Impact of Mainstream Focus on Psychopathology and Diagnosis

Diagnosis and the description of mental health issues have recently become ubiquitous in the media. One of the reasons for this new emergence of the topic of mental health in the mainstream media is because of worldwide traumatic events. Many tragic events covered in the media are centered on one or two individuals who have committed acts of violence. Unfortunately, most of these individuals have had a history of mental illness. This aspect of the tragedy then becomes the focus of analysis within the media. From this point of reference, reporters and journalists educate the public on mental health issues. However, these tragedies could be an opportunity to educate the public about the facts related to mental illness. Unfortunately, the media discussions about mental illness often result in attaching a stigma to mental illness and to the population suffering from mental illness.

As a clinical social worker, you need to be aware of the impact of the entry of psychopathology and diagnosis in mainstream public discourses. You also need to think about how the media could help eliminate or mitigate the stigma attached to mental illness in the mind of the general population.

·      Post an explanation of your thoughts on how psychopathology and diagnosis have entered mainstream public discourse.

·      Then explain the potential negative and positive impact of this mainstream discourse on those living with a psychiatric diagnosis.

·      Briefly explain the DSM-5’s organization and its dimensional approach to diagnosing and its possible impact on society’s view of mental disorders.

·      Be sure to include specific examples to the mainstream media (e.g., television or magazine reports, television shows) in your post.

Support your post with specific references to the resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.

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