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Questions and Answers
What is a psychological disorder?
What does 'abnormal' refer to in the context of psychological disorders?
Beliefs and behaviors that suggest the existence of a psychological disorder
What is Psychopathology?
The study of psychological disorders including symptoms, etiology, and treatment
What is Etiology in relation to psychological disorders?
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It is important for mental health professionals to agree on what kinds of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are abnormal.
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What does 'normal' depend on?
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An example of what is normal can be defined as __________.
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What does atypical behavior signify?
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What might we look at when evaluating atypical behaviors?
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Behavior does not vary from one culture to another.
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When does dysfunction occur?
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There is a universal definition of psychological disorder that applies to all situations.
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What are the criteria for a psychological disorder as per the American Psychiatric Association (APA)?
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Study Notes
Psychological Disorders Overview
- Psychological disorders involve abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may indicate mental health issues.
Definition of Abnormal
- Abnormality in behavior suggests potential psychological disorders; it can encompass unconventional or idiosyncratic actions.
Distinguishing Disorders
- Psychologists differentiate psychological disorders from behaviors that are situational or unique to the individual, avoiding misdiagnosis.
Psychopathology
- The field studying psychological disorders includes examining symptoms, causes (etiology), and treatment approaches.
Etiology
- Etiology refers to the underlying causes of psychological disorders, critical for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Agreement on Abnormality
- Mental health professionals need consensus on what constitutes abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors for accurate diagnosis.
Understanding Normal Behavior
- Definitions of 'normal' behavior are context-dependent; it varies based on circumstances and the severity of behaviors experienced.
Examples of Normal Behavior
- Common emotional responses like sadness or anxiety are considered normal when they occur in proportionate situations.
Atypical Behavior
- Behavior that deviates from societal norms may indicate a psychological disorder. For instance, extreme emotional reactions like aggression in response to neglect can be classified as atypical.
Cultural Context in Abnormality
- Behaviors deemed atypical may violate cultural norms. An example includes someone exhibiting inappropriate behavior (e.g., wearing winter clothes in summer and shouting).
Cultural Variation
- Behavior expectations can differ widely across cultures; practices like eye contact can be seen as rude in some societies, indicating variability in norms.
Dysfunctional Mechanisms
- Dysfunction occurs when internal mechanisms fail to operate correctly, resulting in harmful consequences for individuals or those around them.
Definition of Harmful Dysfunction
- There is no universally applicable definition of a psychological disorder, as different situations may signify disorder presence.
APA Definition of Psychological Disorder
- According to the American Psychiatric Association, psychological disorders are marked by:
- Significant disturbances in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
- Reflection of biological, psychological, or developmental dysfunction.
- Resulting distress or disability in daily functioning.
- Lack of alignment with expected reactions to cultural norms or specific events.
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Description
Dive into the world of psychological disorders with these flashcards. This quiz explores the definitions and characteristics of abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Test your knowledge on key concepts and terminology in psychology.
