PSYCHOLOGY

Introduction to Psychological

Disorders

Judging abnormal behavior?

Rate the following statements on the following scale: Rating Scale 1 (Normal) to 5 (Abnormal)

I like to cook.A wind storm terrifies me.Evil spirits posses me.Dirt disgusts me.I cannot seem to do anything right.At times I feel like smashing things.

Judging abnormal behavior?

Groups the judges ones behaviors include:

1. Individual involved2. Society: Family/Friends/the public3. Mental Health professionals

Psychological DisordersPsychological Disorder - a “harmful

dysfunction” in which behavior is judged to be:

1. atypical - differs from the norm2. disturbing--varies with time, culture,

context of the situation3. maladaptive--harmful

4. unjustifiable?

Historical PerspectiveHistorically 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 perspectives1. 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 perspectives2. Bio-Psycho-Social Perspective• assumes that biological, sociocultural, and

psychological factors combine and interact to produce psychological disorders

Psychological Disorders

Classifying DisordersDSM-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)

DSMInfo about the DSM:

1. DSM is used to classify disorders2. The DSM looks at observable behaviors

allowing it to be more reliable3. It does NOT explain causes4. 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 realityexperiences irrational ideas & distorted perceptions

Rates of Psychological Disorders