Introduction

Figure 15.1 A wreath is laid in memoriam to victims of the Washington Navy Yard shooting. (credit: modification of work by D. Myles Cullen, US Department of Defense)

Chapter Outline

15.1 What Are Psychological Disorders?

15.2 Diagnosing and Classifying Psychological Disorders

15.3 Perspectives on Psychological Disorders

15.4 Anxiety Disorders

15.5 Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

15.6 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

15.7 Mood and Related Disorders

15.8 Schizophrenia

15.9 Dissociative Disorders

15.10 Disorders in Childhood

15.11 Personality Disorders

On Monday, September 16, 2013, a gunman killed 12 people as the workday began at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, DC. Aaron Alexis, 34, had a troubled history: he thought that he was being controlled by radio waves. He called the police to complain about voices in his head and being under surveillance by “shadowy forces” (Thomas, Levine, Date, & Cloherty, 2013). While Alexis’s actions cannot be excused, it is clear that he had some form of mental illness. If, however, Alexis had received the help he needed, this tragedy might have been averted. According to research, “… mental disorders are neither necessary, nor sufficient causes of violence. The major determinants of violence continue to be socio-demographic and socio-economic factors such as being young, male, and of lower socio-economic status” (Stuart, 2003). If, however, Alexis had received the help he needed, this tragedy might have been averted.