Introduction to Abnormal Psychology

Abnormal Psychology
Study of individuals with mental, emotional, and physical pain
Application of science in the study of mental disorders
Study of abnormal behavior
Often referred as Psychopathology
Psychopathology
Defined as the study of significant causes and processes in the development of mental
disorders.
Difference between presenting problem and clinical description

Difference between PREVALENCE AND INCIDENCE

COURSE
General manifestations of disorder
Differs in symptoms because symptoms are specific
Difference AMONG CHRONIC, EPISODIC AND TIME LIMITED

CHRONIC- Tend to last a long time or a lifetime

EPISODIC -Happening in a certain time and then recurring

TIME LIMITED - Occurring within a short or certain period of time only

ONSET
When did the abnormal behavior started manifesting

Difference BETWEEN ACUTE AND INSIDIOUS

ACUTE -Beginning Suddenly

-Jens symptoms were so immediate that it just happened today right in front of me
without any reason.

INSIDIOUS -Developing gradually over an extended period

-Jens symptoms had been brewing slowly. A few weeks ago she just mentioned
that she had sleep disturbances. Last week she was almost in blank stares. Now she
cannot work anymore.

Difference BETWEEN PROGNOSIS AND DIAGNOSIS

PROGNOSIS - Anticipated course or outcome of a disorder

-

Dingdong is now sleeping well. His last crying spell was over two weeks ago.
Thoughts of suicide have also subsided. His symptoms have subsided and he
may be ready for a discharge.

DIAGNOSIS - An official clinical description and label of the syndromes of the client
-Jens symptoms had been brewing slowly. A few weeks ago she just
mentioned that she had sleep disturbances. Last week she was almost in blank stares.
Now she cannot work anymore. The doctor thinks of this condition as Depression.

CRITERIA FOR NORMALITY

Average - Accepted by majority

Personal Comfort - Comfort and pleasure is normal

Social Conformity- Conform to social norms

Process- Follow norms to be normal

Ideal- Most people wants

STIGMA
Refers to the destructible beliefs and attitudes held by society ascribed to groups
considered different in manner, such as people with mental illness
CULTURE AND GENDER
- Affect ways how people express their
symptoms.
-Influence peoples willingness to admit certain types of behavior.
-Can influence the types of treatments deemed acceptable or
helpful for maladaptive behaviors.