Mental Disorder and Mental Health Problems

Unit aim

This unit aims to provide the learner with knowledge of the main forms of mental health problems according to the psychiatric classification system. Learners also consider the strengths and limitations of this model and look at alternative frameworks for understanding mental distress. The focus of the unit is on understanding the different ways in which mental health problems impact on the individual and others in their social network. It also considers the benefits of early intervention in promoting mental health and well-being.

Learning outcomes

There are two learning outcomes to this unit. The learner will:

1. Know the main forms of mental ill health.

2. Know the impact of mental ill health on individuals and others in their social network. Unit CMH 302Understand Mental Health Problems

Outcome 1Know the main forms of mental ill health

Assessment Criteria

The learner can:

1. Describe the main types of mental ill health according to the psychiatric (DSM/ICD) classification system: mood disorders, personality disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, substance-related disorders, eating disorders, cognitive disorders.

2. Explain the key strengths and limitations of the psychiatric classification system.

3. Explain two alternative frameworks for understanding mental distress.

4. Explain how mental ill health may be indicated through an individual’s emotions, thinking and behaviour.

Unit CMH 302Understand Mental Health Problems

Outcome 2Know the impact of mental ill health on individuals and others in their social network

Assessment Criteria

The learner can:

1. Explain how individuals experience discrimination due to misinformation, assumptions and stereotypes about mental ill health.

2. Explain how mental ill health may have an impact on the individual including:

a. psychological and emotional
b. practical and financial
c. the impact of using services
d. social exclusion
e. positive impacts

3. Explain how mental ill health may have an impact on those in the individual’s familial, social or work network including:

a. psychological and emotional
b. practical and financial
c. the impact of using services
d. social exclusion
e. positive impacts

4. Explain the benefits of early intervention in promoting an individual’s mental health and well-being. Unit CMH 302Understand Mental Health Problems

Notes for guidance

In learning outcome 1, assessment criterion 1, learners are asked to describe ‘the main types of mental ill health according to the psychiatric (DSM/ICD) classification system’. Learners should demonstrate knowledge of how types of mental health are categorised by their main signs and symptoms and how the system attempts to draw a line between mental health and mental disorder. Learners do not need to demonstrate detailed knowledge of each form of disorder within each category.