King , The science of Psychology 2008).
