Approximate reading time: 5 minutes

Case 1: Ling

Ling has developed an intense fear of crowded places, significantly disrupting her daily life. This fear is irrational and overwhelming, preventing her from engaging in activities she once enjoyed. Despite understanding that her fear is disproportionate to the actual threat posed by crowds, Ling cannot control her anxiety. This leads her to avoid social gatherings and even quit her job after encountering a spider at her workplace. Ling’s case illustrates significant disturbances in thoughts and behaviours due to a psychological dysfunction.

Case 2: Taylor

Taylor experiences auditory hallucinations; they hear voices that others cannot, which instruct them to avoid people because they are harmful. These hallucinations have caused Taylor to isolate themselves from friends and family, leading to significant distress and difficulty in maintaining employment. The presence of hallucinations suggests a deeper psychological issue, likely related to brain function. Taylor’s case highlights both significant disturbances in perception and the impact of these disturbances on their ability to function in daily life.

Case 3: Rahul

Rahul is deeply saddened, and has withdrawn from social activities following the loss of his beloved pet. While his grief is profound, it does not interfere with his ability to function at work or manage daily responsibilities. Rahul’s feelings and behaviors, though intense, are a natural response to loss and are not indicative of a psychological disorder. His case demonstrates significant disturbances in feelings and behaviours but does not reflect a psychological dysfunction or a departure from culturally approved responses to events.

Case 4: Patrick

Patrick has been struggling with severe mood swings for the past year, experiencing periods of extreme happiness followed by sudden, intense sadness without any apparent reason. These mood changes are unpredictable and have caused significant distress, affecting his job performance and relationships. Patrick often feels out of control and is confused by his emotional state, leading him to isolate himself from his social circles. Despite understanding that his reactions are unusual, he finds it difficult to seek help. Patrick’s condition indicates a psychological dysfunction that disrupts his daily life, is not a response to any particular life event, and leads to considerable distress and functional impairment.

Case 1: Ling

Meets Criteria 1: Ling’s intense fear of crowded places and avoidance of social gatherings indicate significant disturbances in thoughts and behaviors.

Meets Criteria 2: The irrational nature of Ling’s fear, despite her understanding of its disproportion to the actual threat, suggests a psychological dysfunction.

Case 2: Taylor

Meets Criteria 1: Taylor’s auditory hallucinations and instructions from voices that others cannot hear indicate significant disturbances in perceptions and behaviours.

Meets Criteria 2: The hallucinations suggest a deeper psychological issue, likely related to brain function, indicating a psychological dysfunction.

Meets Criteria 3: Taylor’s isolation from friends and family and difficulty maintaining employment demonstrate significant distress and functional impairment in daily life.

Case 3: Rahul

Meets Criteria 1: Rahul’s profound grief and withdrawal from social activities following the loss of his beloved pet indicate significant disturbances in feelings and behaviours.

Meets Criteria 4: However, Rahul’s reactions are natural responses to loss, align with culturally approved responses to such events, and do not indicate a psychological disorder.

Case 4: Patrick

Meets Criteria 1: Patrick’s severe mood swings and the unpredictable nature of his emotional state indicate significant disturbances in feelings and behaviours.

Meets Criteria 2: The unpredictability and severity of Patrick’s mood swings, along with his confusion and feelings of being out of control, suggest a psychological dysfunction.

Meets Criteria 3: The distress caused by his mood swings, along with the impact on his job performance and relationships, demonstrate significant distress and functional impairment in daily life.

Meets Criteria 4: Patrick’s condition is not a response to any particular life event and leads to behaviours and emotional states that are not culturally approved or expected, indicating disturbances that are not normal responses to life events.