Abnormal Psychology

Definitions of Abnormal

1.Social Labeling

2.Self Labeling

3.Psychoanalytic

4.Humanistic

5.Legal – Insanity

6.Medical - Disorders

Abnormal Psychology

Causes of Disorders

1.Organic/Biological

2.Behavioral

3.Cognitive

4.Psychodynamic

5.Humanistic

Abnormal Psychology

Types of Disorders

Older Terms: Neurosis, Psychosis

DSM-IV-TR = Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th Edition, Text Revision)

gives objective, measurable criteria for diagnosing psychological disorders

Does not suggest therapies or treatments

Does not discuss possible causes

Anxiety Disorders

• Anxiety disorders – persistent, excessive or unrealistic anxiety and fearfulness that impairs normal functioning includes maladaptive behaviors that reduce anxiety

(e.g., alcohol and drug use)

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Dissociative Disorders

• Dissociative disorders – Break in conscious awareness, memory, or sense of identity, usually as a result of extreme stress.– Psychogenic Amnesia

– Dissociative Fugue – fleeing home and “coming to” with amnesia for the trip and possible amnesia for personal information.

– Depersonalization Disorder –the person feels detached and disconnected from themselves, their bodies, and their surroundings.

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Mood Disorders

Two Major forms of Mood Disorders Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder

characterized by emotional extremes Prolonged, disabling disruptions in emotional state Functioning is almost always severely impaired

Schizophrenia 2 major divisions or categories

Chronic Slow developing Usually negative symptoms (absence of appropriate behaviors)

Absence of emotion (flat affect) Absence of movement (catatonia) Absence of social interaction (withdrawal)

Low recovery rates

Acute Sudden onset Usually positive symptoms (presence of inappropriate behaviors)

Presence of hallucinations, delusions

Better recovery rate

Psychological Therapies/Treatments

1. Psychoanalysis

2. Behavioral

3. Cognitive

4. Organic (Medical)

5. Humanistic