PSYCHOLOGY Introduction to Psychological Disorders

Judging abnormal behavior? zRate the following statements on the following scale: yRating Scale 1 (Normal) to 5 (Abnormal) zI like to cook. zA wind storm terrifies me. zEvil spirits posses me. zDirt disgusts me. zI cannot seem to do anything right. zAt times I feel like smashing things.

Judging abnormal behavior? Groups the judges ones behaviors include: 1.Individual involved 2.Society: Family/Friends/the public 3.Mental Health professionals

Psychological Disorders Psychological Disorder - a “harmful dysfunction” in which behavior is judged to be: 1.atypical - differs from the norm 2.disturbing--varies with time, culture, context of the situation 3.maladaptive--harmful 4.unjustifiable?

Historical Perspective Historically perceived causes: movements of sun or moon lunacy--full moon evil spirits/demons

Historical Perspective Ancient Treatments exorcism, caged like animals, beaten, burned, castrated, mutilated, blood replaced with animal’s blood Trephining - drill holes in skull to release demons P. Pinel & D. Dix -worked to improve treatment of the mentally ill

2 perspectives 1. Medical Model concept that diseases have physical causes can be diagnosed, treated, and in most cases, cured “mental” illnesses can be diagnosed on the basis of their symptoms and cured through therapy, which may include treatment in a psychiatric hospital

2 perspectives 2. Bio-Psycho-Social Perspective assumes that biological, sociocultural, and psychological factors combine and interact to produce psychological disorders

Psychological Disorders

Classifying Disorders DSM-IV  American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders  a widely used system for classifying psychological disorders  presently distributed as DSM-IV-TR (text revision)

DSM Info about the DSM: 1.DSM is used to classify disorders 2.The DSM looks at observable behaviors allowing it to be more reliable 3.It does NOT explain causes 4.It has been criticized for being too excessively broad in its range

Classifying Disorders Spectrum of Mental Illness: Neurotic Psychotic

Classifying Disorders Neurotic Disorder usually distressing but that allows one to think rationally and function socially

Classifying Disorders Psychotic Disorder loss of contact with reality experiences irrational ideas & distorted perceptions

Rates of Psychological Disorders