Abnormal Psychology Overview Quiz

Abnormal Psychology

Introduction

Abnormal psychology focuses on understanding and treating various forms of disturbed behavior, thoughts, emotions, and relationships. It explores the range of human functioning beyond typical adaptability, addressing the causes of such deviation and providing strategies to manage or resolve these issues. Abnormal psychology covers a broad spectrum of mental disorders and related aspects, including assessment, diagnoses, treatment approaches, and underlying causes.

Mental Disorders

Mental disorders are characterised by changes in mood, thought process, and emotional regulation. These disorders can manifest as anxiety disorders, including panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias, and eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa. Other types of disorders include mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder; substance-related disorders, such as addiction to drugs or alcohol; and personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder.

Diagnostic Criteria

Diagnostic criteria for mental disorders are established through the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association. These criteria include specific symptoms that a person must exhibit for a certain duration and severity to qualify for a particular disorder diagnosis. For instance, someone with depression must experience persistently low or irritable mood for at least two weeks, accompanied by several additional symptoms like loss of appetite and insomnia.

Causes of Abnormal Behavior

The causes of abnormal behavior can stem from biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Genetic predispositions and physical abnormalities, such as hormonal imbalance, can contribute to mental disorders. Psychological factors involve complex interactions between cognition, emotion, and personality. Social and environmental influences, such as trauma, abuse, or neglect during critical stages of development, can significantly impact an individual's wellbeing.

Treatment Approaches

Treatment approaches for mental disorders vary depending on the condition and its severity. Common therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication management, and psychoanalysis. Treatment goals often include symptom relief, improved functioning, and increased quality of life.

Psychological Assessments

Psychological assessments play a crucial role in identifying mental disorders. Methods used include interviews, observation, standardized tests, and rating scales to evaluate symptoms and measure progress over time. Psychological assessments aid in diagnosis, planning effective treatments, monitoring treatment response, and determining the prognosis of a patient's recovery journey.

Test your knowledge on abnormal psychology, mental disorders, diagnostic criteria, causes of abnormal behavior, treatment approaches, and psychological assessments. Explore the diverse range of topics covered in the field of abnormal psychology.