Sociology of Mental Disorder

For undergraduate courses in Mental Illness and Mental Health in departments of Sociology or Social Work.   This book presents the major issues and research findings on the influence of race, class, gender, age and social class on the incidence of mental disorder.  It also examines the institutions put in place to help those with mental disorders. How do you cover the issue of race and mental health?

• NEW - More discussion in Chapter 9, Mental Disorder: Race on the debate over racial differences in mental health.
• Delves deeper into racial issues to aid student understanding of the impact of race on mental health and our reaction to mental health.

 How do you cover the current DSM Standards?

• NEW discussion of the validity of DSM-IV-TR diagnostic categories for sociologists (See Chapter 5, Mental Disorder: Social Epidemiology).
• Emphasizes the impact of sociological concerns during the development of the new DSM standards.
• An update on the status of DSM-V - Increases students' awareness of the latest data and research findings in the field.

   How do cover the impact of managed care on the care of those with mental disorders?

• NEW -A new section in Chapter 14, Community Care and Public Policy on managed care in mental health.
• Covers the increasing pressures of managed care as people are deinstitutionalized across the country.

 Do you cover New Genetics?

• Includes coverage of the New Genetics.
• Enlightens students as to what biology and science have to offer in the understanding of mental disorders.

 Do you integrate examples of real people to illustrate life with a mental disorder?

• Discussion of John Nash's experiences as depicted in the motion picture A Beautiful Mind.
• Keeps students interested in the subject and helps them understand what it is like to have a mental disorder?

   

  1. The Problem of Mental Disorder.   2. Types of Mental Disorders.   3. Mental Disorder: Concepts of Causes and Cures.   4. Mental Disorder as Deviant Behavior.   5. Mental Disorder: Social Epidemiology.   6. Mental Disorder: Social Class.   7. Mental Disorder: Age, Gender, and Marital Status.   8. Mental Disorder: Urban versus Rural Living and Migration.   9. Mental Disorder: Race. 10. Help-Seeking Behavior and the Prepatient Experience. 11. Acting Mentally Disordered: The Example of Schizophrenia, Anxiety, and Depression. 12. The Mental Hospital Patient. 13. Residing in the Community. 14. Community Care and Public Policy. 15. Mental Disorder and the Law. 16. Mental Disorder and Public Policy in Selected Countries. References. Index.