Final answer:
The 7 key problems outlined by Conrad and Schneider with the medical approach to mental illness include cultural stigmatization, differing definitions of mental illness across cultures, and the need for incorporating patients' cultural and personal beliefs into treatment plans.
Step-by-step explanation:
In examining the medical approach to mental illness, sociologists Conrad and Schneider outline several key problems. Using Conrad and Barker's framework, we can explore some of the complexities involved in the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and major depression.
Mental illnesses are often culturally stigmatized depending on the society's perception of the illness, resulting in disparate treatment outcomes. For example, in Thailand, certain mental conditions are seen as gifts, whereas in Japan, there is a stigma associated with psychological treatment. This shows that what is considered a mental illness and how it is treated can vary significantly depending on cultural views.