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PSYC 435: Abnormal Psychology
Unit 1:
A. Discuss common topics and issues relevant to Abnormal Psychology.
drug or alcohol problem, a suicide,
... [Show More] an eating disorders, or psychological difficulty,
addiction
problems with depression, schizophrenia, postpartum difficulties, eating disorders,
depression
questions that will enable us to help patients and families w/ mental disorders
heart of a research-based approach that looks to use scientific inquiry and careful
observation to understand abnormal psychology
B. Explain why we need to classify mental disorders.
Because all classifications play a roll on their own but can also be connected. One
example could be considered a mental disorder but in a different context could be
normal
To have a common language between clinicians and bc culture shifts over time/these
disorders may change or no longer be considered as disorders
Most sciences rely on classification - provide us with a nomenclature (a naming system)
common language and shorthand terms for complex clinical conditions
Structure - classification systems typically place diagnoses commonalities (panic
disorder, specific phobia, and agoraphobia = fear anxiety based)
Classification facilitates research, which gives us more information and facilitates greater
understanding.
Classify which types of psychological difficulties warrant insurance reimbursement and
the extent of such reimbursement.
C. Explain the DSM definition of mental disorders.
DSM: accepted standard for defining various types of mental disorders - descriptions,
lists of symptoms to diagnose mental disorders. Provides clinicians with specific
diagnostic criteria for each disorder.
A common language so specific diagnosis means the same thing to everyone.
descriptive info on the type and number of symptoms needed for each diagnosis helps
ensure diagnostic accuracy and consistency (reliability). Help w/treatment
D. Identify how culture can influence the definition of Abnormal Psychology.
Different values amongst cultures differences between what is considered normal or
abnormal
Public etiquette, standards of health and safety, religious or societal differences
E. Types of people who help with Therapy
People with mental disorders do seek help, they are often treated by their family
physician rather than by a mental health specialist
Psychiatrist may prescribe medications and monitor the patient for side effects.
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Clinical Psychologist give individual therapy, meeting with patient few times per/week
Clinical social worker helps patient resolve family problems,
Psychiatric nurse may check in with the patient daily to provide support and help the
patient cope better in the hospital environment.
Text Objectives:
1. Explain how we define abnormality and classify mental disorders.
There is no one behavior that makes someone abnormal
Subjective Distress: Psychological pain distress – depressive anxious ppl indicate being
distressed save for manic highs. Is an element of abnormality but in many cases, neither
a sufficient condition (all that is needed) nor necessary condition (a feature that all cases
of abnormality must show)
Maladaptive Behavior: interferes with our well-being / ability to enjoy work /
relationships depressives may withdraw from work, friends and family, anorexia
becomes emaciated & hospitalized. Not all disorders have maladaptive behavior: conartist and contract killer hurt society, not self.
Statistical Deviancy: Statistically rare and represents a deviation from normal (mental
disability) in defining abnormality we make value judgments. Rare talents are not
abnormal, a cold is normal but still an illness. Rare + undesirable = abnormal / rare +
desirable = normal (ex. genius)
Violation of the standards of society: people fail to follow the conventional social and
moral rules of their cultural group (parking violation common, vs mother drowning child
uncommon)
Social discomfort: when someone violates an implicit or unwritten social rule, those
around him or her may experience a sense of discomfort or unease. (sit next to you on
an empty bus)
Irrationality and unpredictability: a point at which we are likely to consider a given
unorthodox behavior abnormal (schizo often an example or manic in bipolar)
Dangerousness: may be a danger to themselves or to others (but does not always mean
mentally ill) also can’t assume that someone diagnosed with a mental disorder must be
dangerous.
2. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of classification.
That culture/society plays a role in determining what is/isn’t abnormal* change between
years
They can work on their own as a classification but often overlap, many cases are
particular to culture and context
Loss of information, personal details about the actual person who has the disorder
Stigma around being diagnosed (rather diabetic than depressive) fear of discrimination
they classify the disorders that people have not the people themselves - a person with x [Show Less]