Does mental illness exist? Discuss the challenge pose by this question to social scientific accounts of mental illness.

... Does mental illness exist? Discuss the challenge pose by this question to social scientific accounts of mental illness. The feelings and behaviour of the human race are variable to say the least. Depending upon environmental factors or personal experiences the same people may range from being happy to sad, feeling sluggish to being highly active, behaving aggressively or calmly at any time. The majority of these responses will fit into a perceived range of normal, as it is appreciated that events can elicit all kinds of emotions, and comment or concern will generally only emerge when these responses are judged to be unreasonable in light of individual personal and social circumstances. Deviations from the norm are recognized when people indulge in behaviour that is completely at odds with their life or situation, or when personal suffering is unjustified by any circumstances. When a person's behaviour takes such a turn

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