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The National Institutes for Health defines psychiatry as the branch of medicine that deals with identifying, studying, and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. It should be noted that considerable effort has been appropriately expended in an effort to define what is disorder, and what is not. The October 2007 volume of "World Psychiatry," which is the official journal of the World Psychiatric Association explores this theme in depth. See source #1 below for more information on their forum.

In his paper Jerome Wakefield suggests that a mental disorder exists when
-a) it is considered harmful
-b) it is due to a dysfunction of some internal mechanism
He believes this definition should hold for "physical" as well as "mental" disorders.

Of course this is a somewhat circular argument since "dysfunction" is as difficult to define as "disorder."

In practice, intervention is required when a person is dangerous to self or others, or when he or she expresses concern or discomfort about his or her own thought processes, emotions or behaviors. Even then we have to note that many individuals express concerns and seek remedies to behaviors which are broadly accepted as normal by others. Likewise many individuals are able to become happy, productive and "well-adjusted" in spite of disadvantages which most would consider dysfunctional.

Ultimately there are many "functions" which must be examined in order to assist an individual to a state of "mental health." In most cases spirituality should be considered among them. These are not discrete from one another. Let us examine a few of the ways these various things may affect an individual's perception of well-being and comfort.

-Thought processes: people who have "racing" thoughts that they cannot slow down are often uncomfortable. Likewise people who are frequently bothered by vulgar or violent impulses. People who perceive their thought processes as sluggish or those who are noted by others to have irrational thoughts would all be considered dysfunctional.

-Emotional responses: Those who have sudden angry responses, or who frequently cry for "no reason" may complain about their emotions. Irrational or overwhelming fears or passions may also be considered dysfunctional.

-Behaviors: Disruptive behaviors, addictions, ritualistic behaviors, temper tantrums, exhibitionism and self-destructive acts may fall into this category.

-Beliefs: One who believes that he or she is demon possessed, or that he is Jesus Christ may be unhappy

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