Abnormal Psychology Overview

Study Notes

Abnormal psychology focuses on unusual behavior, emotions, and thoughts that may indicate an underlying condition.
It's a scientific discipline that investigates, describes, explains, and addresses abnormal behavior patterns.
It's constantly evolving, with new research, assessment methods, and treatment approaches surfacing.

Abnormal behavior may be classified as a mental disorder when it causes distress or dysfunction.
Mental disorders often involve psychological dysfunction, which can lead to physical or psychological distress.
Abnormal behavior can be categorized by the Four Ds:
- Psychological dysfunction: refers to a breakdown in cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functioning.
- Distress: the individual experiences significant emotional distress, discomfort, or unhappiness with their behavior.
- Deviance: behavior deviates from cultural norms and expectations, and is statistically infrequent.
- Dangerousness: the behavior poses potential harm to the individual or others (e.g., suicidal gestures, excessive aggression).

While moods and behaviors fluctuate normally, persistent and pervasive changes are concerning.
The duration of abnormal behavior is determined by expert consensus supported by scientific research, and varies across mental illnesses.

The concept of normality allows for individual variation and cultural differences, considering social conformity and personal comfort.
Abnormal behavior can become pathological, leading to the scientific study of mental disorders (psychopathology).
Clinical psychology applies scientific understanding to assess and treat psychological conditions in clinical settings.

There are various criteria for determining abnormal behavior, including:
- Norm-violation: behavior deviates from societal norms.
- Statistical rarity: behavior is statistically infrequent or uncommon.
- Personal discomfort: the individual experiences significant distress or unhappiness with their behavior.
- Deviation: behavior deviates from the individual's usual patterns and expectations.
- Maladaptiveness: behavior impairs functioning and ability to adapt to daily life.
Clinical assessment involves a systematic evaluation of a person's psychological, social, and biological factors, often using a combination of interviews, psychological tests, and observations to evaluate the severity of their condition.