Psychology Lecture 6: Defining Abnormality

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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic of depression that is even more prominent than sadness?

Increased interest

Loss of pleasure

Lack of happiness (correct)

Lack of motivation

What is a criterion for Post Traumatic Stress Disorders?

The person has a family history of PTSD

The person has a general medical condition

The person experienced death or threatened death (correct)

The person was exposed to a natural disaster

What is NOT a characteristic of Post Traumatic Stress Disorders?

Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event

Positive alterations in cognitions and mood (correct)

Negative alterations in cognitions and mood

Intrusion symptoms associated with the traumatic event

What is the origin of the term 'schizophrenia'?

A split between the intellectual and emotional aspects of one personality Signup and view all the answers

What is a criterion for a major depression?

A period of sadness lasting weeks Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a characteristic of depression?

Increased motivation Signup and view all the answers

What is a criterion for Post Traumatic Stress Disorders that is not due to?

A general medical condition Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of depression that is often reported by people with depression?

They cannot imagine anything that would make them happy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Subjective experience of loss of control Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between depressive disorders and bipolar disorders?

Presence of manic episodes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

To rid themselves of troublesome thoughts or resist performing repetitive acts Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of mood disorders that is not present in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Mood swings Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary emotional state of individuals with depressive disorders?

Depressed Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) on an individual's daily life?

Impaired daily functioning Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between obsessive thoughts and compulsive acts?

Their nature, whether a thought or an act Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary emotional state of the individual described in the personal account of depression?

Miserable Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary assumption underlying the concept of deviance in abnormality?

That there is a normal range for specific aspects of psychological function Signup and view all the answers

According to the 'four Ds' criteria, what is an example of dysfunctional behavior?

Hindering daily life due to thoughts and behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10)?

To classify mental disorders Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of normality, according to the text?

An ability to exercise voluntary control over behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the threshold for determining abnormality in terms of psychological dysfunction?

When a person's behavior is hindering their daily life Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between anxiety and normality?

Anxiety is only considered unhealthy when it occurs in situations that most people can handle with little difficulty Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'four Ds' criteria in defining abnormality?

They are difficult to measure objectively and are influenced by social and cultural norms Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV)?

They are used to classify mental disorders and correspond generally to each other Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary symptom experienced by individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Constant sense of tension and dread Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of anxiety disorders in which anxiety is experienced when the individual attempts to control certain maladaptive behaviors?

Experiencing anxiety when attempting to control certain behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common complaint experienced by individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder?

Panic disorder is characterized by acute episodes of anxiety, while GAD is characterized by a constant sense of tension and dread Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary symptom experienced by individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Repetitive acts or thoughts Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of anxiety disorders in which anxiety is the main symptom?

Experiencing anxiety as the main symptom Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of anxiety disorders?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between anxiety disorders and other mental health disorders?

Anxiety disorders are characterized by feelings of anxiety, while other mental health disorders are characterized by feelings of sadness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor contributing to the development of schizophrenia according to the neurodevelopmental hypothesis?

Genetics and early environment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of individuals with antisocial personality disorder?

They lack a conscience and are self-centered Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between somatic symptom disorders and normal physical symptoms?

The level of anxiety and worry about the symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What defines normal and abnormal sexual interests and behaviors?

Cultural and societal norms Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of genetic factors in the development of antisocial personality disorder?

They play a significant role Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of individuals with somatic symptom disorders?

They are preoccupied with their symptoms and search for causes Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between parents and children in the development of antisocial personality disorder?

The parents are neglectful and hostile Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between illness anxiety disorder and conversion disorder?

One is characterized by anxiety, while the other is characterized by physical symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Defining Abnormality

The "four Ds" criteria for defining abnormality: Deviance, Distress, Dysfunctional, and Dangerous
Each criterion is influenced by social and cultural norms and can be difficult to measure objectively

Deviance

Defined as a deviation from the norm in a specific aspect of psychological function
Assumes a normal range for psychological function, with those outside the range considered abnormal

Distress

Involves feelings of anxiety, depression, or agitation, or experiences such as insomnia, loss of appetite, or numerous aches and pains
Can be considered abnormal if it interferes with daily life

Dysfunctional

Means that a person's thinking and/or behavior hinders their daily life, relationships, or performance at work or school
Requires establishing a threshold to determine when psychological dysfunction is abnormal

Dangerous

Involves a psychological condition that puts the person or others at risk of harm
Examples include suicidal feelings or paranoid delusions that lead to physical harm to others

Normality

Involves an appropriate perception of reality, ability to exercise voluntary control over behavior, self-esteem, ability to form affectionate relationships, and productivity

Classifying Mental Health Problems

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) are used to classify mental health problems

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is considered unhealthy only when it occurs in situations that most people can handle with little difficulty
Types of anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Anxiety Disorders: Symptoms

Physiological or somatic symptoms
Cognitive symptoms
Behavioral symptoms
Emotional symptoms

Mood Disorders

Divided into depressive disorders and bipolar disorders
Depressive disorders involve one or more periods of depression without a history of manic episodes
Bipolar disorders involve alternating periods of depression and mania

Post Traumatic Stress Disorders

Involves exposure to a traumatic event, such as death, serious injury, or sexual violation
Symptoms include intrusion, avoidance, and negative alterations in cognition and mood

Schizophrenia

Originates with nervous system impairments that develop before birth or in early childhood, due to genetics or early environment
Involves a disconnection between the intellectual and emotional aspects of the personality

Personality Disorders

Includes antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder
Antisocial personality disorder involves a maladaptive and inflexible way of dealing with the environment and others

Somatic Symptom Disorders

Involves psychological and physical symptoms, such as pain or physical symptoms without a medical explanation
Types include illness anxiety disorder and conversion disorder

Gender Identity Disorders

Normal and "abnormal" sexual interests and behaviors are defined and differentiated by society and culture

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Description

This quiz covers the criteria for defining abnormality in psychology, including the 'four Ds' of deviance, distress, dysfunctional, and dangerous. It also explores the challenges of measuring these criteria objectively.