Mental Health

Animal research has played a major role in answering fundamental questions in many areas of psychology. The need for animal testing to enhance human health research has been made evident by the work of Charles Darwin on the evolutionary link between animals and humans.

This essay will discuss whether animal research can improve our understanding of human mental health, more specifically mood disorders, and will consider both contributes and limitations of the application of animal models to study human disorders.

The evolutionary stance postulates that emotions are a universal feature developed during an evolutionary process that lasted thousands of years.

Research has shown that although humans public displays of emotions may vary depending on the social and cultural context, basic emotions such as joy and fear have a biological basis which is common to the whole human species.

This same biological basis is found in non-humans animals, especially in mammals, as evidenced by the work of Charles Darwin (Darwin, 2009 [1872], cited in Datta, 2010), which highlighted the similarities between humans and animals in their expressions of emotions.

Animal research have greatly contributed to our understanding of the brain structures involved in perceiving emotions; on this topic, Paul MacLean (1990, cited in Datta, 2010) proposed a ‘triune brain model’ suggesting that the brain had evolved in a series of three layers, adding complexity in brain functioning, including perception of emotions. The most ancient layers in evolutionary terms, the reptilian brain (that controls the body’s vital function in response to a specific stimulus) and the limbic brain (whose main function is to record memories of experiences associated with specific emotions, and to influence our behaviour in response to these memories), are found respectively in reptiles and mammals, while the last layer, termed ‘neocortex’ (which underlies the brain’s most complex functions, such as abstract thought and language), is a unique feature of the brain of humans and of its closest relatives, apes and monkeys.

Given the biological affinity between humans and animals, it is unsurprising that animal research plays a major role in investigating the biological bases of behaviour in human mood disorders. During an experiment involving mice to test the efficacy of ADMs in treating depression and anxiety, Santarelli et al. (2003, cited in Datta, 2010) found that suppressing neurogenesis made ADMs ineffective, uncovering the crucial role of this process in the development of mood disorders.

Another experiment conducted by Mitra and Sapolsky (2008, cited in Datta, 2010) on rats has shed light on the correlation between stress and anxiety. Mitra e Sapolsky induced chronic stress in rats by injecting them with corticosterone to investigate the physiological and behavioural effects that this condition would produce. They discovered that the very structure of their neurons had changed, with more dendrites sprouting in the amygdala area (whose hyperactivity has been find to be a common trait in mood disorders); moreover, rats who received corticosterone showed increased anxiety during their performance in mazes. Mitra and Sapolsky concluded that a short-term stressful experience was sufficient to shape the structure of the amygdala, and to cause long-term anxiety. Datta (2010a) suggests that these effects are similar (and therefore could be relevant) to PTSD symptoms in humans.

Contribution of animal research is not limited to biological aspects of mood disorders. Two experiments conducted by Meaney and coll. (2001, cited in Datta, 2010) and by Nestler and coll. (Tsankova et al. 2006, cited in Datta, 2010) have helped to clarify the extent to which genetics influences the development of mood disorders.

Meaney and his team at McGill University investigated the role of early life experiences on the development of mood disorders by comparing the stress response of rats whose mothers groomed and licked them more in their first days of life, with that of rats whose mothers were less caring, discovering that nurture can be as crucial as nature in defining behaviour in adulthood. In a second experiment conducted by the same authors, the pups of the anxious, less-caring mothers were placed with the more caring, less-anxious mother, and viceversa: results showed that, regardless of their genetic propensity to anxiety and stress, maternal care played a crucial role in shaping the pups’ behaviour.

The work of Nestler and coll. focused yet on another epigenetic factor that affects the development of depression; researchers induced helplessness, a state similar to depression, in a group of mice, which as a consequence showed socially avoidant behaviour and lower levels of BDFN. Both effects were, however, reversible with ADMs treatment.

In addition, other researchers conducted on rhesus monkeys have linked the role of social hierarchies to the development of stress, which can be relevant in understanding the pressure of modern societies on individuals (Datta, 2010b).

As well as defining which factors are involved in the development of human mood disorders, animal research has greatly contributed to the development of effective pharmacological treatments (the efficacy and tolerability of ADMs on human organism are indeed assessed with experiments on animals) and behavioural therapies based on the findings of classic experiments from B. F. Skinner and other influential psychologists, which were carried out on animals.

We have considered how animal research have contributed to scientific understanding of mood disorders, but these observations should be juxtaposed with a brief reflection on its limits in terms of applications of animal models to humans.

First, while humans and animals share a biological affinity, it seems hazardous to many to blindly apply the findings obtained from experiments on rats, pigeons or other lab animals on human patients; humans are indeed extremely complex animals, whose behavior is influenced by many biological, psychological and social factors.

A second limit concerns the difficulty in obtaining a direct account from the animal of his cognitive and emotional experience.

Despite these considerations, animal research is still an essential methodological tool for modern psychological research. Much of the scientific progress in understanding mood disorders was obtained from experiments on animals that for various reasons (economic, methodological, ethical) could not have been substituted by alternative research methods such as human experimentation or computer models. Until researchers will find alternative means to investigate human brain and behaviour, it seems that, for the mentioned reasons, animal research will remain an essential part of psychological research.

This book is about a fifteenth old boy named Craig Gilder who is clinically depressed. Craig tells the reader all about his life, how he came to be depressed, about his friends, about his school situ talon, everything. The reader really gets to know about Craig. The reader also learns about how Craig sees psychiatrists frequently and the reader gets to listen In on those to understand Craig better. Craig Is a very smart boy who Is constantly stressed by what he calls “Tentacles”, or “e VII tasks that Invade his life.

Craig tries to figure what his “Anchors” are. Or the ” things that co copy his mind and make him feel good temporarily. ” Identifying the Anchors helps him so sign Tentacles and focus on getting better. After Craig gets worse and worse he eventually admits himself in to Argonne Hospital after a night when he wanted to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge. In Argonne Hospital, Craig is admitted to the adult psychiatric ward because the teenage e ward is under construction. During his stay at Argonne, he meets many people, friends, love interests, and even inspirations. To find out what happens during his stay, read on.

Since the 1980s force per unit area is increasing on mental wellness professionals to better their ability toA predictA and better manage the degree of hazard associated with forensic mental wellness patients, and offendersA being dealtA with in the justness system ( Holloway, 2004 ) .A This increasedA pressureA has besides increased involvement within a wider scope of research workers and forensic clinicians, working in the justness system to better the truth, and dependability of their analysis of whether recidivism is a strong possibility.A The overallA valueA of rating of research is toA allowA theA improvementA in the appraisal, supervising, planning and direction of wrongdoers, in concurrence with a more dependable base line for follow up ratings ( Beech et al, 2003 ) .

However, there continues to be an increasingA interestA andA expectationA on professionals from the populace and the condemnable justness system in respects to the potentialA dangerA posed byA seriousA offendersA being releasedA back into the community and the demand for the wrongdoers to be better managed, in orderA to adequately protectA the populace from unsafe persons ( Doyle et al, 2002 ) . As the appraisal of riskA is madeA at assorted phases in the direction procedure of the violent wrongdoer, it isA extremelyA important that mental wellness professionals have a structured and consistent attack to put on the line appraisal and rating of force. ( Doyle et Al, 2002 ) .

This paper will compare and contrast three theoretical accounts of hazard appraisal thatA are usedA to cut down possible danger to others, when incorporating violent wrongdoers back into the community. These three attacks are unstructured clinical opinion, structured clinicalA judgementA and actuarialA appraisal.

It is non intended, in this paper, to research the assorted instruments used in the appraisal procedure for theA respectiveA actuarial and structured clinical attacks.

Unstructured clinical judgement

Unstructured clinical opinion is a procedure affecting no specific guidelines, but relies on the single clinician’sA evaluationA holding respect to the clinicians experience and makings ( Douglas et al. , 2002 ) .A Doyle et Al ( 2002 ) , refers toA clinicalA opinion as “ first coevals ” ( p. 650 ) , and sees clinical opinion as leting the clinicianA completeA discretion in relation to what information the clinician will or will non take notice of in their concluding finding of hazard degree. The unstructured clinicalA interviewA has been widely criticised because itA is seenA as inconsistent and inherently lacks construction and aA uniformA approachA that does non let forA trial, retest dependability over clip and between clinician ‘s ( Lamont et al. , 2009 ) . ItA has been arguedA that this incompatibility inA assessmentA can take toA incorrectA appraisal of wrongdoers, as either high or low hazard due to the subjective sentiment inherent in the unstructured clinical assessmentA approachA ( Prentky et al. , 2000 ) . Even with these restrictions discussed above the unstructured clinicalA interviewA is still likely to be the most widely usedA approachA in relation to the wrongdoer ‘s force hazard appraisal ( Kropp, 2008 ) .

Kropp ( 2008 ) , postulates that the continued usage of the unstructured clinicalA interviewA allows for “ analysis of the offendersA behavior ” ( Kropp, 2008, p. 205 ) .A Doyle et Al ( 2002 ) posits, that clinical surveies have shown, that clinician ‘s utilizing the hazard analysisA methodA of unstructured interview, is non asA inaccurateA asA generallyA believed.A Possibly this is due, mostly to the degree of experience andA clinicalA makings of those carry oning the appraisal. The unstructured clinicalA assessmentA methodA relies to a great extent on verbal and non verbal cues and this has the potency of act uponing single clinician ‘s appraisal of hazard, and therefore in bend has a high chance of over trust in the appraisal on the exhibited cues ( Lamont et al. , 2009 ) .A A major defect with the unstructured clinical interview is the evident deficiency of structured standardised methodologyA being usedA toA enableA aA testA retest reliabilityA measureA antecedently mentioned.A However, the deficiency of consistence in the appraisal attack is aA substantialA disadvantage in the usage of the unstructured clinical interview.A The demand for a more structuredA processA leting forA predictableA trial retest dependability wouldA appearA to be aA necessaryA constituent of any hazard appraisal in relation to force.

Actuarial appraisal

ActuarialA assessmentA was developedA toA assessA assorted hazard factors that would better on the chance of an wrongdoer ‘s recidivism. The actuarial attack relies to a great extent on standardised instruments to help the clinician in foretelling force, and the bulk of these instrumentsA have been developed, in an effort, A to foretell futureA probabilityA of force amongst wrongdoers who have a history of mental unwellness and or condemnable offending behaviors. ( Grant et Al, 2004 ) . However, Douglas et Al ( 2002 ) warns that usage of actuarial appraisal does non supply appraisal of any degree of forestalling the possibility of future force.

The usage of actuarialA assessmentA has increased in recent old ages as more non cliniciansA are taskedA with the duty of direction of violent wrongdoers such as community corrections, correctional officers and probation officers. Actuarial hazard appraisal methods enable staff, that do non hold the experience, A backgroundA or necessaryA clinicalA makings toA conductA a standardized clinicalA assessmentA of wrongdoer hazard. This actuarial assessmentA methodA has been foundA to be extremelyA helpfulA when holding hazard measuring wrongdoers with mental wellness, substance maltreatment and violent wrongdoers. ( Byrne et al, 2006 ) . However, actuarial appraisals have restrictions in the inability of the instruments to supply any information in relation to the direction of the wrongdoer, and schemes to forestall force ( Lamont et al, 2009 ) .A Whilst such instruments may supply transferableA testA retest dependability, there is a demand for cautiousness when the instrumentsA are usedA within differing samples of theA testA populationA used as the validationA sampleA in developing theA testA ( Lamont et al, 2009 ) .A Inexperienced andA untrainedA staffA may non be cognizant that testsA are limitedA by a scope of variables that may restrict the dependability of the trial in usage. The bulk of actuarial toolsA were validatedA in North America ( Maden, 2003 ) . This hasA significantA deductions when actuarial instrumentsA are usedA in the Australian context, particularly when autochthonal cultural complexnesss are non taken into history. Doyle et Al ( 2002 ) postulates that the actuarialA approachA is focusedA on anticipation and that hazard appraisal in mental wellness has a much broaderA functionA ” and has to beA linkA closely with direction and bar ” ( p. 652 ) . Actuarial instruments rely on steps of inactive hazard factors e.g. history of force, gender, mental illness and recorded societal variables.A Therefore, inactive hazard factorsA are takenA as staying constant.A Hanson et Al ( 2000 ) argues that where the consequences of unstructuredA clinicalA opinionA areA openA to inquiries, the through empirical observation based hazard assessmentA methodA can significantly foretell the hazard of rhenium offending.

To relyA totallyA onA staticA factors thatA are measuredA in Actuarial instruments, and non integrate dynamic hazard factors has led to what Doyle et Al ( 2002 ) has referred to as, “ Third Generation ” , or as more normally acknowledged as structured professional opinion.

Structured professional judgement

Progression toward a structured professionalA theoretical account, wouldA appearA to hold followed a procedure of development since the 1990s.A ThisA progressionA has developed throughA acceptanceA of the complexness of what hazard appraisal entails, and the force per unit areas of the tribunals andA publicA in developing an outlook of increased prognostic truth ( Borum, 1996 ) .A

Harmonizing to Lamont et Al ( 2009 ) , structured professional opinion brings together “ through empirical observation validated hazard factors, professional experience and modern-day cognition of the patient ( p27 ) .A Structured professional opinion attack requires aA broadA assessmentA standards covering both inactive and dynamic factors, and efforts to bridge the spread between the other attacks of unstructured clinical opinion, and actuarialA approachA ( Kropp, 2008 ) .A The incorporation of dynamic hazard factors that are takingA accountA of variable factors such as current emotionalA levelA ( choler, depression, emphasis ) , societal supports or deficiency of and willingness to take part in the intervention rehabilitation process.A The structured professional attack incorporatesA dynamicA factors, whichA have been found, to be besides important in analysingA riskA of force ( Mandeville-Nordon, 2006 ) .A Campbell et Al ( 2009 ) postulates that instruments thatA examineA dynamic hazard factors are moreA sensitiveA toA recentA alterations that mayA influenceA an addition or lessening in hazard potency. Kropp ( 2008 ) , reports that research has found that Structured Professional Judgement measures alsoA correlateA substantiallyA with actuarial steps.

Decision

Kroop, ( 2008 ) postulates that either a structured professional opinion attack, or an actuarial attack presents the most feasible options for hazard appraisal of violence.A The unstructuredA clinicalA approachA has been widely criticised by research workers for missing dependability, cogency and answerability ( Douglas et al, 2002 ) . Kroop, ( 2008 ) besides cautions that hazard appraisal requires the assessor to hold an appropriate degree of specialised cognition and experience. This experience should be non merely of wrongdoers but besides with victims.A There wouldA appearA to be a valid statement that unless there is consistence inA trainingA of those carry oning hazard appraisals the cogency and dependability of any step, either actuarial or structured professional opinion, will neglect toA giveA theA levelA of predictability of force thatA is sought.A Risk analysis of force will ever be burdened by theA limitationA which “ lies in the fact thatA exactA analyses are notA possible, andA riskA will ne’er be wholly eradicated ” ( Lamont et al, 2009, p 31. ) . Doyle et Al ( 2002 ) postulates that a combination of structured clinical and actuarial approachesA is warrantedA to help in hazard appraisal of force. Further research appears to be warranted to better the rating andA overallA effectivity of hazard direction.

Girl, Interrupted was the movie I chose to watch for my experiential paper. This 1999 movie, directed by James Mangold, tells a true tale of a woman’s eighteen-month stay at a psychiatric hospital. This woman, Susanne Kaysen, appears to be depressed and aimless as she finishes her high school career. After a suicide attempt, she finds herself trapped in a mental institution called Claymore Hospital. Although I’ve seen this movie many of times, it always makes an impact on me.

Now that I know more about psychology, I feel as though I watched the movie from a different perspective. This new perspective allowed me to analyze and critique the film from through the lens of psychology. The movie ‘Girl Interrupted’ is a story of a nineteen year old girl Susanne in the 1960’s who, after being suspected of trying to commit suicide, gets sent away to the Mental Institution for a short ‘resting period. Her psychiatrist had suggested to her that the affair with one of her parents’ friends, along with her misconception that chasing a bottle of aspirin with a bottle of vodka is anything other than a suicide attempt, could be signs that she may be suffering from ‘borderline personality disorder. ‘ Now she must struggle to remain as sane as possible while being immersed in the hospital with many unstable patients. At the Claymoore Hospital, Susanne quickly becomes friendly with a number of the institution’s residents.

These residents include Georgina, a pathological liar, Polly a terminally fearful burn victim, Daisy an incest victim and extremely withdrawn agoraphobic, and Lisa, a charming, but manipulating sociopath. The only character to really portray the characteristics of their disorder accurately was Lisa, the sociopath. Antisocial personality disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by chronic behavior that manipulates, exploits, or violates the rights of others. Individuals with antisocial personality disorder are often angry and arrogant but may be capable of superficial wit and charm.

They may be adept at flattery and are very skilled at manipulating the emotions for their own personal gain as we discussed in class. I thought Lisa’s disorder was accurately portrayed because even with her total disregard for the concerns and even the lives of others, she still manages to some how charm the audience with her blunt brutal honesty and her ‘I don’t care what people think of me’ attitude. People diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder seem to have no emotional connection to any one or anything, and seldom show any signs of emorse for their intrusions on the rights of others like we talked about in class.. Lisa’s power of observations gave her the uncanny ability to sense the weakness in other people, which as most sociopaths do, used them for her own personal gain. Another character in the film was Daisy, an obsessive-compulsive agoraphobic whose ongoing affair with her father had left her with a number of various personality disorders to choose from there weren’t many disorders that she didn’t show symptoms of.

Her character did a wonderful job portraying a neurotic recluse whose various disorders took over her life to the point she felt she no longer had any hope for living independently of her sexually abusive father. Other characters include Polly, with her self-inflicted burns that have kept her forever childlike, and Georgina the pathological liar and roommate of the borderline Susanna. It was amongst these characters that Susanna found the strength to confront her own turbulent mentality.

Susanna’s character did a good job with allowing the narrative to paint a picture of the thought processes of someone who suffers from depression or other personality disorders. Even though she did show signs of having a borderline personality, I personally felt that she showed more signs of depression than anything else. A person with depression or bipolar disorder typically endures the same mood for weeks; a person with BPD may experience intense bouts of anger, depression, and anxiety that may last only hours, or at most a day as we learned about in class.

For the scenario I am investigating there are a number of laws and regulations that have to be considered and adhered too, they are as follows: European convention on human rights and fundamental freedoms (1950) This piece of legislation was introduced after the Second World War and relates to the human rights every individual can expect whilst living and working in the European Union. The act was necessary as so many people had, had their human rights violated during the war years. Following this many individual acts were passed to ensure that discrimination was against the law.

In 1 998 the human rights act was the document that updated previous legislation and importantly made sure that any citizen had the right to take legal action against any person or organization that disrespected their human rights. This included all health and social care services. Collectively, human rights legislation is a powerful tool to ensure that those who are more vulnerable in society have the backing of the law in relation to their rights. In the residential care home it is important that we recognize the diversity of needs of our clientele and are aware of their needs and preferences.

The sex scrimp nation act (1975) This act was introduced to protect both men and women against discrimination or harassment in relation to their gender. This included employment, education, advertising or in the provision of housing, goods, services or facilities. In the main it was to address the discrimination that was mainly taking place against women. Employers would often reject a potential female employee in favor of a man as they felt a male would be more reliable as women both have children and care for them.

In more recent years the equal pay act has defined clearer guidelines in relation to pay truce. In nursing the pay scale does not discriminate and care staff are employed for their capacity to do the job and men and women receive the same remuneration. In the care home there are both male and female workers who are employed for their skills and ability to address the complex needs of the clients. There is training provided and pay is linked to qualifications and job roles regardless of gender. In addition, we have both male and female clients and we provide for their needs appropriately.

The mental health act The mental health act was introduced initially in 1983 and has had a number f changes in the years up until 2006 (see appendices 2). The purpose of this act was to make sure that the appropriate action could be taken when people displaying mental health or learning difficulties got the help, care and treatment they needed both for their own health or safety and the protection of others. This was an important step because those with these problems were often not given the care and support that there condition required.

In the I-J, there were large mental hospitals which catered for a variety of conditions and needs but gave little thought to the needs of the individual. It was a case of the individual fitting into the programmer offered whereas today we appreciate the needs of the individual and how important it is to tailor care to need. The large hospitals and institutions were closed down as it was decided that people were better off living in smaller units or being cared for in the community. However, there was still not enough legislation to provide the necessary protection.

In 2005 the mental capacity act was introduced which provided a frame work that empowered and protected vulnerable people who are unable to make their own decisions. The act States army who can take decisions in various situations and how things should be carried out. For example, two doctors now need to sign a sectioning order for a patient to be detained because of their mental health. Prior to this, there have been cases where people have been sectioned with no right to complain. This act states very clearly those people that have the power to make decisions.

It enables people to plan ahead for a time when they might lose their mental capacity. This act was seen as important as so many people are now suffering with some form of dementia in their later years. It meant hat health care professionals such as doctors and social workers had a professional duty to work with the most vulnerable, in their best interests and to empower them to make their own decisions. There is still much to be done with mental health care which is sometimes referred to as the Cinderella of the health service.

New initiatives in relation to mental health have been introduced as it was clear in some areas that care of the community was not working as well as it should. Northern Ireland has similar legal frameworks to England but under the Northern Ireland assembly they can have variations. Legislation related to children Two pieces of legislation were passed in 1989, one the convention on the rights of a child’ and the other ‘the children’s act’. The first was issued by EUNICE and it provided a framework for the rights of the child.

It specifically highlighted children’s rights in international law and included the principles and standards for the treatment of the children’s workforce. The children’s act concerns the UK only and is designed to protect the child from significant harm and to keep them safe and cared for by setting standards. Organizations working with children have to provide policies and procedures n relation to how they are promoting the children’s act in their environment. An example of this is the safe guarding procedures that are in place in schools.

Every school has to have its own safe guarding policy which outlines all procedures and highlights training. This is an extremely important document and in schools every member of staff needs to know who the child protection officer is and to have read the safe guarding policy. In the school attend every member of staff has a summarized copy included in their handbook and the full copy is available in the staff room and online. Every Taft member has to sign this at the beginning of each academic year to show that they understand what they have to do should they become concerned about any safe guarding issue.

Training is given to key professionals and the policy is revised every year in relation to new legislation. The children’s act was revised in 2004 in relation to improving children’s lives in a broader sense. The aim of this was to encourage better services and provision for all aspects of children’s welfare and health. It also covered making sure children had access to the services they needed including additional needs. An example is my own school where there are policies and procedures in place to ensure that all children are treated fairly and offer the opportunities they need on a personal level.

Children’s educational needs are investigated and the appropriate intervention is put in place. Am currently working with this department as part of their literacy strategy offering one to one instruction to children below the reading age expected for their chronological years. Children have been evident in the media recently because of historic abuse cases and this has raised everyone’s awareness in relation to how vulnerable hey are. There is now greater emphasis on all policies and procedures that relate to children. Race relations There has been a great deal of legislation in relation to people of a different race living in the KICK.

In my notes already have highlighted the benefits of a diverse multicultural society. People have been making their home in the UK since the sass’s when Jews arrived from Russia and Poland and people from Ireland were driven out by the potato famine. The race relations amendment act was passed in the year 2000. Its main principle is to protect racially quality and ensure that no person is discriminated against on the grounds of their race. Britain today is truly multicultural and the act ensures that it promotes good relationships between people from different ethnic backgrounds.

If a person faces discrimination because of their race the law protects them and gives redress. I have watched a number of video clips that illustrate how distressing racial discrimination can be and also how people can have stereotyped ideas and opinions. Race relations are linked to equal opportunities and the human rights act. Disability discrimination act (DAD) The DAD ensures that people with disabilities have their civil rights protected and do not face discrimination. It was passed in 1 995 and encouraged organizations and health authorities to overcome barriers and make reasonable adjustments to ensure full accessibility.

Clearly this act did not go far enough and was updated in 2005 to apply to the public sector and to promote equality of opportunity for people with disabilities and to eliminate discrimination. At this time it was also seen as necessary to include people with HIVE. It stated that public bodies must promote disability equality and reduce action plans to show how they intend to fulfill their duties and to renew the progress annually. Schools, colleges and universities were all told to make reasonable changes to their premises to make them user friendly for Britain’s students with disabilities.

In my school all doorways were fitted with ramps as well as having a lift installed. In addition, a fitted disabled bathroom was installed and money set aside for any student’s specific needs. This was particularly important for wheelchair users. Making all public buildings, apart from those with a listed status was a huge undertaking and the government catered in three years to bring this into place. It meant that all public bodies and authorities had to review their policies, practices, procedures and services to make sure they did not discriminate against anyone with a disability.

Huge advances have been made to accommodate those with disabilities culminating in the successful Paralytics. This was televised across the world and opened everyone’s eyes to how important it is to be accepted in society despite their disability. The human rights act (1998) This act covers all human rights and ensures civil rights for people enabling hem to take legal action against any person or organization, including HAS, which disrespects their human rights. This act has been used when people feel their rights have been violated.

Recently a female worker for British airways was told she could no longer wear a cross around her neck whilst at work. She felt that this violated her human rights and so took her case to the European courts where she won her case. This is just one example and there have been many particularly in relation to same sex marriages and counseling services. A homosexual couple went to relate which is an organization that helps relationships through the use of counseling.

The counselor rejected the homosexual couple and did not wish to help them so the couple took their case to the human rights where they won their case and the counselor had no right to reject them. Data protection act This act covers the way information about people is kept and used and protected and kept secure. It is necessary for every organization to hold personal data on employees but this has to be kept secure and it is extremely important in any health and social care sector. All organizations have policies ND procedures that employees have to be made aware of and they need to follow correct procedure.

In school data is held on every student and this is confidential and can only be viewed on a need to know basis and must not be passed on outside of the school environment. All confidential information has to be shredded. Nursing and residential care homes regulations This act was passed in 1984 and was amended in 2002 and applies to all nursing and residential care homes. Every residential care home has to have a license to operate which is issued by their local council. This license regulates how they practice. If the homes do not meet regulations they face prosecution and sometimes closure.

This act works closely with the care standards act that was passed in 2000. This piece of legislation covered individuals in all care settings including domiciliary. Again, standards have to be met and the individual must receive appropriate care. This act also covers fostering and family care. Every care home has to have policies and procedures in place that reflect national legislation. These are open to inspection. Age discrimination act (2006) This act was passed to make it unlawful for employers and others to criminate against a person on the basis of their age. This applies to jobs, promotion, training and employment.

Legislation is being updated and changed all the time and in particular when political parties are in control. In health and social care all professionals must stay up to date with current legislation. The legislation I have researched is used by health and social care organizations to produce policies and procedures that outline the roles, rights and responsibilities involved in the service they are working for. Legislation indicates what those using the services expect in the way of support and behavior. Most health and social care organizations and professions have a charter or code of practice and procedures that has to be followed.

I have researched the code of conduct published by the NC which outlines the standards of conduct, performance and ethics for nurses and midwives and have included this as an example of how legislation is applied. The general social care council (SIC) registers all social care workers and regulates both training and conduct. Codes of practice are needed as when services are inspected or audited they will be judged upon the level of service they are roving. Any professional role will be overseen by the SIC and staff in training will be made aware of the code of practice and charters they have to work to.

Charters inform staff and those using the service about what they can expect. The care quality commission (ICQ) regulates the standards on behalf of the government. This is often done with inspections. Every organization has to produce its own policies and procedures that respect all aspects of equality, diversity and rights in health and social care. Managers have to guide professionals in their employment to ensure they are observing reoccurred. This can be seen in all areas of HAS by looking at notice boards in the hall way, reception or staff rooms.

In addition, charters are put online where they can be viewed by the public. All staff should receive a handbook when being inducted into a new post or role and care workers should have frequent training and updating on any changes. If this is followed the individual’s rights are promoted in a positive way. There are many people who are too ill or too frail to speak for themselves or who do not know their rights. There are many vulnerable people who may not even be aware of their sights and need a person to make sure they’ve received what they are entitled too.

A trained person will speak on their behalf and this is referred to as an advocate. The advocate can be a professional worker or a friend or relative but must always realism that they are speaking on behalf of the individual and not expressing their own view. Every health and social care setting must have policies and procedures firmly in place and ensure that staff know about these by putting up notices and providing training. If this is done properly staff are sure of what they should be doing and if they fail to comply capillary action or dismissal may occur.

Staff development and training are vital if staff are to be kept up to date with changes, policies and procedures, as well as legislation and technology. Technology changes rapidly so there is a need for continual professional development. Quality of care and experience is constantly improving by being reviewed and developing equality, diversity and rights. It is important that work place or organizations keep up to date with all changes. Sometimes large organizations will appoint managers who will ensure that things are followed correctly and there is regular training for Taft.

Every organization must have a complaints procedure by law and these will be inspected when settings are audited. If Someone complains they have the right to have their complaint dealt with efficiently and investigated. They need to know the outcome of the investigation and if they are not happy take it to the independent parliamentary and health service ombudsman if they are not satisfied with the way there complaint has been dealt with. Sometimes people will make a complaint if they think they have been directly affected by an unlawful act or a decision in relation to care issues.

If they have en harmed they may receive compensation. Affirmative action sometimes called positive discrimination or action means when one individual is favoring another because of their ethnicity. Although seen as discriminatory it may be legal if it benefits the local community. For example, appointing someone who speaks a certain language because that’s what the area needs. Laws relating to anti-harassment relate to issues such as bullying, sexuality, race, ethnicity, gender, beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status or disability. It can cause stress, humiliation and depression and needs to be sorted out immediately.

Depth scales

Explain what is meant by a “hypnotic depth scale”

Give examples and explain the issues relating to the use of depth scales.When discussing the topic of hypnotic depth they are referring to how ‘deep’ the subject is/can go into hypnosis and what is possible at that perceived level of depth. If you do the research you will find lots of different scales of depth, here I have taken the scale from the coursework provided by Adam Eason School of Therapeutic Hypnosis which upon research appears to originally come from Harry Arons, 1961

1. Hypnoidal – heavy muscle and relaxed nerves – drowsiness – awareness (got out of bed feeling).
2. Light hypnosis – physical response to suggestions – mind focused on suggestions – reacts to arm, etc. rigidity
3. Medium Hypnosis – deeply relaxed – subject will not speak unless asked – unable to perform actions unless asked to do move arm – rise from chair – move head.
4. Profound Hypnosis (deep hypnosis) – partial amnesia when awakened – posthypnotic suggestions can be submitted – numbing parts of the body (ANALGESIA).
5. Somnambulism – total amnesia and anaesthesia is possible – age regression is possible – positive hallucinations possible.
6. Profound Somnambulism – removal of programmed information – posthypnotic suggestions – most all suggestions are carried out without questions. Often referred to as a coma state! Difficult to get out of this state – may need to bribe unconscious mind (you will not be allowed o experience this again unless…)

Now, in 1961, the above scale may have seemed perfectly accurate and as time passes, more and more discoveries are being made about hypnosis and one of those discoveries is that some, if not all of the intended suggestions can easily be obtained at a lower level of depth or lighter trance as is suggested.

For instance, amnesia and ideomotor suggestions can take place within light hypnosis and I also know this personally from experiencing this myself from both being a subject and a facilitator of hypnosis. There have also been many scales of susceptibility created to test suggestibility within the ‘depth’ of hypnosis or trance that the subject is in. One particularly scale is the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale created in 1938 which created 3 forms, A, B and C on which consisted of varying levels of tests to be given to the subject. The below list is the example of form A

1. Postural Sway
2. Eye Closure
3. Hand Lowering (left)
4. Immobilisation (right arm)
5. Finger Lock
6. Arm Rigidity (left arm)
7. Hands Moving Together
8. Verbal Inhibition (name)
9. Hallucination (fly)
10. Eye Catalepsy
11. Post-hypnotic (changes chairs)
12. Amnesia

There are many more of these scales available for research but I have shown the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale as a prime example of what they consist of. A big issue with the depth scale is does really exist? Are there really levels of hypnosis? I cannot prove it either way, but in therapy, do we need to, If the client believes through our suggestion that they are going deeper, then isn’t real to them.

The M’Naghten Rule: 1843 Aspects of the Criminal law in Canada are likely to be traced back several hundred years ago, where the legal system was established in England. Criminal law, derived from public law, includes the subject of criminal defenses, and in a narrower sense, the theory of not being criminally responsible on account of a mental disorder. The theory behind this defense can be traced back to England in the 1840’s. This era showcased the influential case of Daniel M’Nagthen.

Believed to be a paranoid schizophrenic, M’Naghten shot and killed Edward Drummond, Secretary to the British Prime Minister, Sir Robert Peel. M’Naghten was under the delusion that he was being persecuted by Peel who was at the time a strong advocate of the police enforcement system. The case states that Daniel M’Naghten, had shot the Secretary, Edward Drummond, thinking he was Peel and was put on trial for the murder of Edward Drummond. As this stood, M’Naghten pleaded not guilty on the statement that he was mentally ill and having delusions, which had influenced his action to murder Drummond.

The court system of England pronounced M’Naghten as not guilty by reason of insanity. The case gave way to the now titled M’Naghten rule claiming that an individual cannot be found guilty on the grounds that he or she is unable to tell the difference between right and wrong (Siegle, McCormick 2010). The M’Naghten rule has set a foundation of defining criminal responsibility and allowed for the introduction of mental disorders and psychological conditions as being able to influence whether or not an individual can be held criminally accountable.

There was great public outcry on this verdict which forced the House of Lords to amend the standards for the defense of insanity and resulted in the rule that states: “ every man is to be presumed sane, and that to establish a defense on the grounds of insanity, it must be clearly proved that, at the time of the committing of the act, the party accused was laboring under such a defect of reason, from disease of mind, as not to know the nature and quality of the act he was doing; or if he did know it, that he did not know he was doing what was wrong (8 Eng. Rep. 718 (1843))”.

Criticism for the M’Naghten rule arose because it tended to rely entirely on the defendant’s cognitive ability to “know” right from wrong. Subsequently, there are also questions about what to do with defendants who can differentiate the wrongfulness they committed but can’t control the impulses to commit them. Combined, these factors either emotional or cognitive can make it difficult for defendants to be found not guilty by reason of insanity. Despite the criticisms, the M’Naghten Rule is still widely applied today in both the Canadian and United States legal system.

Evolving a greater understanding of applying the “insanity defense” leads the way to other methods and theories for understanding and defining mental insanity. Looking into the Biological Trait Theory asks the question as to whether or not individuals can be “born criminal” (Garofalo, 178). It is known that mental disorders are almost, always genetically based, however diagnosing someone, as having a mental disorder, does not define them as a criminal. This is where behaviour and personality characteristics come into play, indicating a criminal nature.

Many biological factors, such as body weight and height are incorporated into creating a stereotype of a criminal, a method called somatyping. It is important to take into account the lifestyle of the accused. Many factors such as the home structure, daily routine, nature and nurturing, education, friends, interest all play an impactful role in either noticing an onset of a mental disorder to noticing the beginning of criminal behavior. Some of these characteristics can come into play as well in the Psychological Trait Theory, focusing on the mental aspect of crime.

From a psychodynamic perspective, there are two classifications to describe mental disorder, in individuals who struggle with mental anguish and loss of control of their personality. This can manifest in an individual who experiences neurosis or psychosis. Neurosis is described as being on the borderline between reality and the sense of losing control of your personality, and psychosis is the loss of total control leaving them detached from reality. Psychotic behavior is often marked by bizarre episodes of delusion or hallucinations. It can take on many forms, the most common being Schizophrenia.

In a broad sense, the person is left with complete loss of thought control or appropriate emotional responses. They can become paranoid, delusional, hallucinate or withdraw completely from reality. As in the M’Naghten case of 1843, Daniel M’Naghten was thought to be a paranoid schizophrenic, which caused or provoked his violent reaction toward Edward Drummond. Due to the many theories and perspectives about the rooting and origins of mental disorders, it is no wonder why there is such a high correlation between crime and mental illness.

Many characteristics of mental illness are also very similar to those categorized as being criminal in nature. The authors of “Clinical predictions of Self-Mutilation in hospitalized patients” stated that mentally ill individuals are more likely to withdraw or harm themselves than to act aggressively towards others (1994), which begins to ask the question if mentally ill individuals are more criminal than those who are not mentally ill. And, do you have to be mentally ill to commit a crime.

This is why criminal cases involving mental illness are hard to defend or hard to prosecute. There does not seem to be a simple direct way to interpret the complete science of these theories. In conclusion, criminal behavior as it relates to understanding the relationship to mental illness is an evolving behavioral science. Nearly 170 years after the M’Naghten Rule was established the legal system in North America is still struggling to find the balance at defining mental insanity.

There is significant research to establish that people can be born into crime based on their genetics or the environment and that psychotic behavior can lead to irrational thoughts and feelings that provoke people to do terrible things. The question still exists as to whether individuals from any of these perspectives actually understand if they had intent to commit a crime or understand completely that what they did was wrong.