An Understanding of Health and Illness

Abstract

This chapter attempts to provide meaningful viewpoints on the attempt to diagnostically classify mental disorders. For several years, the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the WHO have struggled to find a hypothesis-free approach based on the observable manifestations of disorders. The focus of their work is currently absorbed by the variety of symptoms and the intensity of surface-level manifestations of disorders. A conscious distance has been maintained from contextual thinking. The outcome of these classification systems is largely accepted as adequate by psychotherapists, but nevertheless in need of improvement.

As medical knowledge is based on the solid ground of anatomical and physiological structures and features, the integration of polyvagal theory, which aligns with this principle, could represent a significant enhancement for the deeper understanding of attempts to manage danger. Furthermore, research has also documented socially engaged resilience factor conveyed through the medium of relationships, which encourages development and integration.