Category: Mental Illness

Introduction to Serial Killers and Mental Illness

Throughout the years, mental illness and the crimes, more specifically the methodology, of serial killers have often gone hand in hand with one another. There are various speculations that the people who do have a mental illness, such as schizophrenia and antisocial personality disorder, are more prone to committing moral atrocities. While this could be true in some cases, like with the Son of Sam, who was a serial killer in the late 70’s and was responsible for the deaths of multiple women, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He was convinced that his dog was persuading him to kill women, and that demons were shouting profanities at him. Like the Son of Sam, another current case can be linked to his. A twenty-year-old named Cosmo DiNardo, claimed he saw visions of killing people, and like his predecessor, he brutally killed six individuals in a short span of under five years. Another infamous man who embodied another stereotype of mental illness, more specifically antisocial personality disorder, was Ted Bundy, who was yet another serial killer in the 1970’s, who manipulated and murdered young women. While some accusations of people may be true, there are millions of people who walk around every day with schizophrenia and antisocial personality disorder, and they never think about killing people, nor would they ever want to.

Understanding Schizophrenia in Serial Killers

Schizophrenia is labelled as a “chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality. Although schizophrenia is not as common as other mental disorders, the symptoms can be very disabling” (NIH, 2019). Besides Antisocial Personality Disorder, Schizophrenia seems to be one of the top diagnoses when evaluating a serial killer’s cognitive processes. This seems to be the case because when a psychologist sits down to speak with the murderer, a lot of them claim that they heard “voices”, such as angels, The Devil himself, animals, or regular disembodied figures telling them to do it. However, before someone really knows how to diagnose a serial killer with Schizophrenia, they must know the symptoms and how to tell it apart from other disorders. A lot of people also get confused or they misinterpret the symptoms when it comes to the differentiation between Schizophrenia and another mental illness known as DID, or Dissociate Identity Disorder, which is also more commonly known as Multiple Personality Disorder. “Many people get Schizophrenia and Personality Disorder confused, especially since movies and television shows tend to use the terms interchangeably. Schizophrenia is what is considered a “thought disorder”, which means that disturbances in the thought process drive the illness” (Frese, 2009, P. 1).

DID on the other hand, is much more uncommon than Schizophrenia, and instead of it being a “thought disorder”, it’s an “identity disorder”. In some cases, a lot of people with DID, have memory loss and they can barely remember when their personality changes, and or flips. When looking at Schizophrenia, one also needs to understand the symptoms that are tied to this illness. There are positive and negative symptoms with Schizophrenia. Positive symptoms of Schizophrenia are the presence of appropriate behaviors such as “agitated behavior, hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and nonsensical speech” (NIH, 2019). Negative symptoms, on the other side of the coin, are the presence of inappropriate behaviors; so basically the opposite of positive symptoms. These inappropriate behaviors include, “flat, emotionless voices, blank faces, rigid, motionless bodies, and mutism” (NIH, 2019). With some cases too, Schizophrenia also leads to episodes of psychosis. “Psychosis has been generally considered to be a severe break in reality that may result in psychopathic behavior” (Anderson, 1999, P. 39). In relation to Schizophrenia, psychosis or psychotic disorders include one or more of the following symptoms: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and catatonic behavior with brief or continuous episodes. It is said that due to him having Schizophrenia, David Berkowitz, or “The Son of Sam”, suffered from a psychotic break, and that is what lead him to go on his killing spree.

Case Studies: The Son of Sam and Cosmo DiNardo

Two individuals, one from the past, and the other one from the present, whose stories are linked, are, as mentioned above, “The Son of Sam”, and another young serial killer who emerged in 2017, twenty-year-old, Cosmo DiNardo. Cosmo DiNardo was responsible for the brutal murder of four young men in Pennsylvania, he tried to burn their bodies in a pig roaster after he committed the rather vicious crime. Even before the killings, Cosmo displayed erratic and dangerous behaviors; especially to his loved ones and friends. “A Bucks County prosecutor said Mr. DiNardo was once diagnosed with Schizophrenia. Members of his family and a lawyer representing Mr. DiNardo declined requests for more information about his mental health. One longtime friend said Mr. DiNardo twice spent time in a mental institution” (Gabriel, Haag, Hurdle, 2017, P. 3). Cosmo DiNardo talked about wanting to murder and harm other human beings since the young age of 14. “He often bragged to friends about seeing people killed, and in a social media post, he posed, bare-chested and crazy eyed, aiming a revolver” (Gabriel, Haag, Hurdle, 2017, P. 1). DiNardo, like the Son of Sam, had one of the biggest and or one of the most common identifiers, especially to other people, of Schizophrenia, hallucinations. In contrast with David Berkowitz’s story, DiNardo had visions of murdering other people and he proclaimed these to other people, as if he were getting a sign from God that he should be carrying out these atrocious acts. Like many other serial killers, many psychologists try to find logical reasoning as to why these haunted individuals murder innocents in cold blood. In a lot of documentaries about serial killers, criminologists like to make the argument that the killer had to have had something bad happen in their childhood in order for them to want to carry out terrible acts upon other people. However, when one truly thinks about it, this argument can be considered as faulty.

A lot of regular, everyday people have had terrible things occur when they were children, and they grew up to be fully functioning adults with no desire to harm others. If head injury or some other kind of trauma really was the cause of serial killers and their different methodologies, then hundreds of millions of serial killers would be roaming around the world wreaking havoc. “The consensus remains among experts that an unhappy childhood is not probable cause to commit murder and does not justify causation despite the infliction of abuse, genetic abnormalities, or brain trauma that one has suffered” (Anderson, 1999, P. 35). The article on DiNardo states that after an “ATV accident last year, DiNardo’s mood became especially dark. He was stranded for hours suffering from broken bones, until his father and younger brother found him. Some friends said he suffered a serious head injury” (Gabriel, Haag, Hurdle, 2017, P. 3). Sure, this accident could’ve caused DiNardo’s brain chemistry to flip, however in the article, there have been multiple reports that DiNardo has had multiple murderous fantasies since he was in the early stages of adolescence. His accident only happened when he was nineteen. Therefore, there really is only a miniscule correlation between DiNardo’s head injury, and his underlying mental illness.

After being arrested on a burglary charge, DiNardo also made a confession that he was responsible for the brutal killings of four young men who sought Mr. DiNardo out as their weed connection. “Prosecutors said that Mr. DiNardo lured the victims to a remote family farm in central Bucks County over two days, and along with Mr. Kratz (his cousin who was also his accomplice) shot them, ran one of them over with a backhoe and burned three of the bodies in a last ditch effort to cover their tracks” (Gabriel, Haag, Hurdle, 2017, P. 1). DiNardo had a psychotic break during his killings, he had multiple hallucinations of voices telling him to kill others, and he followed through. DiNardo had positive symptoms of Schizophrenia, even before his break, which was followed by appropriate behaviors. In relation to DiNardo, Son of Sam serial killer David Berkowitz “claimed to suffer from schizophrenia and blamed his killing spree on his neighbor’s dog who he also claimed was actually Satan, who then instructed him to {murder young women in the streets of Queens, New York}” (Frese, 2009, P.2).

Even though these men had Schizophrenia and they acted on their auditory hallucinations, it is extremely important to note that “individuals with a mental disorder were no more apt to commit a crime than those were not afflicted with Schizophrenia or acute psychotic disorders” (Anderson, 1999, P. 40). Just because people have Schizophrenia or any other type of mental illness, doesn’t mean they’re automatically destined to kill others.

Antisocial Personality Disorder and Psychopathy in Serial Killers

Another mental illness that will be briefly touched upon that is also extremely popular when diagnosing serial killers, is Antisocial Personality Disorder. Like the confusion between Schizophrenia and DID, there is also equal mix-up when it comes to Antisocial Personality Disorder and psychopathy. Psychopathy is not a clinical diagnosis, but it is considered a developmental disorder by different neuroscientists. “Many individuals with APD are not psychopathic, but a number of them, especially the ones who exhibit traits such as limited empathy and grandiosity, do demonstrate psychopathy. Psychopathic traits such as charm, manipulation, and intimidation have been recognized by the FBI as being thoroughly connected to serial murder” (Pemment, 2013, P. 1). People who are diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder show no guilt or remorse when it comes to the law or receiving some sort of punishment. This is one of the reasons why serial killers are so commonly diagnosed with it.

When interviewing a serial killer, one commonly finds that they do not regret their actions or feel any guilt or remorse when they murdered their victim. They did it just to simply do it and they have no thought or need to take any of it back. “Antisocial behavior may also include stealing, drug/alcohol abuse, and disregard for authorities, killing/and or mutilating small animals, and setting fires. In adult serial killers it has been observed that they have a difficult time forming sustainable relationships” (Anderson, 1999, P. 41). An example of an individual who had Antisocial Personality Disorder, was Ted Bundy. He was responsible for the deaths of over 40 women during the 1970’s. Although he did meet the criteria for other mental illnesses, such as Narcissistic Personality Disorder and voyeurism, his diagnosis primarily fell in the APD category. When confessing to his crimes, Bundy often said that he felt nothing for his victims and that they simply existed and were in his range of sight. He didn’t have any sort of personal relationship with him, he just wanted to exercise his power over them, which is the NPD part of diagnosis. People with Antisocial Personality Disorder often “violate the rights of others” (Cromer, 2019), as well.

When Ted Bundy was arrested the first time in Florida, he took it upon himself to escape shortly afterwards; not even thinking about the repercussions for his actions. Just as mentioned previously, it is crucial to announce that not all people with Antisocial Personality Disorder are prone to becoming serial killers, it is just only a select few that do.

Conclusion: Recognizing Symptoms and Providing Help

After acquainting myself with bipolar disorder essay examples and researches, I can further appreciate the complexity of mental health conditions. Just as Schizophrenia and Antisocial Personality Disorder are the most common diagnoses amongst serial killers. While some people, like Son of Sam, Cosmo DiNardo, and Ted Bundy act upon their disorders, there are an abundance of people in the world who have these illnesses and do not do anything with regards to harming others. It is so important to recognize the symptoms within other people, especially in loved ones, and attempt to give them the help they deserve.

References

1. Anderson, W. R. (1999). Can Personality Disorders Be Used As Predictors of Serial Killers? Retrieved from St. Joseph’s College https://ez.sjcny.edu:2099/docview/219813630/fulltextPDF/A630743A18764607PQ/1?accountid=28722
2. Cromer. (n.d.). Personality Disorders. Retrieved from St. Joseph’s College https://sjcny.instructure.com/courses/12465/files/1427195?module_item_id=405808
3. Frese, S. (2009, September 09). Schizophrenia and Personality Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.crimemuseum.org/2009/09/09/what-is-the-difference-between-schizophrenia-and-multiple-personality-disorder/
4. Gabriel, T., Haag, M., & Hurdle, J. (2017, July 17). Cosmo DiNardo Took a Dark Turn Before Bucks County Killings, Friends Say. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/17/us/bucks-county-pennsylvania-murders-cosmo-dinardo-.html
5. Schizophrenia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml
6. What Would We Find Wrong in the Brain of a Serial Killer? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/blame-the-amygdala/201304/what-would-we-find-wrong-in-the-brain-serial-killer

In the view of life sanctity, is the death penalty a moral way of retribution? Is the death of a criminal something to be celebrated? Can death justify death?

One of the bases of moral retribution is written in the holy scripture, Matthew 5:37 states “You have heard that it was said, ‘eye for eye and tooth for a tooth’.” For a long time, this passage was viewed in a way that a punishment for a crime must be of the same weight as the crime committed, in a way that a crime of killing can only be justified through the death of the criminal or through the so-called death penalty.

On the other hand, it is enlisted in the 10 commandments of God that we should not kill and it is also written that we should not take revenge for the repay, and avenge belongs to God (Romans 12:19).

In the case of Ted Bundy wherein the moral retribution or justice is imposed through the death penalty, I think that it is something that’s not right or moral. It is for this reason that death cannot justify death, because for me “eye for eye and tooth for tooth” didn’t mean to be practiced as something equal in the same manner but instead something equal even if it is not in the same manner or medium, in a way like a killer must not be sentenced a death penalty to equate it with his sin, but instead be punished of life imprisonment since being imprisoned for the whole life equates with death because being imprisoned for a lifetime is a loss of freedom and such a death in another form.

I think the death of Ted Bundy is something not to be called as justice but just another form of murder, a murder not just of one but all of the people who witnessed and supported his death. If we look at it from another other point of view, it can be discerned that all of the people who supported the death of Ted Bundy were no different from Ted. It is because it is directed to us by God that we shall not kill and this commandment was disobeyed by Ted, but if we look at it deeply, the death of Ted is not an accident whatsoever but instead a form of sin and also a form of disobedience to God’s commandment about killing. Thus, all the people who supported the death of Ted were no different from Ted, they were all killers. Although the persons behind Ted’s death is not a murderer or a killer in the eye of justice, but they are all the same in the eyes of God – they are all killers. Just like what Ted said “They call me crazy, but look at them”, This means that the people celebrating his execution were no different from him, they are calling him crazy but they can also be classified as crazy because a normal person would not celebrate or be pleasured with death of someone.

In support, the death penalty is a form of revenge, an act that was directed to us as something not to be committed since God promised us that the repayment and avenge are for Him. If God is superior, then who are we to go beyond Him? To go beyond His promises. Only we can ask and seek justice, a fair and moral justice, and not personal revenge to ease our pains in the meantime.

From the other point of view, upon assessing the attitude and personality of Ted Bundy it can be discerned that there is something wrong with him because a normal person with good mental health would not do such things. It is stated in multiple articles about the mental health analysis of Ted Bundy and also in the said documentary that Ted is mentally ill. Some of the mental illness associated with Ted was psychopathy, antisocial personality disorder, narcissism, bipolar disorder, sadism, and addiction. But one of the disorders to be highly emphasized was the diagnosis of Dr. Al Carlisle that Ted has a maniac depressive disorder, therefore he is mentally ill. It is really arguable that maybe this diagnosis was fabricated and was just made as an instrument so that Ted can be saved from the execution, but using our own common sense and through observation we can really deduce that he is insane since a normal person would not be able to sexually abuse and kill multiple of innocent persons to the point of necrophilia.

This mental disorder can be rooted in the childhood of Ted Bundy, wherein he found out that he was an illegitimate son and experienced bullying, abuse, and pornographic addiction since pornography is easily accessed. His illegitimacy might have led him to his trust issues. Bullying might have caused him to be violent and the abuse might have him the idea that violence is acceptable. Meanwhile, the pornographic addiction might have caused his sadistic and perverted behavior since the environment that surrounds us is the strongest influencer that shapes us not just in our actions but also in our beliefs and behavior.

Given that Ted Bundy is mentally ill we can presume that the court hearing of Ted Bundy’s case is invalid since he is incompetent to undergo trial. In this manner, the death of Ted Bundy was not justice but just a way of pleasing the desire of the majority and on the other way around was a crime against Ted Bundy.

The article discusses the contentious issue of the legalization procedures of firearm ownership. The basis of the argument is that mental illness is associated with mass shootings and its role in making the shooter behave in such a manner. As illuminable from the article, the issue affects the community at large. The lawmakers, including the president, are involved in discussing the matter. Javanbakht, the article author, outlines a psychiatric point of view in discussing his perspective on the subject.

Javanbakht elucidates that mental illness is a significant health issue that affects a significant section of the population. With 1 in 5 people experiencing a mental health condition, it becomes difficult to use mental illness as the cause of mass shootings (Javanbakht, 2018). The author also raises the question of gun ownership and its procedures now that a significant section of the population suffers from one form of mental illness. Based on the arguments, several forms of mental illness are recorded by the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The author observes that mental disorders have been used in the past as scapegoats for gun misuse. The authorship argues that not all mental disorders should be used as a scapegoat for gun misuse, and gun ownership procedures should now consider the mental state of the buyer to ensure public safety.

The article challenges the use of mental illness as a reason to avoid criminal charges in gun misuse cases and its use in their purchase. The identification that there are several mental disorders, most of which do not affect individuals’ choices, brings to light the deficiencies in laws focused on addressing gun ownership and misuse. The source articulates that identifying individuals who should own guns should be a comprehensive process that prioritizes the safety of community members over the needs of an individual. The topic connects to the NASW Code of Ethics by discussing a key global issue. Mental illness is an increasing public health concern, and there is a need for interventions.

Reference

Javanbakht, A. (2018). Guns and mental illness: How do you judge who shouldn’t get weapons? CBS News.

Introduction

Throughout history, the public portrayal of mental illness has been subjugated by depictions of violence, seclusion, madness, loss, desolation, homelessness, personal failure, witchcraft and unsuccessful health and social outcomes (Henson et al 2009).

Although the media have been credited for producing some of the most sensitive, educational and award-winning material on mental illness, the same institution is also blamed for generating a huge store of negative imagery with some of the most malevolent depictions of mental illness and horrendous illustrations of psychiatric treatments (Stuart 2006).

It is acknowledged in the literature that not only does media framing of health related issues influences both public and political opinion and may consequently impact on health and social policy (Henson et al 2009), but framing of mental illness is oriented more towards depictions of negative imagery, which are more memorable and of enormous concern to individuals with mental health challenges, their family members and mental health professionals (Stuart 2006).

The latter view is reinforced by Sieff (2003), who suggests that negative perceptions of mental illnesses are relentless in the mainstream media, in spite of advances in treatment and superior understanding of disease processes.

The present paper uses secondary research to investigate key issues of how the media influence society’s view on mental illness. In particular, the paper aims to highlight how media framing of mental illness influence society’s perceptions in five critical areas, namely: perceptions of crime and dangerousness; negative connotations; community care options; stigmatization, and; social relationships.

In recommendations, the central role of the media as allies in changing the negative perceptions held by society with regard to mental illness is highlighted with a view to advance greater awareness of the significance of advocacy in this area.

It is important to note that the articles used to conduct the secondary research have been selected to exemplify dominant themes, present interesting examples and draw attention to the principal issues on how the media influences society’s view on mental illness. Consequently, no attempt has been made to avail all-inclusive listing, synthesis or critical and analytical review of all publications in this domain.

Media Framing of Mental Illness & its Influence on Society

Available literature reveals that “…television news and current affairs coverage of mental health/illness in Australia represents only 6% of items with a main focus on a specific health condition” (Henson et al 2009, p. 557).

However, it is revealed in the literature that media framing of mental illness is a central theme of Australia’s National Mental Health Strategy, as clearly evidenced by a wide range of resources not only outlining how to deal with individuals with mental illness but also how to report these issues responsibly (Francis et al 2004).

It is important to note that media framing of health-related issues, which includes the way information is presented and organized in the media and construed by society (Sieff 2003), not only impacts directly on the perceptions and opinions held by society but also on the policies that may be adopted by government and private agencies to deal with such issues (Henson et al 2009).

Below, this paper investigates how media framing of mental illness influence society’s perceptions on the selected facets commonly associated with the mentally ill.

Framing & Crime and Dangerousness

“
According to Francis et al (2004), the observed developments in media framing of mental illness in Australia reflects deep-seated concerns with the nature of perceptions generated from reporting cases of mental illnesses in both broadcast and print media, in large part owing to the fact that “…the media tend to portray mental illness in a negative fashion, frequently linking it with violence, dangerousness and crime” (p. 542).

One notable study conducted in Australia to evaluate the portrayal of depression and other mental challenges in Australian nonfiction media found that a considerable proportion of media items in common mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and substance use disorders referred these conditions as criminal issues (Francis et al, 2005).

Indeed, a strand of existing literature (e.g. Stuart 2006; Clayton et al 2009; Klin & Lemish 2008) demonstrates that heavy exposure to media imagery of characters with a mental condition or news content of the mentally ill not only nurtures misinformation about crime and misconstructions about those who commit crimes, but also stimulates intolerance toward individuals with mental conditions and depressingly influences the way society evaluates mental health issues.

For example, the news coverage of a murder by an individual with a mental illness is multiplied by the number of times it is aired over popular television channels and radio stations, reinforcing the erroneous impression that violence and crime among the mentally ill are frequent and recurring events.

In Australia, one study cited in Morgan & Jorm (2009) found that people’s attitudes and perceptions towards the mentally ill manifestly deteriorated directly after media news coverage of two violent attacks on well-known politicians by mentally challenged individuals.

Consequently, it can be argued that public fear and rejection of individuals with a mental illness increases, and negative stereotypes are reinforced each time a violent act hits the airwaves.

But in reality, Francis et al (2005) acknowledge that the level of portrayal of mental illness with criminal and dangerous orientations in both print and electronic media noted in previous studies tends to be incorrectly elevated, “…considering that the evidence indicates that people who have a mental illness are not significantly more likely than the general population to commit violent crime” (p. 292).

Indeed, Brekke et al (2001) cited in Glick & Applbaum (2010) reported that the popular perception found in media reports that schizophrenic individuals are criminal-oriented and dangerous is not supported by scientific data, which illustrate rather that this group of the population is more likely to be victims of violent acts than executors of it.

Framing & Negative Connotations

Henson et al (2009) acknowledge that although many media frames can be utilized in structuring health-related items, news about mental illnesses in most occasions employs “…several time-honoured genres including celebrity illnesses; gawp stories (depictions of eccentricity, abnormality and bizarre behavior); moral tales and falls from grace; scientific marvels; danger in the familiar, and the wisdom of commonsense cures” (p. 554).

Furthermore, Francis et al (2004) reports that articles printed in major national metropolitan daily newspapers as well as items aired on most government and private radio and television stations in Australia use negative or colloquial terms – such as insane, lunatic, maniac and whacko, among others – to refer to people with mental illness.

Such media depiction of people with mental illness do little to persuade the viewing members of society that people in this group of the population can recover from their illnesses and become productive members of society (Stuart 2006; Nairn 2007).

This evidence, in my view, demonstrates that the media, both print and electronic, have a predisposition to strengthen or reinforce negative and undesirable stereotypes of individuals with mental illness.

Framing & Community Care Options

Available literature demonstrates that the negative connotations used by the media on people with mental illness leads to lower endorsement of community care options as well as employer unwillingness to employ individuals suffering from these conditions (Henson et al 2009; Anderson 2003).

Indeed, many media portrayals of characters or real people with mental illness depict them as being compromised precisely in their educational and cognitive faculties, and with no chance whatsoever of reversing or preventing the trend (Glick & Applbaum 2010).

Additionally, according to these authors, the media depicts people with severe mental illness as suffering from “…lack of insight and disorganization, and this, in common health service understandings, affects their rate of adherence or compliance to medication and other prescribed services” (p. 230).

It therefore follows that the presumed lack of educational and cognitive capabilities predominant in people with mental illness acts as barriers to seeking suitable treatment options in this group of the population, and the general public is unable to assist them due to their perceptions of the mentally ill reinforced by the mainstream media.

The truth of the matter, however, is that we have numerous cases of people who have recovered from mental illnesses through community care options, but the media either decide to be mean with the truth or to feel comfortable to blur the reality with the intention of achieving own selfish interests.

Framing & Stigmatization

Henson et al (2009) note that the negative stereotyping of people with mental illness by the media “…has been described as a form of institutionalized stigma and may erode efforts to build community support for policies designed to reduce the isolation and discrimination experienced by people with mental illness and their families” (p. 554-555).

This view is acknowledged by Francis et al (2004), who argue the headlines of most newspapers as well as the content in most television programs engage in dramatic exaggerations and sensationalism against people with mental illness, leading to a scenario that influences society to adopt and perpetuate myths and stereotypes on this group of the population.

Such a scenario, in my view, not only encourage society to view people with mental illness as lacking in behavior and control but also discourages this group from seeking professional assistance from psychiatrists and counselors.

Indeed, such negative depictions perpetuated by the media often result in a greater inclination by society members to improperly perceive those with mental disorders as dangerous, not mentioning that they develop a preference not to reside near an individual suffering from mental illness (Anderson 2003; Nairn & Coverdale 2005).

Framing & Social Relationships

Mentally ill characters in most television episodes are often “…portrayed as disenfranchised with no family connections, no occupation and no social identity” (Stuart 2006, p 100).

In the real world, such depictions not only serve to further isolate the mentally ill from community but also reinforce an ill-informed belief that a mentally ill person is not endowed with capabilities found in normal people, such the ability to go through a formal education system or the ability to maintain a stable social relationship.

Consequently, it is safe to argue that the generic nature of mental illness portrayed in the popular media only serves to provoke negative generalizations to all mentally challenged people.

It is important to note that the presumption of disenfranchisement and lack of social identity erroneously portrayed by the media in regards to the mentally ill can be employed by members of society to rationalize forced legal action, coercive treatment, bullying and other types of victimization (Stuart 2006; Wahl 2003).

Such an orientation, in my view, not only leads to more isolation of the mentally ill as a direct consequence of negative media paucity but may lead the general public to develop feelings of dislike towards this group.

Conclusion

This discussion has demonstrated that the media continue to depict people with mental illness not only as criminals and a danger to themselves and to society, but also as lacking the cognitive and organizational capabilities necessary to get medical attention from community care options.

The discussion has also revealed that the media often use negative connotations when referring to people with mental illnesses, further isolating and stigmatizing them from mainstream society.

Indeed, the isolation and stigmatization of people with mental illness have been fronted as primary reasons why these people avoid seeking treatment options (Clayton et al 2009; Wahl 1992; Wahl 2003).

Additionally, the negative depiction of people with mental illnesses by the mainstream media has been found to negatively influence how society establishes social relationships with the affected and their family members.

The findings of this investigation and analysis are significant as they can be used by policy makers and other stakeholders in the media and in healthcare settings to come up with strategies that could check and discourage such negative media reporting of people with mental illnesses.

Although some of these strategies will be outlined in the following section, it is important to note that a rigorous effort aimed at improving media framing of mental challenges in Australia has been ongoing since 2002 with the view to not only expose cases of media stigma to public scrutiny but also to educate journalists and other stakeholders on how to sensitively and objectively report on issues of mental illness (Morgan & Jorm 2009; Henson et al 2010; Wahl 1992).

Such initiatives, according to these authors, include the Mindframe Media and Mental Health Project, StigmaWatch and beyondblue.

Recommendations

It is recommended that healthcare practitioners should partner with media owners in Australia and beyond to develop more initiatives that will, among other things:

1. educate journalists on responsible reporting on cases of mental illness,
2. create awareness and advocacy on mental illness through the content and advertisements aired on radio and television as well on the articles appearing in the print media,
3. encourage people to shift their attitudes towards the mentally ill,
4. increase the level of accurate information provided about mental illness in media presentations,
5. encourage the mentally ill to seek professional assistance from healthcare providers.

Apart from these recommendations, the media should always be at the forefront in covering news stories about successful recoveries of people, who were previously suffering from mental illness, and also increase airing disclosures of mental challenges by renowned public figures.

Such disclosures, in my view, will greatly assist to counter the frequent media presentation and framing of mental illness. Lastly, the government should chip in to enhance community awareness campaigns with the view to reintegrate people with mental illness back into the mainstream society.

Reference List

Anderson, M 2003, ‘One flew over the psychiatric unit: Mental illness and the media’, Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, vol. 10 no. 3, pp. 297-306.

Clayton, S, Borzekowski, D, Himelhoch, S, Dixon, L, Potts, W, Medoff, D…Balis, D 2009, ‘Media and internet ownership and use among mental health outpatients with serious mental illness’, The American Journal of Drug and Drug Abuse, vol. 35 no. 5, pp. 364-367.

Francis, C, Pirkis, J, Blood, R.W, Dunt, D, Burgess, P, Morley, B…Putnis, P 2004, ‘The portrayal of mental health and illness in Australian nonfiction media’, Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 38 no. 7, pp. 541-546.

Francis, C, Pirkis, J, Blood, R.W, Dunt, D, Burgess, P, Morley, B & Stewart, A 2005, ‘Portrayal of depression and other mental illness in Australian nonfiction media’, Journal of Community Psychology, vol. 33 no. 3, pp. 283-297.

Glick, D & Applbaum, K 2010, ‘Dangerous noncompliance: A narrative analysis of CNN special investigation of mental illness’, Anthropology & Medicine, vol. 17 no. 2, pp. 229-244.

Henson, C, Chapman, S, McLeod, L, Johnson, N, McGeehan, K & Hickie, I 2009, ‘More us than them: Positive depictions of mental illness on Australian television news’, Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 43 no. 6, pp. 554-560.

Henson, C, Chapman, S, McLeod, L, Johnson, N & Hickie, I 2010, ‘Room for improvement: Mixed portrayal of young people with mental illness on Australian television news’, Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 44 no. 3, pp. 267-272.

Klin, A & Lemish, D 2008, ‘Mental disorders stigma in the media: Review of studies on production, content, and influences’, Journal of Health Communication, vol. 13 no. 5, pp. 434-449.

Morgan, A.J & Jorm, A.F 2009, ‘Recall of news stories about mental health by Australian youth: Associations with help-seeking attitudes and stigma’, Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 43 no. 9, pp. 866-872.

Nairn, R.G & Coverdale, J.H 2005, ‘People never see us living well: An appraisal of the personal stories about mental illness in a prospective print media sample’, Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 39 no. 4, pp. 281-287.

Nairn, R.G 2007, ‘Media portrayals of mental illness, or is it madness? A review’, Australian Psychologist, vol. 42 no. 2, pp. 138-146.

Sieff, E.M 2003, ‘Media frames of mental illness: The potential impact of negative frames’, Journal of Mental Health, vol. 12 no. 3, pp. 259-269.

Stuart, H 2006, ‘Media portrayal of mental illness and its treatment’, CNS Drugs, vol. 20 no. 2, pp. 99-106.

Wahl, O.F 1992, ‘Mass media images of mental illness: A review of the literature’, Journal of Community Psychology, vol. 20 no. 4, pp. 343-352.

Wahl, O.F 2003, ‘Depictions of mental illness in children’s media’, Journal of Mental Health, vol. 12 no. 3, pp. 249-258.

Over the years, mental health care has shifted from residential and state treatment to community based treatment, this shift is attributed to the financial constraint faced by consumers and the fact that most pharmaceutical drugs nowadays have fewer side effects. The purpose of institutional care to those diagnosed with mental illness is to achieve recovery by employing practices that are evident based.

These practices include the management of the illness and treatment, aggressive community treatment, family psycho education, dual diagnosis treatment and employment support (Oss, 2004, p. 6). The article ‘Community health mental principles: A 40 year case study’ deals with the principles of CMHC and its goals, the article ‘All roads lead to community based care highlights the importance of community based mental care while the article ‘When state hospitals were communities’ highlights the features and advantages of state hospitals.

Community based institutions provided better care than state hospitals because community based mental health care centers are responsible for a specific target population that was smaller than that of state mental health facilities, their primary goal is to treat patients closer to home in an environment that is less restrictive. Community based mental health facilities used of an array of professional services that play a vital part in the road to recovery; they were also in close association with other community organizations, agencies, and employed citizens to participate in their governance to ensure transparency and accountability (Ahr, 2007, pp. 15-17). These features made community based mental institutions better than state institutions.

State institutions were autonomous self-contained communities which catered to a large number of mental health patients; for example, in 1954 the Westborough insane hospital had 2000 patients (Bazemore, 2005, p.11-2). State mental health facilities isolated patients by placing them in large campuses outside towns; they had buses and a policing system that took the patients on field trips to the towns.

However, Community based centers integrated the patients with the community by ensuring that they were closer to home, this contributed to their well being and recovery. Patients in state facilities were abandoned and sometimes left to die and be buried in the hospitals as evidenced by the presence of cemeteries in some hospitals (Bazemore, 2005, p.11-2) these studies provide evidence that support community based centers over state hospitals.

Lack of funding has been a major drawback for community based mental health facilities that have led to abandoning some of the institution’s goals such as prevention and early intervention (Matarazzo, 1980, pp. 807-19). Unlike community based facilities, state mental health facilities emphasized on rehabilitation through work (farming and cottage industries). The patients would produce furniture and agricultural products for the campus and the surplus sold to nearby towns, for example, Worcester insane hospital produced a hundred bushels of turnip and 35000 tones of cabbage in 1907. This production helped in sustaining the institution in addition to the government funding.

From this analysis, we can draw the conclusion that although community based mental health centers have financial constraints they are indeed better than state mental health facilities because they treat patients in a more compassionate and exclusive way. They develop a personal relationship with the patient and the patient’s family and ensure that quality care is administered to the patient with the overall goal of recovery.

References

Ahr, P. (2005). Community mental health principles: A 40-year case study. Behavioral Health Management, 25(1), 15–17.

Bazemore, P. (2005). When state hospitals were communities. Behavioral Health Management, 25(4), 10–12.

Matarazzo, J.D. (1980). Behavioral health and behavioral medicine: Frontiers for a new health psychology. American Psychologist, 35, 807-817.

Oss, M. (2004). All roads lead to community-based care Behavioral Health Management, 24(2), 6.

Participants

In this study, a wide range of participants will be used. The participants will include students and parents. The highest percentage of the participant will be students and parents who are victims of this situation. To get a clear picture of the effects of mental illness on parents, the research split the participants into males and females.

Sex

In this study, 50 females and 35 males were included. The participants in this study included parents who have mentally challenged children. However, 10% of the total participants included parents of children who do not have mental ailments. Other participants involved in this research include teachers and medical experts in the field of mental illnesses. However, 50% of the total participants were the affected families. This included their siblings and other family members.

Age

Most of the participants involved in this study are students from the university and their parents. For students, the range of age was between 15 to 22 years while most of the parents’ ages ranged from 31-46 years. Most of the students involved in this study were freshmen and 2^nd years. Freshmen represented 70% of the total number of students while the 2^nd year students were about 30% of the total number.

Nationality and place of participation

All the participants were Americans and this study took place in my school. The participants underwent a pre-recruitment process which involved filling in questionnaires to identify the legitimacy of their eligibility to become part of the study. The sample was obtained through a careful elimination procedure based on the information gathered through the questionnaires. Every participant was given a launch voucher at one of the popular restaurants in the area as a form of compensation.

Materials/Measures

Materials used in this research included voice recorders, writing materials, and a polygraph machine. To measure the effectiveness of the ensuing effects of mental illness on parents, one has to be extra keen on family relationships. This includes measuring the level of satisfaction in terms of accepting the child’s fate. Some parents and siblings of children suffering from mental illnesses have not fully accepted the situation they are in.

This is why some of the children with mental illnesses are kept indoors because the family is ashamed to let them out in public. This is understandable since most people may be ashamed of the blame or embarrassed due to the normal stereotypes associated with the disease.

Acceptance

This is the measure of the level of acceptance of the child’s situation. This will gauge the measure by which parents and siblings of the affected child have accepted the situation

Honesty

This will include answering a few questions to help in explaining the effect thereof. Some of the methods that will be used in this research to measure the effects of mental illness on parents will include a detailed questionnaire that will explore all the angles of responses. To be sure of the participants’ honesty, the polygraph machine will be used to detect any form of untrue responses during questioning.

Effectiveness

Effective measures to examine the effects of mental illness in children on parents are to be used for this report to be effective. This report will utilize the best materials in data collection methods. This will increase the report’s ability to shoe and prove the existence of the said problem.

Satisfaction

This measures the level of satisfaction regarding the participants’ responses. This will include, “very satisfied”, “satisfied”, “not satisfied”, and “indifferent”. The study shows that most of the participants were satisfied with their current situation although a few of the younger parents expressed some level of dissatisfaction in their responses.

Participants’ responses

According to the results from the questionnaires, the participants responded to invariant measures. For instance, in describing their level of satisfaction, most of them were “satisfied” with their current situation. In the level of acceptance which was split on a scale of 1-5 points, most of the participants were responding on a scale of 3 with the level of acceptance placed in ascending order. 1-point represents strongly agree and 5-point represents strongly disagree.

Demography

This study also recorded the participants’ age, school, gender, and as well as ethnicity. This is very important to establish any differences in the prevalence of mental ailments among children from different ethnic groups. In addition, it tells the level of acceptance of and satisfaction from the different ethnic backgrounds.

Design

This research was a semi-experimental study since it involved a field experiment.

The report was designed in a way that all the aspects are covered efficiently. it first displayed the natural effects of mental illness and they will be arranged on a table. Various chart representations were showing the demographics and other relevant information. The independent variable was the prevalence of mental illnesses among children.

The dependent variable was the response of parents and siblings to the occurrence of mental ailment. While the participants could not control or affect the prevalence or the occurrence of the disease, they had control over their responses to it. Through counseling and acceptance of the situation, the participants can easily cope with the situation and be of help to the victim in the family.

During the study, the participants were assigned to different groups and they were given different conditions to deal with. These conditions included parents’ responses, siblings’ responses, teachers’ responses, and friends’ responses.

Procedure

Signing up to participate in this study was made very easy and fast to allow as many participants as possible. The procedure is outlined online on the group’s Facebook page as well as on our tweeter account. This was decided to make work easier and in order, t reach out to as many people as possible. On the students portal, a simple signing-up procedure was also updated. Below the application form, there was a declaration form that confirms that the applicant has read and understood the contents of the terms and conditions of participation.

This was to allow the participants to make an informed consent to disclose their information. The consents for reading “I hereby declare that I have read and understood the terms and conditions of participation in this study and I wish to confirm my consents on the above mentioned conditions.” In this report, there was a specific procedure that was followed in the representation of data as well as a collection of information. Collecting data from the respondents was done through phone interviews and the use of questionnaires.

After collecting the raw data, a critical analysis of the accumulated information followed. After the data was sorted into different piles and examined to establish the different categories, the actual report writing began. The participants felt confident in this particular study as they made their valuable input. Most of the participants were very comfortable with the level of privacy that this study provided. None of them complained or raises any issue concerning the way the study was conducted and the compensation according to most of the feedback we got from the participants was worth the price.

As we concluded the study, we conducted a debrief on an individual basis and every participant was debriefed individually. The debriefing process lasted longer than we expected but it was successful in the end. The procedure included telling the participants about the amount of data collected, the anticipated outcomes, and also thanking them for their cooperation.

The data was divided into several categories to enhance clarity and ease of access to information required. After sorting out all the required information, the report will start with a concise introduction that will introduce the main ideas and give the reader an idea of the content of the entire report. After writing the introduction, the report was broken down into the main body where several points were raised, discussed, and criticized. The contentious issues raised in this report were clearly outlined.

This was to ensure that these issues will be dealt with shortly and discussed in groups to find out possible remedies. Such issues included the use of polygraphs in a voluntary process as well as the possibility of dishonest responses on the questionnaires. After a fully detailed body of content, the report thereafter outlined several recommendations and solutions to the identified problems. After the recommendations, there will be a list of the sources of information on the last page of the paper. This will be done in a precise manner to allow a consistent flow of information to unfold understandably throughout the paper.

References

Wildeman, C., Schnittker, J., & Turney, K. (2012). Despair by association? The mental health of mothers with children by recently incarcerated fathers. American Sociological Review, 77(2): 216-243.

A combination of biological, familial, and social influences defines whether a mentally disordered individual may commit a crime. Biologically, genetics may be the cause of criminal behaviors, and criminality factors, such as mental disorders or personality, are heritable in 40-60% of cases (Ling, Umbach, & Raine, 2019). Another biological cause of antisocial behavior is the symptoms of disorders, for example, hallucinations or delusions (Peterson & Heinz, 2016).

Frequently, mentally ill people commit offenses not because of direct influences of mental disease but because of poverty, a lack of social support, or substance abuse, which are social factors (Peterson & Heinz, 2016). The family may also contribute to antisocial behavior if they do not understand a mentally disordered relative or fail to recognize the symptoms of mental illness (Peterson & Heinz, 2016). Thus, psychiatric disorders alone do not define the likelihood of criminal behaviors in psychiatric patients.

Further, the case of the Sandy Hook school shooting will be analyzed. The shooter was Adam Lanza, who killed “20 first-graders, six educators and himself” on 14 December 2012 (CBS News, 2018, para. 3). The published writings of Lanza reveal possible reasons for his crime. The most likely cause was his fascination with mass murder. He made up a large spreadsheet containing details of mass killings that had happened since 1786 (Kovner & Altimari, 2018).

Perhaps, Lanza’s mission behind his crime was to find his place among murderers. Another reason is his loneliness, due to which he felt no empathy with other people, and they stopped being real for him (Kovner & Altimari, 2018). He once wrote, “I incessantly have nothing other than scorn for humanity” (as cited in Kovner & Altimari, 2018, para. 57). By the time of the shooting, Lanza had developed obsessive-compulsive disorder with sensory defensiveness (Kovner & Altimari, 2018). Hence, Lanza’s contempt for people and mental illness led him to commit the massacre.

The Connecticut State Police was the first responder to this incident. During their response, the crime scene was full of people, which made it difficult for police officers to do their work and exposed the staff to the terrifying picture (CBS News, 2018).

Although police officers were compassionate while notifying relatives of victims, they made some mistakes (CBS News, 2018). After the shooting, the family liaison program was established, and although it was helpful, victims’ families felt that police officers were not trained for that kind of work (CBS News, 2018). Thus, law enforcement responded to the accident effectively, but some improvements were possible. The outcome would have been better if the number of authorized officials at the crime scene had been limited, and police officers had been trained to communicate with victims’ families correctly.

Although mental diseases do not always determine antisocial behavior, mass shootings are often committed by mentally ill people. Therefore, such individuals should be prohibited from possessing guns of any kind. So far, the U.S. has not enacted enough laws to ensure that psychiatric patients do not carry firearms (Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence [GLC], n.d.). In 2008, the Supreme Court heard the case of Heller v. District of Columbia and decided that the Second Amendment allowed for having guns at home for self-defense (GLC, 2019).

That case applied only at the federal level, so in 2010, as a result of Chicago v. McDonald, the Second Amendment began to apply at the state and local levels (GLC, 2019). Nevertheless, the Court pointed out that the right to possess guns was not unbounded (GLC, 2019). It means that states can pass laws that will restrict the right to have firearms for particular people.

Consequently, lawmakers can legally forbid carrying guns for individuals with psychiatric disorders based on the Court’s comments that this right is not unlimited. Furthermore, they can support the need for restrictive laws by the Fourteenth Amendment that protects U.S. citizens’ rights. Giving guns to mentally ill people means endangering other citizens. Since one of the rights is the right to security, laws forbidding psychiatric patients to possess guns could be considered protective and, therefore, constitutional.

References

CBS News. (2018). Long-awaited review on Sandy Hook police response released. Web.

Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. (2019). The Supreme Court & the Second Amendment. Web.

Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. (n.d.). Commonsense solutions: How state laws can reduce gun deaths associated with mental illness. Web.

Kovner, J., & Altimari, D. (2018). Courant exclusive: More than 1,000 pages of documents reveal Sandy Hook shooter Adam Lanza’s dark descent into depravity. Web.

Ling, S., Umbach, R., & Raine, A. (2019). Biological explanations of criminal behavior. Psychology, Crime & Law, 25(6), 626-640.

Peterson, J., & Heinz, K. (2016). Understanding offenders with serious mental illness in the criminal justice system. Mitchell Hamline Law Review, 42(2), 537-563.

Introduction

The two terms chosen for this guided research are “mental illness” and “mental imagery”. Both terms are very different but somewhat related as will be explained in the research findings.

Mental Illness

Philosophy is interested in mental illness because it raises special questions that society as a whole must deal with. Questions like the following are often asked:

• Are people with mental illness responsible for their behavior?
• Are people with mental illness responsible for symptomatic behavior?
• Can mentally ill people be held responsible for crimes they might commit?
• Is society responsible for caring for the mentally ill?

These are just some of the questions that may be asked. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy asks whether or not there is an objective way to classify mental illnesses. Psychiatrists do use a guide called the DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 1994). This handbook lists the different mental disorders and their diagnostic criteria. There are many different mental illnesses and different criterion for each.

For example, to be diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder a patient must meet the following criteria:

• Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment.
• A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation.
• Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self.
• Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging.
• Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior.
• Affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood.
• Chronic feelings of emptiness.
• Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger.
• Transient, stress–related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms.

The term “mental illness” encompasses many disorders of the brain or mind. Mental illness can be very mild or very severe. Dysthymia is a mild form of depression and is easily treated while schizophrenia can be a severe mental illness and is often a devastating diagnosis. Generally speaking, a person does not choose to be mentally ill. But, a mentally ill person can choose whether or not to take medications or consent to treatment that will make their condition better (not cured).

Mental illness is a chronic mental malfunction (Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, Online Premium Edition). This is not to be confused with temporary mental malfunctions that occur with other illnesses such as delusions with a high fever. Although according to this reference (Oxford) the question of causation of mental illness is that it may be a byproduct of physical or bodily illness. On the other hand this reference points out that mental illness may be “a self contained locus of illness”. Certainly many of those hospitalized with mental illness often have no symptoms of any other illness. In fact, many mentally ill become ill with other illnesses because of their inability to care for themselves. The Oxford reference points out that if mental illness is caused by another illness then perhaps if the other illness is cured with pharmaceuticals then the mental illness will be cured as well. The counter argument is that mental illness cannot be cured with pharmaceuticals but rather by mental means with a therapist (Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, Online Premium Edition).

Mental Imagery

Mental illness is something that a person cannot control on their own. Mental imagery is something that an individual can control most of the time.

Mental imagery can be best understood as ones imagination. According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy the imagination plays a big part in learning. Mental imagery can be best understood as visualizing, “seeing with the mind’s eye” (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy) or hearing in your head. People can imagine how things feel, sound, look, etc.

Visual imagery is the best understood form of mental imagery. The imagination is best described as:

“The capacity to consider sensible objects without actually perceiving them or supposing that they really exist. Philosophers have disagreed over whether or not acts of imagination necessarily involve mental images or ideas.” (Philosophy Pages)

The imagination is a way for us to process and learn from information we encounter everyday. Imagination allows us to think outside what our current situation or perceptual reality is. For example, we use our imagination to visualize a story when we read a book. Another example would be of a prisoner in his cell visualizing that he is outside on a sunny day. He can use mental imagery to feel the sun, see the brightness of the sun, and hear the insects around him. In effect he can leave the cell in his mind.

A good way to explore mental imagery is to ask someone, or a few people, whether they think in pictures or words (Lowe, p169). Some people insist that when they think they can “see” vividly what they are thinking about while others “hear” themselves thinking. Their thinking is accompanied by mental imagery. “Mental imagery, whether visual or auditory, manifestly accompanies much or all of our conscious thinking” (Lowe, p169).

Philosophy is concerned with mental imagery because mental images play a part in memory and thinking (Paivio). Our mental images are actually copies of what we see in reality. For example, if you give someone something to imagine that they are familiar with then they can imagine it. But, if you ask someone to imagine something they know nothing about then they can’t imagine it.

Mental imaging can be used to treat mental illness. For example, Belleruth Naparstek has quite a few tapes recorded that use guided imagery to help with different disorders. These recordings help with sleep, stress, weight loss, wellness and relaxation, trauma and panic attacks. There too many to be listed here. These tapes are a form of meditation but use images to promote wellness. This type of healing is called “imagining yourself well”, a type of holistic healing (Shafer, p1). This type of imagery is often associated with meditation and hypnosis. In hypnosis one is guided to retrieve images, sounds, feelings and other sensations from the past. Again, one cannot imagine something they have never seen. Like a baby who sees an elephant for the first time. that baby will be able to recall what an elephant looks like and be able to imitate what an elephant does. The baby will not be able to imitate an elephant without seeing one first.

Conclusion

Two seemingly unrelated terms have much in common. Mental illness is a disorder of the mind or brain. Mental imaging is the ability to visualize, hear, or feel something by focusing and imagining it. This “seeing it in your mind” is used to treat mental disorders. Guided imagery helps a patient visualize things related to their illness such as trauma, process it, and hopefully get better.

Works Cited

“depiction” The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy. Simon Blackburn. Oxford University Press, 1996. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. OPLIN WebFeat. Web.

DSM-IV-TR Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th edition, text revision. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press, Inc.

Stephen M. Kosslyn, Giorgio Ganis, William L. Thompson “mental imagery: depictive accounts” The Oxford Companion to the Mind. Richard L. Gregory. Oxford University Press 1987. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. OPLIN WebFeat. Web.

Lowe, E.J. (2000). An Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge, UK

“mental illness” The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy. Simon Blackburn. Oxford University Press, 1996. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. Boston Public Library. Web.

“mental illness” A Dictionary of Sociology. John Scott and Gordon Marshall. Oxford University Press 2005. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. Boston Public Library. Web.

“Mental Illness” and “Mental Imagery” Stanford Encyclopaedia of Philosophy Online. Web.

“Mental Illness” and “Mental Imagery”Philosophy Pages. Web.

Paivio, Allan. (1986). Mental Representation: A Duel Coding Approach. New York Oxford University Press.

Shafer, Kathryn. (2008). Imagine Yourself Well. Web.

Introduction

Research has indicated that creative minds are more likely to carry genetic coding that predisposes them to the risk of mental illness such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. However, some scientists still dismiss this argument concerning it as fanciful. According to research done by Iceland scholars, imaginative people, including visual artists, authors, melodic groups, and comedians were 25% expected to be having gene modifications compared to other less imaginative experts. This subject matter has been on existence since ancient times. For instance, Aristotle asserted that no mastermind had ever lived devoid of having suffered from psychological insanity.

Case studies also indicate that the correlation between creativity and mental illness may not be a coincidence. The paper reveals some of the most brilliant minds such as Abraham Lincoln, Robin Williams, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Vincent van Gogh who have excelled in their fields have all been associated with some form of mental madness. Despite their positive influences on society, the above-talented persons were tormented by their inner demons that caused their emotional, mental, and physical breakdown. As the paper asserts, although it may be evident that some of the world’s creative minds may have suffered from mental illness because of their creativity, these incidences have gone unnoticed or unmentioned by the larger society with only tales of their sad endings that are speculated to have been propagated by their “inner demons”.

Case examples of Brilliant Minds who suffered from a Mental Illness

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln is said to have fought clinical depression for most of his life since childhood (Shenk 53). Ironically, the content of his character that acted as a source of his depression provided him with the tools he needed to save the nation. Lincoln is said to have periodically wept in public, told jokes during odd times, and even talked about committing suicide on more than one occasion. Those around him referred to his mysterious and ingrained character as profound melancholy. Unfortunately, during his time, little was known about his clinical condition. Researchers of Lincoln such as Shenk and modern clinical experts have all agreed that Lincoln did indeed suffer from depression based on a comparison of his life events and the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders used for diagnosis of mental disorders (52).

Vincent van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh is one of the most celebrated and legendary artists who are renowned for their talent and passion to create exceptional artworks that have stood the test of time to this day. However, van Gogh is recorded to have had a bizarre and unstable personality characterized by recurrent psychotic episodes, particularly in the last two years of his life. His condition is said to have been a contributing factor to his alleged suicide at a youthful age of 37. Despite the limitation of evidence, clinical experts have suggested a variety of judgments for his perplexing illness. According to a group of French physicians who reviewed his life and letters, van Gogh suffered two distinct episodes, namely, reactive depression and bipolar disorder. These two episodes were usually followed by periods of high energy and excitement (Blumer 1).

Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist and an important figure in the genres of classical music in the era of Western art music. Through his eccentric talent, he remains to be one of the most renowned and influential composers of all time. However, besides suffering deafness, a recent study by Clark indicates that Beethoven also suffered from bipolar disorder, a psychological disorder that affected his mood (par.1). He was featured with irregular episodes of primary gloominess and enthusiasm. According to Clark, his mental condition was closely linked to his creativity as an artist (par.2). Moreover, his condition also helped Ludwig to create a fertile ground for the harvest of his originality that was an essential component of his creative work.

Robin Williams

Robin Williams is regarded as one of the most talented creative award-winning comedians who have ever lived. However, Robin suffered from bipolar disorder, a condition that led to his inevitable death. The comedian is said to have long struggled with mental illness and addiction throughout his adult life and career in comedy. In the early 1980s, William was already using cocaine. He only went to rehab in 2006 when his addiction had spiraled out of his control. According to experts, individuals such as Williams who suffered from depression did often decide to use drugs and alcohol as a form of treatment for their condition. Additionally, there is a reasonable overlap between substance abuse, alcohol, and suicide such as in William’s case (Chai and Calahan 13).

Why the link between Creativity and Mental Illness is not a Coincidence

Many talented artists, comedians, philosophers, and musicians who are successful in their field are tormented by mental illness during most of their career lives. Therefore, this situation goes on to illustrate that the correlation between creativity and mental illness is not a coincidence but a sad fact. A recent study was carried out by Simon et al. (373) to investigate the likelihood of individuals who were involved in creative careers suffering from mental illnesses such as unipolar depression, bipolar depression, and schizophrenia. The results of the study highlighted an overrepresentation of individuals in creative occupations who illustrated an existing bipolar disorder or with siblings with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

The individuals mentioned above are just but a few of the many examples of creative minds that have suffered from mental illness. In fact, according to Aristotle, no grand intellectuals who are regarded as masterminds have ever survived devoid of having a strain of mental psychosis. This claim is an indication that the link between creativity and mental illness has been a subject of discussion since ancient times. Today, this view has continued to gain interest from both the public and scientists, with more and more prominent creative individuals suffering from mental illness and even succumbing after having been tormented by their “inner demons” (Simon et al. 373). Robin Williams is one of the recent victims of such a predicament. Robin Williams’ autopsy confirmed that his death resulted from suicide. According to investigators such as Simon et al., Williams was battling severe depression in the latter part of his life, which may have compelled him to take his own life (373).

It has also been purported that these inner demons were an important vessel for their extraordinary gift. Mental illness may supply an artist or a genius with innovative ideas that he or she can use to attain success in his or her field. For instance, a talented painter such as van Gogh who suffered from the manic-depressive disorder may have been heavily influenced by periodic frenzied episodes that epitomized his inspiration to create creative pieces of art. Emotions such as excitement are more exaggerated during manic episodes to the level of causing the manic artist to portray more confidence in his implausible ideas. Moreover, van Gogh displays an overwhelming boost of energy that assists him to focus on an enormous amount of work within an insanely short period. Also, during the artists’ period of depression, they generate insightful images inspired by feelings of suffering, pain, and turmoil that they can manifest in their work.

Positive influences of Abraham Lincoln, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Robin Williams on Society in the Context of Creative Minds

Abraham Lincoln’s legacy was his depiction as a self-made liberalist who set the slaves free from the torture of their evil masters. Lincoln is regarded as a mythological hero who provided African-Americans their much-deserved freedom. Through his humor and compassion, he was often presented as a beacon of emulation for humanity. According to historians such as Fredrickson, Lincoln occupies a mythic place in the American culture due to his commitment to preserving the liberal union (100). As a result, he succeeded in vindicating the spirit of democracy, regardless of the consequences that were aligned along his path. Due to his unwavering spirit of ending slavery, Lincoln managed to save the union by eliminating slavery. He attained his ultimate goal of integrating liberty and economic equality into the American culture (Fredrickson 100).

Ludwig van Beethoven had a great influence on the musical world. Through his creative innovations, Beethoven changed the musical sound and the role of composition in music because of his work, especially the structure, form, and orchestration. For instance, regarding musical form, Beethoven came up with the principles of motivic development and sonata form that he had inherited from Mozart and Haydn, but with greater writing extensions. Regarding romantic music, Beethoven managed to influence the integration of the aspect of emotional expression. Some of his late compositions expressed and emphasized emotional and romantic feelings, thus setting a trend for those who would follow his example.

Comedians such as Robin Williams have positively contributed to society through their influence on culture, for instance, the American culture. For instance, in his character in Mrs. Doubtfire, Robin was able to reach out to divorced couples where he relayed a message of the never-ending relation that exists between a parent and a child. Additionally, through his stand-up performances and comic movies, Robin was able to bring joy and laughter to the lives of many people both in the older and in the newer generation.

Why Creative Minds Suffer from Mental Illness

Some scientists suggest a genetic association between imagination and psychological infirmity. According to study results by Iceland scientists, as Sample reveals, the risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder was found to be much higher in persons serving creative professions, including painters, writers, musicians, and dancers compared to their counterparts in the less creative professions (par.1). The study participants who were involved in creative professions were found to have genetic variants that increased their risk by 50 percent for schizophrenia and 33 percent for bipolar disarray. For instance, the national art society members were found to have a 17 percent increase in the variant genes. An argument raised by Stefffason was that the genes that presented in creative persons altered their way of thinking (Sample par.3). However, despite substantive evidence overlying the genetic link between creativity and mental illness, this finding accounts for only a small portion of the broader variation in creative persons’ abilities because of sufficient evidence of a higher incidence of mentally healthy persons who are of creative minds or born of creative parents (Koh 214).

Another school of thought tackles the mystery that describes a cognitive link where individuals who are deemed to possess creative minds are presumed to be having common styles of thinking. Such styles include convergent thinking, ambiguity, and divergent thoughts. Additionally, creative minds are also identified to possess traits such as flexibility of thinking, redefinition, elaboration, and originality. These modes of thinking are claimed to predispose creative persons to psychotic tendencies and conditions. For instance, creative persons are characterized by allusive thinking that results in being extremely perceptive, indistinct, and inapt in their speech (Koh 215). Such aspects are highly featured in schizophrenic patients (Koh 215).

Personality has also been closely associated with the correlation between creativity and mental illness. According to Baron in Koh, there is evidence of the existence of similarities between the experiences and characters, particularly restlessness and impulsion, of creative persons and schizophrenics (215). Furthermore, creative persons are evidenced to display solitary tendencies, poor social skills, and disinterest in social norms. They are also more likely to portray dominance and aggression to impose their tenacious views with great defense. These traits are eminent in persons who suffer from schizophrenia (Koh 215). However, contrary to these negative traits, creative persons also display positive traits such as empathy and sensitivity to human oppression and suffering through which they center their work. For example, Vincent van Gogh went beyond being a psychotic to expressing his empathic emotions through the painting, ‘Potato Peelers’ which displayed the sufferings of the working classes (Koh 216).

Negative Influences of Mental Illness on the Psychological, Emotional, and Physical States of a Person

Psychological Influence

Mental illness causes a change in the personality of the affected individuals regarding their patterns of emotion, thought, and behavioral tendencies. The patterns often include irrationality, communication problems, social withdrawal, impulsivity, obsessive-compulsive behavior, disinterest in appearance, and reduced efficiency in work. For instance, Van Gogh’s impulsive behavior compelled him to cut off his ear after an argument with a friend artist. Besides, Robin Williams is said to have experienced a great deal of impulse to commit suicide because of his severe depression (Chai and Calahan par.2). Besides personality changes, these individuals experience an altered state of cognition, which caused them to have trouble concentrating and making sound decisions.

Emotional Influence

Persons suffering from mental illness often display negative emotional aspects such as protracted distress, grief, mood disorders, anxiety, and depression. Depression and hopelessness can be so severe to the point of undermining the patients’ ability to cope with their pain. The two issues can even lead to suicidal tendencies. Depressive illness is notorious for affecting the rationality of people to the level of causing them to have the impulse of committing suicide. This outcome was witnessed in Robin Williams whose autopsy confirmed death due to suicide. Nevertheless, such emotional influence has been linked to adverse effects on the physical health of individuals such as cerebrovascular incidences that may eventually lead to their ultimate death (Turner and Kelly 124).

Physical Influence

Studies have indicated a reduced lifespan in people who suffer from mental illness compared to the general population. This high rate of mortality has been associated with a physical infirmity that is linked to mental illness. A study carried out by De Hert indicated a high rate of prevalence of different types of physical illnesses compounded by poor life choices, side effects of psychotropic drugs, and healthcare disparities among patients who suffer from mental illness (52). Some of these illnesses include metabolic and nutritional diseases, viral diseases, cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, respiratory tract diseases, stomatognathic diseases, and pregnancy complications, just to mention a few. Therefore, lifestyle choices, as well as treatment factors, account for a great deal of increased risk of physical illness among those who suffer from mental illness. For example, Vincent van Gogh cut off his ear after getting into a dispute with his artist acquaintance Paul Gaugin.

Reasons for downplaying the Subject by Society

Stigma is the main cause of downplaying the subject of mental illness among creative persons. This stigma is often compounded by media platforms that portray mental illness in a context of fear and/or ignorance. For instance, most shows would depict the affected persons as violent, aggressive, and socially discordant. Such myths cause those affected, especially the creative persons, who are greatly emulated and admired to be highly sensationalized, thus causing them to hide their illness to the level of going unnoticed until their eventual death.

Additionally, stereotypes of violence, unpredictability, and incompetence that may cause discrimination of creative persons by excluding them from societal needs and privileges such as proper care, relationships, education, and employment, which contribute to the unwillingness of creative persons to seek medical attention. Therefore, these individuals continue to suffer from their illness, which may lead to maladaptive behavioral tendencies such as drug and substance abuse as witnessed in the case of Marilyn Monroe, Whitney Houston, and Robin Williams (Corrigan, Druss, and Perlic 37). Such issues further worsened their existing condition.

Conclusion

Mental illness and creativity have been closely linked since ancient times. This argument has been supported by evidence-based and quasi studies that focus on creative persons, including musicians, writers, artists, comedians, and their prevalence for mental illness. Ironically, some aspects of mental illness can be considered helpful in their contribution to the success attained by some of these creative individuals. This claim can be substantiated via Vincent van Gogh’s paintings where he expresses different emotions at different periods or the stamina he exhibited during the bipolar disorder manic episodes that allowed him to produce a large number of paintings in a short period.

The existing diverse examples of creative minds such as Vincent van Gogh, Robin Williams, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Abraham Lincoln illustrate the fact that this linkage may not be a mere coincidence. Despite the impact of creative persons on the larger society because of their gifts, mental illness may have had enormous psychological, emotional, and psychological effects on them. However, these issues often go unnoticed due to the existing stigma and the associated negative societal effects that cause the affected persons to ignore seeking medical help or opting to hide their demons from the public eye.

Works Cited

Blumer, Dietrich. “The illness of Vincent van Gogh.” American Journal of Psychiatry 59.4(2002): 519-26. Print.

Chai, Carmen, and Kathlene Calahan. Robin Williams and Mental Health: Misconceptions about Depression, 2014. Web.

Clark, Philip. How Beethoven’s Symphonies Changed the World, 2014. Web.

Corrigan, Patrick, Benjamin Druss, and Deborah Perlick. “The Impact Of Mental Illness Stigma On Seeking And Participating In Mental Health Care”. Association for Psychological Science 15.2 (2014): 37-70. Print.

De Hert, Marc. “Physical Illness in Patients with Severe Mental Disorders. I. Prevalence, Impact of Medications, and Disparities in Health Care.” World Psychiatry 10.1 (2011): 52–77. Print.

Fredrickson, George. Big Enough To Be Inconsistent, Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2008. Print.

Koh, Caroline. “Reviewing the link between creativity and madness: a postmodern perspective.” Educational Research and Reviews 1.7 (2006): 213-222. Print.

Sample, Ian. New Study Claims to Find Genetic Link between Creativity and Mental Illness, 2015. Web.

Shenk, Joshua. “Lincoln’s Great Depression.” Atlantic 296.3(2005): 52-68. Print.

Turner, Jane, and Brian Kelly. “Emotional Dimensions of Chronic Disease.” Western Journal of Medicine 172.2 (2000): 124–128. Print.

Globally, mental illnesses affect a fifth of the population under 18 years old (Richardson, Cobham, Mc Dermott, & Murray, 2012). In the United States, mental illnesses usually affect children at the adolescent stage. Reports from a national prevalence study undertaken in 2010 showed that one in five adolescents had been diagnosed with a mental illness at least once in their lifetime (Merikangas et al., 2010). Moreover, the study indicated that most incidences of suicide were reported among young people with mental illnesses.

Anxiety disorders have been reported as the most common type of mental illnesses among young people (Richardson, Cobham, Mc Dermott, & Murray, 2012). Substance use of mental disorders is also a common occurrence in this population.

Most research studies have, in the past, focused on establishing how mental illnesses among parents affect their children. There is a dearth of research on the effects of childhood mental illnesses on the parents. In this view, the impact of childhood mental illnesses on the lives of the parents appears to be underestimated.

Furthermore, the majority of mental healthcare institutions do not incorporate parental counselling in their treatment programs (Song, Mailick, & Greenberg, 2014). Therefore, it is important to determine the impacts of childhood mental illnesses on the lives of their parents. This study will also provide information on the importance of parental counseling in dealing with the impact of mental illnesses.

The aim of the current research is to determine how childhood mental illnesses affect parents. The research will also determine whether these parents receive psychological counseling to help them deal with the effects of childhood mental illnesses.

Children Mental Illness

According to Richardson, Cobham, Mc Dermott, and Murray (2012), mental illnesses affect a significant number of children and young adults throughout the world. In the United States, the illnesses are reported to affect one in every five young adults in the population. Additionally, the prevalence of childhood mental illnesses in other countries is reported to be higher. Song, Mailick, and Greenberg (2014) note that mood and anxiety disorders constitute the most common types of childhood mental illnesses.

In a study undertaken by Merikangas et al. (2010) in the United States, the authors reported that anxiety disorders accounted for about 31.9 percent of the total mental illness cases among young adults. Other common illnesses reported in the nationwide study included mood and substance use disorders. The authors concluded that the prevalence rates reported were almost similar to those reported in the American adult population.

Richardson, Cobham, Mc Dermott, and Murray (2012) note that these illnesses alter the normal functioning of children. Moreover, research has indicated that young people with mental illnesses are at a higher risk of dropping out of school and being imprisoned (Song, Mailick, & Greenberg, 2014). Suicide has also been reported as a major cause of death among adolescents and young adults with mental illnesses.

Richardson, Cobham, Mc Dermott, and Murray (2012) report that the high prevalence of mental illnesses in the population is an indication that these children require constant support and counseling to prevent suicide. In summary, the high prevalence and adverse effects of mental illnesses warrant further research.

Song, Mailick, and Greenberg (2014) indicate that childhood mental disorders incur a huge burden on families. Specifically, the family is likely to experience both emotional and financial burdens due to treatment and counselling costs. Mental illnesses take a toll on the physiological health of the family. About Richardson, Cobham, Mc Dermott, and Murray (2012), a lot of research has focused on the burden of care among children whose parents have mental illnesses.

There are very few research studies that have been undertaken to determine the impact of childhood mental illnesses on parents or guardians. Parents of young people with mental illness are reported to worry too much about the health of their children (Song, Mailick, & Greenberg, 2014).

Merikangas et al. (2010) acknowledge that taking care of a mentally ill family member is not easy and has been associated with poor psychological health. Such effects are worse when parents take care of their mentally ill children as they experience financial hardship, disruption of their tight work schedules, depression, and frustration (Richardson, Cobham, Mc Dermott, & Murray, 2012).

Additionally, previous research has indicated that these parents are likely to be sad all the time. In the case of children with Serious Mental Illnesses (SMI), Song, Mailick, and Greenberg (2014) point out that parents are likely to experience more devastating psychological effects.

One major challenge that such parents experience is balancing family and work since some of these children require round-the-clock care. This indicates that establishing the impact of mental illnesses on the parents is important, as it is likely to promote their psychological health. Furthermore, this would ensure that they spend more time with their mentally ill children.

Richardson, Cobham, Mc Dermott, and Murray (2012) acknowledge the importance of focusing on the level of stress experienced by the parents when dealing with childhood mental illnesses. Moreover, the dynamic of loss and grief experienced by these caregivers should be established. Song, Mailick, and Greenberg (2014) note that previous research indicates that parents of mentally ill children offer their care relentlessly and tend to forget about their own physical and mental health.

Also, the majority of research undertaken on this topic has revealed that the most reported effects of childhood mental illnesses among these parents are feelings of grief and loss. Such grief is likely to have a negative impact on the mentally ill child and other family members (Glied & Cuellar, 2003). As a result, the good relationship between the members of the family is likely to be affected. According to Song, Mailick, and Greenberg (2014), there is a dearth of research on the impact of childhood mental illnesses on family members.

Richardson, Cobham, Mc Dermott, and Murray (2012) point out that the available research has been unable to identify whether there are variations on the kind of grief experienced by parents whose children have mental illnesses and that experienced by other family members. Notably, child and adolescent mental health services do not seem to focus on the effect of the illness on the lives of the parents. As a result, stress and psychological disturbance among the parents are likely to go unnoticed and untreated.

Glied and Cuellar (2003) acknowledge the efforts made in the past in identifying the impact of ‘grief’ among relatives of a mentally ill patient. Such studies have concluded that gender is not associated with feelings of grief and loss.

Moreover, the majority of the research revealed that parents who spent more time with their children were more likely to present with feelings of loss and grief (Song, Mailick, & Greenberg, 2014). In a study by Richardson, Cobham, Mc Dermott, and Murray (2012), the authors reported that lack of counseling was a correlate of feelings of loss and grief among these parents.

In summary, most research seems to report that parents of children with mental illnesses are most likely to experience loss and grief. In this regard, it is important to determine whether the findings of the current research resonate with past research studies.

According to Richardson, Cobham, Mc Dermott, and Murray (2012), family interventions are important when dealing with mental illnesses. Such interventions ensure that the effects of caring for patients with mental illnesses are dealt with. Additionally, Song, Mailick, and Greenberg (2014) note that previous research has shown that offering education, training, and support to parents of children with mental illness assists them in coping with the situation.

The patient’s outcomes have also been reported to improve when the caregivers receive counseling. Richardson, Cobham, Mc Dermott, and Murray (2012) also note the importance of family psycho-education when dealing with childhood mental illnesses. This enables the parents to get more education on the symptoms and etiology of the illness affecting their children. It also offers better skills in the management of mental illnesses.

However, Lautenbach, Hiraki, Campion, and Austin (2012) note that many mental health facilities do not seem to recognize the importance of parent’s guidance and counseling on the illnesses affecting their children. The incorporation of genetic counsellors in these institutions has been reported to enhance family understanding of the impact of mental illnesses. In reference to Lautenbach, Hiraki, Campion, and Austin (2012), genetic counsellors can provide psychosocial support to parents dealing with feelings of grief and loss.

Moreover, past research has reported that counseling has profound effects on the health of relatives of a mentally ill patient (Richardson, Cobham, Mc Dermott, & Murray, 2012). Genetic counseling also affords the parents projections that are more accurate on the probability of other siblings getting the same mental illnesses.

Richardson, Cobham, Mc Dermott, and Murray (2012) note that childhood mental illnesses are likely to take a toll on the mental and emotional health of the parents. In this view, the effects of childhood mental illnesses on the parents can only be dealt with through counseling.

The present study

Past research on the effect of mental illnesses seems to focus on the relatives and children of individuals with mental health issues. In reference to Richardson, Cobham, Mc Dermott, and Murray (2012), very few studies have focused on the impact of these illnesses on the parents. In this regard, there is a dearth of evidence on the kind of experiences that parents have when dealing with children with mental illnesses.

Additionally, Lautenbach, Hiraki, Campion, and Austin (2012) indicate that healthcare institutions fail to recognize that the illness can take a toll on the physical and emotional life of a parent. This is an indication of the low level of attention that researchers and policymakers have paid to parents who have children with mental illnesses.

As aforementioned, there is scant research on the impact of childhood mental illnesses on the parent. Moreover, the available research does not seem to give an extensive replication of these effects. Specifically, the majority of the research studies seem to focus on grief and loss as the major effects of parents dealing with childhood mental illnesses (Richardson, Cobham, Mc Dermott, & Murray, 2012).

This is worrying as there are many other effects of mental illnesses on the caregivers. The current research will give more extensive evidence on the impact of childhood mental illnesses on parents. It will also concentrate on other effects that neither are nor reported in previous research studies.

The current research will replicate a previous study undertaken by Richardson, Cobham, Mc Dermott, and Murray (2012). The research involved comprehensive interviews on parents of children aged 18 years and below. The research was undertaken in a mental health service center, and it was qualitative. Similarly, the current research will also employ a qualitative research design to provide an in-depth view of the topic under study. Additionally, this research will assess the various effects of childhood mental illness on the parents.

These will include; loss and grief, loss of parental confidence, feelings of stigmatization, financial constraints, stress and depression, complex grief, the uncertainty of the child’s future, and destabilization of their personal and work life, among other impacts. The current research will also assess the type and effectiveness of counseling services that the parents receive at the mental health facility. In this view, there are two major null hypotheses that will be tested in the current research:

1. The occurrence of childhood mental illness does not cause any effects on the parents
2. It is not important for parents with children who have mental illnesses to receive counseling.

References

Lautenbach, D. M., Hiraki, S., Campion, M. W., & Austin, J. C. (2012). Mothers’ perspectives on their child’s mental illness as compared to other complex disorders in their family: Insights to inform genetic counseling Practice. Denise M. Lautenbach, 21(4), 564–572.

Glied, S., & Cuellar, A. E. (2003). Trends and issues in child and adolescent mental health. Health Affairs, 22(5), 39-50.

Merikangas, K. R., He, J.-p., Burstein, M., Swanson, S. A., Avenevoli, S., Cui, L.,… Swendsen, J. (2010). Lifetime prevalence of mental disorders in US adolescents: results from the National Comorbidity Study-Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A). Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 49(10), 980–989.

Richardson, M., Cobham, V., Mc Dermott, B., & Murray, J. (2012). Youth mental illness and the family: parents’ loss and grief. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 22(5), 719-736.

Song, J., Mailick, M. R., & Greenberg, J. S. (2014). Work and health of parents of adult children with serious mental illness. Interdisciplinary Journal of Applied Fmily Studies, 63(1), 122–134.