Mental disorders may be caused organically or via chemical or genetic causes. In either case, if left untreated the cost is usually dire.

Compare and contrast three key similarities and three differences between mental illnesses and mental disorders. Provide one example of each similarity and difference to support your response.

Examine the potential stressor(s) that could have triggered the defendant to act out in the criminal behavior. Next, hypothesize whether or not the defendant would have been a good candidate for treatment of his/her mental illness. Justify your response.

Identify possible actions psychologists could have suggested to help the defendant before committing the criminal act. Support your response.

Differentiate between the key characteristics associated with functional mental disorders, minor mental disorders (i.e., neuroses), and manic-depressive behavior. Next, support or criticize the notion that one disorder is more severe than the other. Justify your response.

Use at least three quality academic resources in this assignment.

Recommend improvements to societal stigmas associated with physical disabilities.
Evaluate the importance of reconciling and distinguishing both physical and mental disabilities and how they are perceived by society.
Use technology and information resources to research issues related to the criminal mind.
Write clearly and concisely about topics involving the criminal mind using proper writing mechanics and technical style conventions.