Following is a suggestion for a modified classification system
Here psychological disorders are divided into four groups or super categories:
As with any classification system there is considerable overlap between categories. This classification has been created for two reasons:
1. Providing user friendly super categories
With respect to most psychological disorders the label 'mental illness' is a misnomer and probably quite incorrect and misleading, since there is no observable mental pathology in all but the most severe cases. It is a term that should be only used for chronic cases. For most cases the term psychological disorder should be used, with 'psychology' being defined as including both mental (mind) and physical events (body). Given the non-empirical nature of the current classification terminology it may also be more useful in many cases to use the four super categories above rather than a specific identified disorder, at least until more details can be known. Also, clients may be more likely to ascribe to the super category labels which are more user friendly than the specific disorder labels.
2. A sound biological basis
There is considerable evidence for a biological basis for the disorders within the emotional fitness category
Disorders in this category are strongly influenced by developmental changes in the growing child and young adult.
These disorders can probably be considered to be irreversible, or at least, very hard to revert. Over time a particular structural relationship develops between mind and body that, in some the long term sufferer, is identifiable using a current brain scan technology. With improved technology it may be possible to identify abnormalities earlier.
There are ways in which the brain gets wired to the body that are not functional or are at least different enough from the norm to be considered a problem. 'Normality' is a relative measure based on societal perception.
Disorders in this category are all linked to emotional responses to life events and to the resulting structure of the individual's emotional system.
According to current knowledge the emotional system consists of the limbic system and hormonal systems such as the adrenal/para-sympathetic/sympathetic systems. To this can be added facial motility and thoracic posture. These components develop patterns of functioning unique to each individual, which, while it is often hard, can be changed if necessary and if sufficient motivation is present.
Because of the definite biological stucture of emotions there is some scope for identifying a biological basis.
Disorders in this category are closely assocated with personality characteristics and with the young, especially boys.
The characteristics of some people's behaviour has an effect on the people around them to such an extent that it becomes a problem. This is usually anti-social, disruptive behaviour that cannot be traced to specific events but seems to be a regular characteristic that causes disruption at school and in the home and leads many into a life of crime.
There have been links made between diet and some behavioural disorders. For instance, sugars, food colouring and other ingredients in processed foods have been known to trigger hyperactivity.
Behavioural disorders are managable and individuals can lead very productive and successful lives. The characteristics exhibited by these 'disorders' often are the key to success, or alternatively, if not managed, to long prison sentences.