4 - PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS
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Concepts of Abnormality
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Alright class, today we're diving into what constitutes abnormal behavior. Can anyone explain what this term means?
Does it mean acting different from what everyone else does?
Exactly! Abnormal behavior is often defined using the four Ds: Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, and Danger. These help us identify behaviors that are considered abnormal. Can anyone provide an example of one of these Ds?
Um, maybe a person feeling really distressed if they were just fired from their job?
Good example! Distress can be a key indicator of abnormal behavior. Now, remember the acronym '4Ds' to help recall these concepts. Any other examples?
Classification of Psychological Disorders
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Next, let’s talk about how we classify these disorders. Who can tell me about two major sources used for this?
Isn’t there the DSM and the ICD?
Correct! The DSM-5, developed by the American Psychiatric Association, and the ICD-10 from the WHO. These manuals help standardize definitions and criteria of various psychological disorders. This is crucial for diagnosis.
What types of disorders do they classify?
Great question! They classify anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and many more. Understanding these classifications helps us apply appropriate treatments.
Factors Underlying Abnormal Behavior
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Now, let’s explore the factors that underlie abnormal behavior. What are some factors that can contribute to these disorders?
I think genetics might play a role?
Exactly! Biological factors like genetics and neurochemistry can contribute significantly. Other factors include psychological influences like stress and social circumstances.
So it’s not just one thing that causes a disorder?
Exactly right! It’s often a complex interaction of multiple factors, which is why we use the bio-psycho-social model to understand psychological disorders.
Overview of Major Psychological Disorders
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Finally, let’s overview some major psychological disorders. Who can list some types we discussed?
Anxiety disorders and mood disorders!
Great! Anxiety disorders include conditions like generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. On the other hand, mood disorders encompass depression and bipolar disorder. What symptoms can you remember?
Depression can make someone sad all the time, right?
Absolutely! And that can affect their daily life significantly. Remember, it’s crucial to understand these for effective support and intervention.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
The section explores abnormal behavior, definitions, classifications of psychological disorders, and reviews significant psychological disorders such as anxiety, mood disorders, and personality disorders. It elucidates the factors contributing to these disorders, factors of distress, dysfunction, and societal views on mental health.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
This section delves into the complex realm of abnormal psychology, beginning with the definition of abnormal behavior, which is typically noted as deviant, distressing, dysfunctional, or dangerous. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding psychological disorders through various models including biological, psychological, and socio-cultural perspectives.
Concepts of Abnormality
- Abnormal behavior is defined based on four key features: Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, and Danger. These offer a framework for identifying what qualifies as abnormal.
Classification of Disorders
- Psychological disorders are classified by institutions such as the APA’s DSM-5 and the WHO's ICD-10, which provide criteria for diagnosis and understanding of various disorders.
Factors Underlying Abnormal Behavior
- Abnormal behaviors are influenced by several factors, including biological components (like genetics and neurochemistry), psychological aspects (like cognition and emotional responses), and socio-cultural environments that shape individual experiences and symptoms.
Overview of Major Psychological Disorders
- The section discusses various categories of psychological disorders, providing examples and symptoms for disorders such as Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders (including Depression and Bipolar Disorders), and Personality Disorders. This highlights the complexity in diagnosing and identifying individual experiences in the context of abnormal psychology.
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Understanding Abnormal Behavior
Chapter 1 of 4
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Chapter Content
After reading this chapter, you would be able to:
- understand the basic issues in abnormal behaviour and the criteria used to identify such behaviours,
- appreciate the factors which cause abnormal behaviour,
- explain the different models of abnormal behaviour, and
- describe the major psychological disorders.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk introduces the objectives of the chapter. By the end, students will learn about abnormal behavior, which refers to actions or feelings that deviate from what is considered normal and can lead to distress or dysfunction in an individual's life. They will also explore criteria used to assess these behaviors, including how various factors contribute to their development, the models that explain them, and key psychological disorders that exist.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you are in a group of friends who are all laughing and having fun. If someone suddenly becomes very quiet or starts crying without a clear reason, you might wonder whether they are feeling okay or if something is bothering them. This difference in behavior can help illustrate what abnormal behavior might look like.
Introduction to Psychological Disorders
Chapter 2 of 4
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Chapter Content
You must have come across people who are unhappy, troubled and dissatisfied. Their minds and hearts are filled with sorrow, unrest and tension and they feel that they are unable to move ahead in their lives; they feel life is a painful, uphill struggle, sometimes not worth living.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk discusses the emotional state of individuals who experience psychological disorders. It highlights how life challenges can lead to feelings of unworthiness and struggle. This section sets the tone for understanding the impact of mental health on everyday life and indicates that almost everyone, at some point, can feel overwhelmed by their circumstances.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a student who fails an exam. Instead of just feeling sad for a day, they may start to believe they're 'not cut out for school' and feel constant anxiety about future tests. This feeling can create a cycle of distress that makes it harder for them to study or seek help.
Concepts of Abnormality
Chapter 3 of 4
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Chapter Content
The study of psychological disorders has intrigued and mystified all cultures for more than 2,500 years. Psychological disorders or mental disorders (as they are commonly referred to) denote failures in adaptation to life challenges.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk explains that the concept of psychological disorders has been a topic of interest throughout history. Psychological disorders reflect how individuals struggle to adapt to life’s demands, indicating a mismatch between personal capabilities and societal expectations. It introduces the idea that these adaptations are related to emotional and psychological well-being.
Examples & Analogies
Think about a fish trying to live in a desert—it won't adapt and will fail to thrive. Similarly, individuals with psychological disorders might struggle to adapt to their environments, leading to feelings of distress.
Abnormal Behaviour Criteria
Chapter 4 of 4
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Chapter Content
Although many definitions of abnormality have been used over the years, none has won universal acceptance. Most definitions share common features, often called the ‘four Ds’: deviance, distress, dysfunction, and danger.
Detailed Explanation
In this chunk, the text outlines four key characteristics that are often used to define abnormal behavior. 'Deviance' refers to behavior that deviates from societal norms; 'distress' captures the negative emotions experienced by the individual; 'dysfunction' pertains to impairment in daily functioning, and 'danger' involves potential harm to oneself or others. Together, these criteria help professionals determine whether a behavior might be classified as a psychological disorder.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a person who stays in bed all day, not showering or eating, which shows 'dysfunction'. If they also express feelings of hopelessness—like wishing they were dead—this could indicate 'distress'. If they become angry and aggressive to others, they may pose 'danger'. All these behaviors combined contribute to labeling someone as having an abnormal condition.
Key Concepts
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Deviance: Behavior that differs significantly from societal norms.
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Distress: Psychological discomfort experienced by an individual.
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Dysfunction: An impairment in normal functioning or performance.
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Danger: Behavior that poses a risk to self or others.
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Biopsychosocial Model: An integrated approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors.
Examples & Applications
Students exhibiting severe anxiety before exams may indicate an anxiety disorder.
A person who has irrational thoughts and fears, such as extreme fear of spiders, may have a specific phobia.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
Four Ds of abnormality, keep them in sight: Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, and Danger, that's right!
Stories
Imagine a school where each student represents one of the four Ds, causing all types of chaos and confusion, creating a perfect representation of what abnormal behavior can look like.
Memory Tools
Remember 'DeliDesDysDangers' to recall the four Ds of psychology.
Acronyms
ABCD model stands for Abnormal Behavior as Criteria for Diagnosis.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Abnormal Psychology
The study of abnormal behavior and psychological disorders.
- Anxiety Disorders
A group of mental disorders characterized by significant feelings of anxiety and fear.
- Mood Disorders
This includes psychological disorders that primarily affect emotional state.
- Dysmorphic Disorders
A mental disorder characterized by a preoccupation with perceived defects in physical appearance.
- Diathesisstress Model
A psychological theory that explains behavior as a predispositional vulnerability together with stress from life experiences.
- Psychotherapy
The treatment of mental disorder by psychological rather than medical means.
- Biopsychosocial Model
An approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors.
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