Psychopathology Flashcards
define statistical infrequency
includes the mean, median and mode, they are descriptive statistics used to represent a typical value. we define abnormal, as being outside of this typical value. e.g. having your first baby over 40 or under 20
evaluate statistical infrequency
.some abnormal behaviour is desirable, not therefore not bad or negative e.g. having an IQ of over 150 is considered abnormal, but not bad, in fact, desirable
.the cut off point for what is normal or abnormal is quite subjective e.g. sleeping more than 80% of the population or 90% of the population to consider depression?
define deviation from social norms
rather than statistical norms, we are looking at social norms for the population. Society has standards for what is considered acceptable behaviour, and so those who deviate from this would be considered abnormal. Some rules are implicit, like laughing at funerals, but some may be policed by laws, like how homosexuality was illegal until1967
evaluate deviation from social norms
.Norms change, today homosexuality is largely accepted by most people in Western culture when in the past it was considered a mental disorder. 50 years ago in Russia, those who disagreed with the state were considered isane
.Context e.g. wearing a bikini at the beach is considered normal, but a bikini on a bus in a cooler climate is unacceptable even though they are both in public and both legal
define failure to function adequately
not being able to cope with everyday living or carry out necessary task e.g. washing, eating, working etc. In some cases the individual will be distressed by not carrying out these functions, others like schizophrenia may not even be aware they can’t carry out those tasks. The DSM categorises people by rating them on a 1-5 scale and a score out of 180, includes, participation in society, communication etc
evaluate failure to function adequately
.Though some may deem in not functional, the people themselves may actually be functioning fine, e.g. getting attention from depression. Transvestitism is actually considered a mental disorder but the people themselves function fine
. Who can judge- subjective, not leaving the house for days could be considered to some as abnormal behaviour, but some will prefer it
Define deviation from ideal mental health
Developed from Marie Jahoda, define how we look at physical illness by seeing the absence of physical health.So she developed a list of what is considered ideal mental health and those that are missing these may have a mental disorder. e.g. autonomy, personal growth, integration, accurate perception of reality etc
evaluate deviation from ideal mental health
.Its a positive approach looks fro what is there, not what’s missing. A positive approach to mental health is important door some people in order to not be judged
.Unrealistic criteria, according to Jahoda’s criteria, most of us are abnormal, also difficult to measure, how do we measure environmental mastery etc
Emotional characteristic of phobias
Fear, anxiety, panic
Behavioural characteristics of phobias
Avoidance of stimuli, fight or flight response as well as freeze
Cognitive characteristic for phobia
Irrational, excessive thoughts, unreasonable
Emotional characteristics of depression
Sadness, empty, hopeless, loss of interest in hobbies
Behavioural characteristics of depression
Shift in activity levels, more/less sleeping, appetite may increase or decrease
Cognitive characteristics of depression
Negative self-concept, negative view of the world and future, expects things to go badly
Emotional characteristics of OCD
Stree, often they know it’s excessive which leads to embarrassment, also a common one is disgust, for germs
