Brett Persistently Injects Himself with Pain Killers

question 32

Multiple Choice

Brett persistently injects himself with pain killers. This has greatly increased his chance of overdosing and dying. His behavior harms no one else. According to the DSM, is Brett's behavior consistent with the definition of a mental disorder?

• A) Yes, because very few people in society engage in this behavior.
• B) Yes, because he is persistently acting in a way that harms him.
• C) No, because his behavior must also harm the well-being of others in the community.
• D) No, because there is no evidence that his actions are out of his own control.

---

Definitions:

Cerebral Hemispheres

The two halves of the cerebrum, the largest part of the brain, responsible for different functions, with the left hemisphere typically managing logic and language and the right hemisphere managing creativity and spatial abilities.

Olfactory Bulbs

Structure at the base of the forebrain involved in the sense of smell, processing odors and relaying information to the brain.

Neurons

Basic working units of the brain, specialized cells conducting nerve impulses.

Hypothalamus

An area located beneath the thalamus in the brain responsible for regulating the autonomic nervous system and the pituitary gland's functions, including the regulation of body temperature, thirst, hunger, and additional systems that maintain body equilibrium.