Rachel is concerned that her friend, Alice, may have a mental disorder - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 5 - 2017 - Paper 2

The diagnosis of mental disorders typically involves two key concepts: deviance and dysfunction.

Deviance refers to behaviors that are significantly different from societal norms. In Alice's case, her behavior of talking to herself in public and avoiding social situations is deviant. Society generally expects individuals to engage in social interactions and to eat a varied diet, so Alice's behaviors can be seen as outside these expectations, indicating a potential issue.

Dysfunction, on the other hand, involves how a mental disorder affects daily functioning. Alice's refusal to eat anything other than white food and her belief that she has supernatural powers negatively impact her ability to function in everyday life. This dysfunction is evident in her isolation and inability to engage with friends and the world around her.

Emphasizing the context, Rachel's concerns about Alice's behaviors underscore the importance of understanding the impact of these behaviors on relationships and social connections. The severity of Alice's beliefs and actions may indicate a significant mental health issue that warrants a professional diagnosis. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding mental disorders can complicate how individuals like Alice are perceived and treated, adding an additional layer of complexity in diagnosis.