Abnormal Psychology and Family Systems Therapy

Abnormal psychology is the branch of psychology that studies unusual patterns of behavior, emotion, and thought that could be understood as a mental disorder in a clinical context. There have been different approaches in trying to classify mental disorders. The science of abnormal psychology studies two types of behaviors: adaptive and maladaptive behaviors. Clinical psychology is the applied field of psychology that seeks to assess, understand, and treat psychological conditions in clinical practice. The supernatural, biological, and psychological traditions have been the three main approaches to abnormal behavior historically. Hippocrates and his associates were the first to suggest that abnormal behaviors can be treated like any other disease. The medical or biological perspective holds the belief that most or all abnormal behavior can be attributed to a medical factor. Irrational beliefs that are driven by unconscious fears can result in abnormal behavior. Sociocultural influences can also influence the development of abnormal behavior. The number of different theoretical perspectives in the field of psychological abnormality has made it difficult to properly explain psychopathology.Overview of Abnormal Psychology

• Abnormal psychology involves the study of mental disorders and abnormal behavior.

• The diathesis-stress model emphasizes the importance of applying multiple causality to psychopathology.

• The DSM-5 is the standard abnormal psychology and psychiatry reference book in North America.

• There is a wide range of mental disorders that are considered to be forms of Abnormal Psychology, including schizophrenia, ADHD, antisocial personality disorder, DID, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.

• Psychoanalytic theory, behavior therapy, humanistic therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy are common approaches to treating mental disorders.

• Play therapy is a form of humanistic therapy that involves a therapist observing a child as they play with toys and interact with their environment.

• The ICD-10 is the major international nosologic system for the classification of mental disorders.

• The ICD-11 is the most recent version of the International Classification of Diseases.

• Genetics, biological causal factors, socio-cultural factors, systemic factors, and biopsychosocial factors can all contribute to the development of mental disorders.

• PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common mental disorders that can be treated with therapy.

• The lack of funding and understanding of symptoms provides a major roadblock in providing therapies to all patients in need.

• Family systems therapies aim to treat the entire family, rather than just the individual with the mental disorder.Family Systems Therapy: Understanding and Benefits

• Family systems therapy focuses on the issues that arise within a family and the relationships between family members.

• Family systems therapy aims to improve the relationships between multiple people within a family through therapeutic intervention.

• For the best effect, it is recommended that the entire family be included in the therapy.

• Family management skills can be taught by family therapists, and include methods such as improving supervision, disciplinary practices, and creating environments that allow for positive interactions between parents and children.

• Child-parent attachment development involves altering or creating relationships between parents and children, in attempts to create secure bases for the child, and to facilitate trust, independence, and positive perceptions of family relationships.

• The goals of child-parent attachment development are often achieved by creating understanding regarding behaviors, creating opportunities for attachment, and increasing the family's ability to think about their history and relationships.

• Family systems therapy helps to improve family functioning.

• Family systems therapy can be used to treat a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems in children and adolescents.

• Family systems therapy has been found to be effective in improving family relationships and reducing symptoms of mental health issues.

• Family systems therapy can be combined with other types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, to provide a more comprehensive treatment approach.

• Family systems therapy is often conducted by licensed therapists who specialize in family therapy.

• Family systems therapy can be conducted in individual or group sessions, depending on the needs of the family.