Psychology Chapter 15.1 - Disorders Overview

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.