Problem 5 - Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative Approach

Question

Check your understanding of civil commitment by filling in the blanks. Several conditions must be met before the state is permitted to commit a person involuntarily: The person has a(n) (1) ____________ and is in need of treatment, the person is considered (2) ____________ to herself or others, and the person is unable to care for himself or herself, also known as (3) ____________. Mental illness is a(n) (4) ____________ concept, typically meaning severe emotional or thought disturbances that negatively affect an individual’s health and safety, although this definition differs from state to state. When the laws about civil commitment emerged, (5) ____________ (movement of disabled individuals out of mental institutions) and (6) ____________ (movement of disabled individuals to a less restrictive facility) also occurred.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

1) mental illness, 2) danger, 3) grave disability, 4) legal, 5) deinstitutionalization, 6) transinstitutionalization.

Step 1: Understanding Condition 1

The first blank (1) refers to the requirement that the person must have a mental illness. It is crucial to note that the term 'mental illness' is often used in the context of civil commitments to indicate the presence of mental health disorders.

Step 2: Understanding Condition 2

The second blank (2) addresses the aspect where the individual might cause harm. A critical part of involuntary civil commitment is proving that the individual is a danger either to themselves or others.

Step 3: Understanding Condition 3

The third blank (3) deals with the individual's ability to provide for themselves. Often referred to as 'grave disability', this part of the criterion focuses on the inability to ensure personal safety and well-being.

Step 4: Defining Mental Illness

For blank (4), 'legal' is the term associated with the concept. It is known that mental illness is defined in legal terms which can vary between different states or jurisdictions.

Step 5: Historical Context of Civil Commitment

The term for blank (5) is 'deinstitutionalization'. This historical movement involved reducing the number of individuals in mental institutions as alternatives in community settings became available.

Step 6: Movement to Less Restrictive Facilities

For blank (6), the term 'transinstitutionalization' is used. This refers to shifting people to less restrictive settings, which might not necessarily be community-based but are less confining than traditional institutions.

Key Concepts

Mental Illness

Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health disorders that can significantly impact an individual's everyday life and well-being. These disorders are characterized by severe emotional or thought disturbances. It is important to understand that mental illness is often discussed in legal contexts when it comes to civil commitment. This means that the legal system uses specific criteria to determine what constitutes a mental illness, and these criteria can vary from state to state.
Individuals with mental illnesses might experience varied symptoms, such as:

• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Disorganized thinking
• Impulsive behavior

Understanding how mental illness is legally defined is crucial, as it affects the rights and treatment options available to individuals under civil commitment laws.

Grave Disability

Grave disability is a legal term used to describe a person's inability to care for themselves due to mental illness. When a person is gravely disabled, they may not be able to secure food, clothing, or shelter for themselves. This condition plays a significant role in determining whether someone can be involuntarily committed to a mental health facility.
The concept of grave disability is essential because it focuses on the individual's capacity to maintain their health and safety. Indicators of grave disability may include:

• Neglecting personal hygiene
• Inability to manage finances
• Failure to seek medical care
• Lack of awareness regarding basic needs

Assessments for grave disability require careful consideration from mental health professionals, ensuring that individuals receive the necessary support, while also respecting their autonomy.

Deinstitutionalization

Deinstitutionalization marks a significant shift in how society treats individuals with mental health disorders. Emerging in the mid-20th century, this movement aimed to provide mentally ill individuals with more humane and less isolated living conditions outside of large mental institutions.
Key objectives of deinstitutionalization included:

• Reducing the population in psychiatric hospitals
• Integrating individuals into community settings
• Offering support services in less restrictive environments

While the goals of deinstitutionalization were well-intentioned, challenges arose, such as inadequate community resources and support systems. Despite these challenges, the movement highlighted the importance of patient-centered care and the need for societal inclusion.

Transinstitutionalization

Transinstitutionalization refers to the transition of individuals with mental illnesses from one type of institutional setting to another. As deinstitutionalization reduced the number of people in large mental hospitals, many individuals were moved to other institutional settings, such as nursing homes or jails, rather than being fully integrated into community settings.
This process highlighted several issues, including:

• Lack of community-based mental health services
• Overcrowding in other institutional settings
• Inadequate support for individuals transitioning into new environments

Transinstitutionalization underscores the necessity for comprehensive and accessible mental health services in the community, ensuring that individuals receive appropriate care without reverting to institutional dependence.