Is it reasonable that some people, like psychiatrists, have the authority to say what is normal ?

Question

Is it in this way because we can´t think by ourselves?

Answer 1

Psychiatrists define what is "normal" on a relative basis, and from the perspective of subjective ability to function. In psychiatry, you are considered normal if you can function in your daily activities (school, work, friendships, relationships). If you cannot uphold these basic life functions, you're considered not normal.

The reason this must be done is because health insurance allows people to receive services for their dysfunction. If there was no professional definition of normal vs. abnormal psychology, we could give out services and medication to anybody who wanted a pill to make them feel good, or who just wanted to chat with a therapist. This would cost health insurance companies a lot of money and premiums would skyrocket.

So from a financial and public health standpoint, it's absolutely necessary and reasonable that a mental health assessment of "normality" exists, and that psychiatrists, for example, have the authority to define it.

Answer 2

Actually, no individual in a free society has the authority to determine what in normal for everyone else. Different societies have different "norms" that get viewed as making up what is normal. In some cases the "norms" become laws that are enforced and in other cases they are just social pressures that the majority of people apply. Think on a small scale of some group or organization you are part of or at least aware of. There are the written rules and the unwritten rules. Both establish what is "normal" behavior for that group.

Answer 3

Psychiatrists deal with dangerous differences--life threatening to someone. They don't deal with normal--they deal with potential and real hurt. That is not normal in anyones book. Psychologists are more likely to set standards of behavior. "Normal" is a theory not backed up by facts. None of us are normal (maybe I should speak for myself) and none of us fit into a standard. These non-dangerous differences (abnormalities) make people worth knowing. Otherwise everyone would be the same. Normal is boring.

Answer 4

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have put in a lot of years studying this subject. Therefore, that makes them qualified to diagnose and treat mental disorders. They are no different from any other doctors' specialties. That doesn't mean that you can't think by yourself. It simply means that you consult them because they have the expertise and experience in psychiatry that only comes with extensive study and practice in diagnosing abnormal behaviors. By the same token, they may not be qualified to fix your kitchen sink, since that is not their specialty. I hope that answers your question.

Answer 5

I completely settle for as genuine with the ordinary guy or woman. I basically like the Beatles and all, in spite of the undeniable fact that I basically in my view don't sense they're in a position to hold a track like Bob Dylan can. the guy is a genius. - Love and Peace -

Answer 6

I agree with kooky...what they have learned in school does not apply.. the theories that they put into practice cannot work as everyone is so unique...the drugs that are prescribed may work or not it is really a hit and miss.
So many people have been misdiagnosed..and unknowingly been used as guinea pigs.

Answer 7

In my point of view psychiatrists is just there assess our mental and physical ability and to guide us to the right path.

Answer 8

No, it's not reasonable, only because there really is no normal. There is average (not so accurate, and doesn't apply to most people) and there are steriotypes. But there isn't really such a thing as "normal" but society expects us to pretend like there is, and embody it like clones our entire life. Welcome to the "Society Sucks" Club.

Answer 9

a psychiatrist, if he/she is a really good one, would never try to define or determine normalcy, knowing how subjective it is. nor would he want to. instead, he helps his patients to determine how to get on with their journey thru life with some enlightenment as to their reactions to the trip and the people on the road with them.

Answer 10

Like they say in forest gump stupid is as stupid does, some thinks are plain obvious some require an educated guess where an assumption won't suffice, it is reasonable at times, in my opinion.