1. Three classic signs suggest severe psychological disorder
Hallucinations
False sensory experiences
Delusions
A persistent false belief
Severe affective disturbances
A disturbance in mood or
feeling.
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2. Other Indicators of Abnormality
Other signs of a disorder are more subtle, and a diagnosis depends heavily on clinical judgment
Maladaptiveness
Distress
Irrationality
Unconventionality and undesirable behavior
Unpredictability
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Distress: Does the individual show unusual or prolonged levels of unease or anxiety.
Maladaptiveness: Does the individual act in ways that makes others fearful or that interferes with their well-being.
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Irrationality: Does the individual talk/act in ways that are irrational or incomprehensible to others.
Unpredictability: Does the individual behave erratically at different times, as if experiencing a loss of control
Unconventional and undesirable behavior: Does the individual behave in ways that violate social norms.
Ex: Strolling naked in the mall as opposed to dying you hair green.
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