Psychological Disorders Flashcards
(7 cards)
Define “normal” and “abnormal”
Normal Behavior: Behavior that aligns with societal norms and expectations.
Abnormal Behavior: Behavior that deviates from societal norms, causes distress, or impairs functioning.
Distinguishing Normal vs. Abnormal Behavior
Distress: Is the person suffering?
Dysfunction: Is their behavior interfering with daily life?
Deviance: Is the behavior significantly different from societal norms?
Danger: Does the behavior pose a risk to self or others?
Methods of Studying and Assessing Abnormal Behavior
Clinical Interviews: Chatting it out to gather comprehensive personal and psychological history.
Psychological Testing: Standardized tests to assess various aspects like intelligence, personality, and specific disorders.
Observation: Watching behavior in different settings to gather data.
Neuroimaging: Peeking into the brain’s structure and function.
Major Types of Psychological Disorders
Anxiety Disorders: Excessive fear or anxiety.
Mood Disorders: Disturbances in mood, like depression or bipolar disorder.
Psychotic Disorders: Distorted thinking and perception, like schizophrenia.
Personality Disorders: Enduring patterns of behavior that deviate from cultural expectations.
Eating Disorders: Abnormal eating habits, like anorexia or bulimia.
Theoretical Positions on Abnormal Behavior
Biological Perspective: Focuses on genetics, neurochemistry, and brain structure.
Psychodynamic Perspective: Emphasizes unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences.
Behavioral Perspective: Looks at learned behaviors and environmental influences.
Cognitive Perspective: Examines thought patterns and beliefs.
Humanistic Perspective: Centers on self-actualization and personal growth.
Types of Schizophrenic Disorders
Paranoid Type: Prominent delusions or auditory hallucinations.
Disorganized Type: Disorganized speech and behavior, flat or inappropriate affect.
Catatonic Type: Motor immobility or excessive motor activity.
Undifferentiated Type: Symptoms that don’t fit neatly into other categories.
Residual Type: Absence of prominent symptoms but continued presence of some disturbances.
Factors Contributing to Mental Illness
Biological Factors: Genetics, neurochemical imbalances, brain abnormalities.
Psychological Factors: Trauma, stress, maladaptive thought patterns.
Social Factors: Socioeconomic status, cultural norms, family dynamics.
