The Sociology of Mental Illness

The Sociology of Mental Illness Within this report I aim to outline the biomedical model, investigating whether it can be used to assess mental illness. I will compare both social realism and social constructionism with regards to mental illness and assess the role of the psychiatric profession from the viewpoint of functionalist theory. Firstly, the biomedical model is the scientific diagnosis of a condition which is reached by quantitative and qualitative measures, often disregarding psychological and sociological factors. That being said, can the biomedical model of health really measure a persons mental health? Many mental health issues often have un measurable (scientifically) factors and symptoms, often having blurred lines between a common set of factors; making it hard to distinguish between a select group of illness.   In 1952 the American psychiatric association published the D.S.M. (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) which clearly outlined the symptoms and effects of a range of mental illness. Since its first publication, the D.S.M. has grown from featuring 22 mental disorders, to overviewing over 297 diagnosable issues. While there are no standardized medical laboratory tests to diagnose mental health issues (bar those classed as organic AND functional mental illness, which derive from brain impairment such as Alzheimers etc.), these will come into play during diagnosis to ensure there is no other causation for the patients symptoms. In theory these investigative measures can be argued to be the biomedical involvement for the diagnosis (in respect to solely functional mental illness such as depression etc.). The key players now would be the psychologist, psychiatrist and trained mental health professionals who are medically equipped to diagnose such issues. While the biomedical approach focuses itself on science and the causations being objective and measurable, the theory of lay opinion coverts the ideology of social construction, economical factors and social conformity. Lay opinion focuses on behavioural patterns and socio-economical input upon a persons life, and the subsequent impact these have upon their mental state. This theoretical approach can be seen as highly influential when determining a service users mental state, the practitioners diagnosis being based upon observations of an individuals behavioural characteristics which correlate to the D.S.M and I.C.D. (international classification of diseases). Again, despite the highly theoretical methodology which leads to diagnosis, within these methods we see standardized tests and assessments, which can in fact be construed as scientific as they set about to differentiate between normal and abnormal using a standardized set of questions and observational directives. There are arguments from either side as to the theoretical basis of psychiatry, on one hand Thomas Szasz famously quoted Its not science. Its politics and economics. Thats what psychiatry is: politics and economics. Behavior control, it is not science, it is not medicineà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (cchrint.org, 2017) Szasz believed that the practice of psychiatry was wholly influenced by the state, creating a mass of quacks diagnosing with free reign. He argued that there were two radically different kinds of psychiatric practices, consensual and coerced, voluntarily sought and forcibly imposed. (Szasz.com, 2007) his concept was that psychiatry based itself upon the principle of interpretation and social conformity or a service users behaviour. As mentioned before questions of coercion and imposition upon a patient undergoing assessment take the forefront in Szasz arguments, giving his ideals a typically Marxist approach. More recently the newest edition of the D.S.M. came under fire from the ps ychiatric community with a number of high-profile articles by Professor Allen Francesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. (that) highlighted changes to the manual that he argued were examples of over-medicalisation of mental health. These changes included: Aspergers syndrome, Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, Mild cognitive disorder, Generalised anxiety disorder and Major depressive disorder (NHS, 2013). While all arguments for the objective and subjective thesis of psychiatry have their merits, it can be argued that psychiatry as a whole can ONLY be deemed subjective as it uses no scientific model of approach to diagnosis, merely perception, opinion and guidance from the D.S.M and I.C.D. to decipher traits and categorize symptoms. The social realism perspective defines mental illness and the diagnosis of, as having a defined set of abnormal behavioural patterns which can be definitively seen across cultures and societies. Realists argue that despite the fact some illnesses are not recognized or share a common name, the symptoms and actual condition are very much real and observable. That being said, on the other hand we have the perspective of social construction, where by its theorists argue that mental illness is determined by social norms and values. For instance, the mental impairment of post-natal depression. Social realists would argue that the definitive set of symptoms being displayed by the suffering party, would be enough to determine effect. Constructionists however would argue that the individual could be presenting these symptoms due to their social environment and ideologies of social norms. Due to the nature of the illness, and its unpredictable effect on the individual either of these theories could be applied. Because of the set of diagnosable characteristics and cross society definition, realists could argue that despite its irregularity surrounding time frame, its cause and eventual effect can be clearly categorised without outside input. That being said, constructionists can argue that the illness is purely defined by social perception of norms. As the illness can take shape both instantaneously and over a prolonged period of time, the cause and effect could actually be influenced by sociological and environmental issues experienced by the individual, causing stress and ultimately the effects and symptoms of post-natal depression to take hold. The functionalist view of the psychiatric role is one of great social standing and status within the community and society as a whole. Due to their organizational position and social hierarchy, they, as a medical professional, hold great stature and ranking within the framework of functionalist society. Because functionalism bases itself on the premise that each key part (the church, institutions, the family) work together to keep society running smoothly, deriving its ideologies from social consensus; it is their view that the role of the psychiatrist is primarily motivated by the desire to heal the sick (Moore et al, 2010) Because functionalism focuses on categorising mental and physical illness as social deviances due to the upset of balance and roles, they put great importance on the timely rehabilitation and re conformation of individuals. They view the rehabilitation of individuals as necessary coercion so as not to upset social structure. As psychiatrists hold the key to diagnosis of mental health and subsequent re conformity of an individual to social norms, a great precedence is put upon their work. References   Ã‚   Jeffrey A. Schaler, Ph.D defining psychiatry, [2007] available at: http://www.szasz.com/freeman21.html accessed 20/1/17 Moore, S. et al sociology AS for OCR chapter 5 sociology of health page 172, Collins, London, [2010] NHS Choices news analysis: controversial mental health guide DSM-5, [2013] available at: http://www.nhs.uk/news/2013/08August/Pages/controversy-mental-health-diagnosis-and-treatment-dsm5.aspx accessed 20/1/17 Professor Thomas Szasz Psychiatry as a Human Rights Abuse, [2017]   avaliable at: https://www.cchrint.org/about-us/co-founder-dr-thomas-szasz/quotes-on-psychiatry-as-a-human-rights-abuse/ accessed 20/1/17

Future of Nursing Essay

The career of nursing (Registered Nurse, Licensed Vocational Nurse, and advanced practice nurse) has more than three million working affiliates. Nurses are the predominant portion of the healthcare personnel. There are multiple barriers that stand in the way of nurses’ being able to react quickly to the ever-evolving health care field and changing health care organizations. In 2008, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the IOM (Institute of Medicine) started a group process that took two years to look at these needs, looking to evaluate and modify the nursing occupation. The findings show that 1 ) nurses- need to perform to the all-inclusive expanse of their schooling and achievements. 2) nurses- need to commit to reach the most prestigious levels of education and training through a refined educational network that advocates consistent advancement through academia. 3 ) nurses- need to endeavor to be fully engaged with physicians and other health care experts, in moder nizing/rejuvenating the health care organization in the United States. 4) Efficient labor pool planning and strategy making needs better collection of data and framework of information. Nursing students should have on their school curriculum that teaches them the capabilities that are compulsory for uninterrupted furtherance of the characteristics and safety of the systems that make up a health care organization, patient-oriented care, partnership and coordination with other agencies (Berwick, Cronenwett, Tanner 2011). The student nurses’ need expert skill to grasp and knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology, psychology, and a working comprehension in clinical, social, and behavioral sciences (Berwick 2011). They need working  skills and methods in order to be competent in leadership and management roles. (Berwick 2011). Student nurses will need capabilities in the new patient care conveyance framework that is on the horizon. Need a working knowledge in community health/illness and community based patient care. (Tanner 2011). They will need to know how to distribute patient care with other patient care modalities for appropriate patient care (Tilden 2011). The future nurse will need to have skills based on unchanging science prerequisite courses (Dracup, Tanner 2011). Health care policy knowledge, skills, and beliefs will need to be taught (Tilden 2011). Abilities related to unfolding health care needs will need to be fostered. For example: the elderly population (Tanne r 2011). They will need to accept technology-immersed education, multifaceted approach to patient care. Universities and colleges will need to come up with a plan that will make sure that the number and the equal allocation of new Registered Nurses who have graduated from their institutions with a baccalaureate degree or higher in nursing should be greatly increased (Aiken, Cronenwett 2011). Society should embrace community colleges/ universities that have affiliations, they may increase AND graduates that would complete a BSN degree if given encouragement, and could get it completed within a certain timeframe. (Dracup, Tanner 2011). The post-graduate residency programs will need to develop and test clinical education models that would include post-graduate intern and residency programs in appropriate facilities. (Tanner 2011). What the faculty members of the future need to be on the look-out 1) look for a person that has the bedrock for a nomination and appointment to faculty and promotion, including recognition of practice-based accomplishments, including working toward bettering healthcare (Berwick, Dracup, Cronenwett 2011). This person, who can, during their working life, move easily between practice (patient care), and academia (Gilliss 2011). The person, who within a short time span, has obtained a BSN, then a Doctoral degree (Aiken, Dracup 2011). The person must maintain professional certification and/or clinical proficiency (Gilliss 2011). This person builds working relationships with teachers and staff in other occupations. (medicine, engineering, business, public health, and  law). (Gilliss 2011). The person must take time to advance his/her education using two or more professions and foster cooperative practice furnishing patient-centered care (Dracup, Tilden 2011). Society needs to make sure that the universities produce a commensurate number of nurse practitioners (NP’s) for primary care roles at a time when access to health care will most likely increase the general public’s need for primary care providers (Cronenwett, Gilliss 2011). Universities will need to change their course of study in nursing education that has come about secondary to the advances made in nursing science and practice. These changes are guided by breakthroughs made in science (Tanner 2011). Universities will need to continue to state specialist preparation is needed for Master’s program level, and advance Post-Masters DNP education. At this time, requirements for Nurse Scientists interested in translational research needs to be clarified- will a DNP and a PhD both be needed in order to be able to follow through and become a researcher? The older population age averages, those who have chronic illnesses, added to the fast-moving science and technology fields, plus the blurred lines between medicine and nursing, creates a level of unpredictability to the health care scene. It is reasonable to expect a more educated health care team to care for these patients. Research has shown that hospitals that have a larger proportion of BSN bedside nurses, have a lower patient mortality/death (JAMA 1999). There is some research evidence that has shown BSN nurses are more cost-effective. Evidence is encour aging in showing that a more highly balanced BSN labor pool might allow for a smaller staff without negatively affecting patient end results. In the ambulatory out-patient care clinic setting, there is strong research-based evidence that shows that nurses with advanced degrees, usually a masters, can provide patient care with patient conclusions that are comparable to that of a Medical Doctors in some areas, like that of pain control and patient satisfaction. The cost for care is lower, also. Griffiths 2010)(Horrocks 2002). The evidence shows that the increased number of advanced degree  nurses practicing has improved admittance to general patient care. (Aiken 2009). Advanced nurses staff ambulatory care clinics and see approximately three million patients a year. Nurse Practitioners also staff Community Health Centers. The Role of Nursing Organizations to Nurse Leaders: The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE), states that the BSN is the minimal degree for nurses in leadership roles. Nurse leaders in a supervisory leadership role should seek education at a doctoral level. The IOM recommends lifelong learning for nurses. Nurse leaders need to help and assist as needed bed-side, clinic, and home-health care nurses in exploring and promoting new, more unprecedented, patient and family-centered care models. Nurses at all levels of the health care continuum, should be planning for leadership roles. The more experienced nurses must mentor the nurse with less proficiency, show them the way. Nurse leaders should also sit on boards of health care organizations and sit on policy-making committees. As for me, I am not sure what the future holds for me. I think maybe I would stay a bedside nurse in an acute care hospital. That is what I have done for over twenty years and that is what I love doing. I see nursing becoming more involved in the evidence-based prevention policies. Finding new ways to assist patients in reducing disease and/or promoting health, once they go home. The bedside nurse would do more of the inter-agency care coordination, for example discharge planning. Nurses must be able to function and collaborate with multiple agencies in order to get the supplies and care a patient might need once they go home. References AmericaInstitute of Medicine. (2011). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. Washington, DC: Cronenwett, Linda R. (09/01/2012). â€Å"Molding the future of advanced practice nursing 1.†. Nursing outlook (0029-6554), 60 (_5), 241. WNA working to advance the recommendations in the RWJF/IOM report: â€Å"the future of nursing: leading change, advancing health?†. Stat: Bulletin Of The Wisconsin Nurses Association [serial online]. June 2011;80(6)Available from: CINAHL Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed October 11, 2014. Retrieved from ISNA Bulletin Aug/Sep/Oct 2011 pg10 Independent Study Visioning the Future of Nursing: Analysis of the IOM/RWJ Foundation Report Nurse Leader Vol9 Issue6 Dec2011 pg30-32

Writing Dissertation - the Conspiracy

Writing Dissertation - the Conspiracy All business paper has to have a title. Thus, it's important one ought to get aid with dissertation from such service provider. The previous page is the appendices which comprises the information that wasn't included in the body of the company paper. It is possible to distribute via email, and so long as you've got an electronic copy of it, you can keep confident that you wouldn't be wronged or cheated, or your work wouldn't get stolen or anything likewise. Life, Death, and Writing Dissertation Bulk of students find the addition of dissertation the most intimidating portion of the writing. Dissertations of prior students may have useful suggestions for additional research. The majority of the students prefer to consider the dissertation for a hurdle that you have to clear to acquire your doctorate. Dissertation writing is an indispensable part to clear your last examinations and last semester. You should consider that a few readers of your dissertation won't be pro in your field of study, and you need to make them able to grasp the notion of your dissertation undertaking. Then don't forget that writing a Results part of your dissertation is still an extremely time-consuming undertaking. Writing a dissertation may be challenging procedure, but it's never impossible. What to Do About Writing Dissertation Before You Miss Your Chance A fantastic research paper help company has a superb reputation for providing its customers with good high quality research paper example help for cheap. Whatever the course that you want to choose, it's important to get appropriate plan for your research whilst ensuring enough time is allocated to each research task. As the work is of excellent significance, or so the quantity of time spend in deciding on a specific service can be believed to be a prudent investment. So, it's always advised to do a suitable research before opting for a specific support. So How About Writing Dissertation? Writing quality essays is the principal use of our services. Typically, there assignment writing services are provided by the expert assignment writers that have a passion to write and can write many word and on the exact topic or subject. The writer should collect data from all possible sources possible to make sure that the entire info required is obtained. Dissertation overload is still another issue that may bring about writer's block. What Is So Fascinating About Writing Dissertation? Dissertation is a chance to work independently. The abstract will probably be more complete than the opening paragraph because it stands aside from the proposal, while the opening leads into the remainder of the proposal. If you require expert assistance with dissertation, then never wait to acquire expert support. The completion of dissertati on in 1 week can be achieved by relying on write each day. The fundamental objective of assigning dissertation to student at the close of the semester is to examine wisdom and comprehension of specific topic or subject of student. It's critical that you do a healthful quantity of research. It's customary to search for an illustration of a dissertation for developing a very clear comprehension of the practice. Thus the student should choose to plan and research. What Writing Dissertation Is - and What it Is Not Pick a topic you find interesting because it will keep you engaged. If a particular topic is problematic for you, you might not locate the inclination to write it or finish it. Never go for an unusual and hard subject, always pick a topic that you're personally interested in so that you're able to delight in writing it. An unwanted and forceful topic will bring about losing interest. Top Choices of Writing Dissertation You must be really sure of what you are likely to achieve from your extended essay. Be aware the above mentioned things in mind in order to wind up in producing an appropriate dissertation that's destined for success. The most obvious reason behind it's that the majority of the students do not even have a clue of what precisely is to be accomplished. An individual must learn how to prioritize the action of writing and it has to grow to be a non-negotiable portion of the everyday routine.

No Child Left Behind Act - 2144 Words

On January 8th, 2002, a bill , No Child Left Behind ,was signed by George W.Bush; His intentions with No Child Left Behind was to transform the education system. Unfortunately, the bill did the opposite of transformation. The bill created an imagination for students and parents that he/she was safe from failing when in the real world, that was far from what the bill actually was doing. If a student does not actually understand the level of material given, why move him or her up anyways unprepared for information added on to the old information that was not fully understood? Although some research have concluded that No Child Left Behind act has accomplished positive progression, there is much stronger evidence to the contrary that No†¦show more content†¦Parents were left with no choice but to throw protests and boycotts(Rich and Lewin 6) ;which of course will almost immediately cause tension in the city and even tension between different parents. The most unpredictable par t about the bill is the students are not the only ones suffering, teachers are suffering as well regarding progression. Ever since No Child Left Behind, the two groups have both been held back from progress and success(Collins par 4).Teachers have cut the students recess time to study for more test rather than actually learning the material.In the parents eyes, Teachers are expected to help students, interact and create a comfortable learning environment;parents will have 100% faith that the proper care and material regarding development and being successful is being transportated to the student(s).If the teachers are not capable of teaching students material that he/she actually needs, due to restrictions and what he/she is allowed to teach, how will progression begin? No Child Left Behind has caused parents and experts to fall close to losing faith with the system. Farmer stated â€Å"Most education experts eventually concluded that No Child Left Behind had failed to deliver real and lasting success, and ultimately left the nation’s schools in a bureaucratic mess† (par 3).The bill has been unrealistic from the start;