Abnormal Psychology

Modules 27-29

Definition of Psychological Disorder

Harmful dysfunction in which behaviors are maladaptive; unjustifiable; disturbing and atypical

Each term in the definition is explained as follows:

Maladaptive- destructive to oneself or others

Unjustifiable- without a rational basisDisturbing- troublesome to other peopleAtypical- so different that they violate a

norm (what is acceptable in their culture)

Philippe Pinel

French physicianFirst to reform treatment for mental

patientsBelieved humane treatment was

better than other methods such as chaining them to the wall or locked up like zoo animals

Classifying Disorders DSM-IV-TR which stands for Diagnostic and

Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Vol. 4 Published by the APA Has been revised 4 times changed some

things overtime Vol. 3 stopped listing homosexuality as a

disorder Vol. 4 changes term from manic depressive

to bipolar disorder.

Danger of labeling people with psychological disorders---

Most patients diagnosed with disorders are fully functioning members of society

Media such as TV shows can greatly influence people’s perception of psychological disorders

Recent research into psychological disorders has taken the mystery out of these disorders and fostered more understanding.

Psychology student’s disease-(this is a real classification)

Don’t overreact as you begin to study symptoms of these disorders

Remember– the definition states that degree is the key to distinguishing between ”quirks in personality” with real psychological problems

The 5 categories of disorders

Anxiety MoodDissociativeSchizophreniaPersonality

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety- defined as a vague feeling of apprehension or nervousness

Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety DisorderPanic DisorderPhobiasObsessive-Compulsive DisorderPosttraumatic Stress Disorder

Causes of Anxiety Disorders

Biological factors- heredity, brain function, evolution

Learning factors- conditioning, observational learning, reinforcement

Mood Disorders

Major Depressive DisorderBipolar Disorder (formerly called

Manic Depression)

Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative AmnesiaDissociative FugueDissociative Identity Disorder

(formerly called multiple personalities)

SchizophreniaA group of severe disorders

characterized by disorganized and delusional thinking, disturbed perceptions and inappropriate emotions and actions

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

DelusionsHallucinationsInappropriate emotionsInappropriate behaviors

Types of Schizophrenia

ParanoidCatatonicDisorganizedUndifferentiated

Personality Disorders

Related to anxietyWith odd or eccentric behaviorsWith Dramatic or Impulsive BehaviorsAntisocial (also called psychopathic

or sociopathic personality disorder)

Symptoms of Anti-social personality disorder

Can’t be diagnosed until 18 years of age Repeatedly breaking the law Deceitful including lying using aliases,

conning others for profit Impulsive, aggressive, consistent

irresponsibility Reckless disregard for safety of oneself or

others Lack of remorse

Borderline Personality Disorder

Very emotionsl and unstable relationships with others (I love you, I hate you)

Extreme short term mood swings,intense anger or dificulty controlling anger

Unstable self image or sense of self

Avoidance Personality disorder

Long standing and complex feelings of inadequacy

Extreme sensitivity to what others think or say about them

Social inhibitions( unwilling to get involved with others unless certain of being likes)

Belief that they are unappealing or inferior to others