4. PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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