Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why is it challenging to define abnormal behavior?
Why is it challenging to define abnormal behavior?
What are some common misconceptions about abnormal behavior?
What are some common misconceptions about abnormal behavior?
Which of the following is NOT one of the proposed definitions of abnormal behavior?
Which of the following is NOT one of the proposed definitions of abnormal behavior?
What can be inferred about Juanita's behavior after entering high school?
What can be inferred about Juanita's behavior after entering high school?
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Juanita’s choice of clothing and grooming reflected what change in her behavior?
Juanita’s choice of clothing and grooming reflected what change in her behavior?
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What aspect of Juanita's behavior could indicate a dysfunction according to the definitions of abnormal behavior?
What aspect of Juanita's behavior could indicate a dysfunction according to the definitions of abnormal behavior?
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What was one of the varying diagnoses given to Juanita after her parents took her to a psychiatrist?
What was one of the varying diagnoses given to Juanita after her parents took her to a psychiatrist?
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Which characteristic behavior of Juanita raises concerns for mental health professionals?
Which characteristic behavior of Juanita raises concerns for mental health professionals?
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What is a disadvantage of defining abnormal behavior based on conformity to norms?
What is a disadvantage of defining abnormal behavior based on conformity to norms?
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Which statement about subjective distress is accurate?
Which statement about subjective distress is accurate?
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What is a criterion for determining if behavior is abnormal based on disability or dysfunction?
What is a criterion for determining if behavior is abnormal based on disability or dysfunction?
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Why might the danger criterion for abnormal behavior not apply in all cases?
Why might the danger criterion for abnormal behavior not apply in all cases?
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Which is NOT an advantage of using dysfunction as a criterion for abnormality?
Which is NOT an advantage of using dysfunction as a criterion for abnormality?
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What is a potential issue with using subjective distress as a measure for abnormal behavior?
What is a potential issue with using subjective distress as a measure for abnormal behavior?
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What can be a drawback of setting cutoff points in defining abnormal behavior?
What can be a drawback of setting cutoff points in defining abnormal behavior?
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Which of the following statements reflects a key point about abnormal behavior and mental illness?
Which of the following statements reflects a key point about abnormal behavior and mental illness?
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What is the primary purpose of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)?
What is the primary purpose of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)?
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What does 'dysfunction' refer to in the context of abnormality?
What does 'dysfunction' refer to in the context of abnormality?
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Which of the following axes in DSM-IV-TR addresses clinical disorders?
Which of the following axes in DSM-IV-TR addresses clinical disorders?
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Which of the following best describes 'cultural relativism'?
Which of the following best describes 'cultural relativism'?
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What does Axis V in the DSM-IV-TR assess?
What does Axis V in the DSM-IV-TR assess?
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What is indicated by the term 'biopsychosocial' in the context of abnormality?
What is indicated by the term 'biopsychosocial' in the context of abnormality?
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How does the DSM primarily differ from the ICD?
How does the DSM primarily differ from the ICD?
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What is one characteristic of the DSM-IV compared to its predecessors?
What is one characteristic of the DSM-IV compared to its predecessors?
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Which of the following is NOT considered a biological cause of abnormality?
Which of the following is NOT considered a biological cause of abnormality?
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What does 'distress' refer to in the context of defining abnormal behavior?
What does 'distress' refer to in the context of defining abnormal behavior?
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What are the 4 D's used to define abnormality in DSM-V?
What are the 4 D's used to define abnormality in DSM-V?
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What is the role of empirical research in psychopathology?
What is the role of empirical research in psychopathology?
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Which edition of the DSM introduced a multi-axial system for diagnosis?
Which edition of the DSM introduced a multi-axial system for diagnosis?
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What characteristic is essential for a syndrome to be considered a mental disorder?
What characteristic is essential for a syndrome to be considered a mental disorder?
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Which of the following is NOT considered a mental disorder under DSM IV-TR?
Which of the following is NOT considered a mental disorder under DSM IV-TR?
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What is one of the advantages of diagnosing mental disorders?
What is one of the advantages of diagnosing mental disorders?
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What does the diagnosis of mental disorders primarily aim to achieve?
What does the diagnosis of mental disorders primarily aim to achieve?
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Why are not all deviant behaviors classified as mental disorders?
Why are not all deviant behaviors classified as mental disorders?
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What role does research play in the diagnosis of mental disorders?
What role does research play in the diagnosis of mental disorders?
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Which of the following represents a key component of mental disorder diagnosis?
Which of the following represents a key component of mental disorder diagnosis?
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What is a primary focus when determining a mental disorder?
What is a primary focus when determining a mental disorder?
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Study Notes
Abnormal Behavior and Mental Illness
- Abnormal behavior is difficult to define as it lacks a single descriptive feature shared by all forms and no one criterion suffices.
- There is no clear boundary between normal and abnormal behavior.
- Common equated aspects of abnormal behavior: bizarre, dangerous, and shameful actions.
- Proposed definitions of abnormal behavior include:
- Conformity to social norms.
- Experience of subjective distress.
- Disability or dysfunction in functioning.
The Case of Juanita L.
- Juanita, initially normal, exhibited significant behavioral changes in high school, including severe grooming and obsessive religious behavior.
- Her academic performance declined, and she began isolating herself while expressing strict moral judgments on peers.
- Juanita's actions drew concern from her parents, leading to psychiatric intervention and varied diagnoses such as schizophrenia.
Classification of Abnormal Behavior
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Conformity to Norms
- Deviant behavior identified by statistical infrequency or violation of social norms.
- Advantages include intuitive appeal and clear cutoff points; disadvantages involve subjective choice of cutoff points and cultural relativity.
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Subjective Distress
- Focuses on individuals' feelings of happiness or fulfillment.
- Advantages include self-assessment capacity; disadvantages highlight that not all disordered individuals report distress.
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Disability/Dysfunction
- Identified by interpersonal or occupational issues in daily functioning.
- Advantages include observable dysfunction prompting help-seeking; disadvantages include challenges in defining adequate functioning standards.
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Danger
- Significance lies in the risk presented by an individual to themselves or others, though not all abnormal cases exhibit danger.
Key Points on Mental Illness
- Mental illness refers to a group of syndromes comprised of abnormal behaviors.
- The DSM-IV-TR defines mental disorders as clinically significant syndromes that lead to distress or functional impairment.
- Mental disorders must sustain a degree of dysfunction unrelated to culturally expected responses.
Importance of Diagnosis
- Diagnosis aids in communication among professionals and promotes empirical research.
- It facilitates a better understanding of etiology and directs effective treatment approaches.
DSM Overview
- Published by the American Psychiatric Association, the DSM details psychological disorders and uses a multi-axial system to evaluate conditions.
- The latest version, DSM-5, simplifies to single-line diagnosis with specifiers.
Cause of Abnormality
- Classifications include biological, psychological, and sociocultural dimensions, with a biopsychosocial approach emphasizing their interactions.
- Biological causes encompass genetics, medical conditions, and environmental stimuli.
- Psychological causes involve distressing life events and cognitive distortions.
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Description
Explore the complexities of diagnosing and classifying psychological problems in this quiz. Delve into topics such as abnormal behavior, mental illness, and the various classification systems like DSM IV-TR, DSM V, and ICD. Understand the challenges in defining what constitutes abnormal behavior.