To identify and critically evaluate patterns of behavior

Purpose.

To identify and critically evaluate patterns of behavior indicative of a major psychological disorders and discuss factors contributing to the causes of abnormal behavior.

Discussion Board Prompt. (Meets Module Objectives 3 & 4).

There are many people suffering from chronic psychological problems, yet refuse treatment that could help them. In the U.S., people have a right to refuse treatment, but only up until a point. Under most state laws, if the individual is considered an "imminent danger to self or others" they may be hospitalized against their will, usually for up to a 72 hour period.

Consider the case of a mentally ill, 40-year-old homeless, unemployed male who has seemingly had a break with reality. He is often seen talking to himself, climbing trees in your neighborhood park, and sits for long periods of time perched in them doing nothing. He shows little emotional expression. He talks in an odd manner and his ideas sometimes seem to lack any connection. He sees and communicates with jungle animals in the park that are not really there. He wears a loin cloth (which covers everything it needs to), has a pocket knife attached to his hip, and believes he is a "direct descendant" of the fictional character, Tarzan.He has been treated for mental health problems in the past and it was recommended he receive treatment but he stopped going. There is no known history of criminal or violent behavior.

As both a psychology student and citizen in the neighborhood this is occurring in, please respond to the following:

1. Based on material in your textbook, what kind of psychological disorder do his symptoms seem to most likely align with? Identify the symptoms involved and explain why you believe he suffers from that disorder.
2. Discuss the biological, psychological, and/or sociological factors that can contribute to the causes of the psychological disorder you believe he suffers from.
3. What do you think should be done for this man? Should he be forced to receive some kind of evaluation or treatment? Why or why not? Weigh a person's civil right to refuse treatment with the need to protect society from a potentially dangerous person.
4. Respond within 2-4 paragraphs