Learning Unit 1: Introduction to Abnormal
Behaviour
Abnormal behaviour
Patterns of thinking, feeling, or behaving that are considered unusual, distressing,
dysfunctional, or culturally inappropriate.
1.1 Key criteria used to identify abnormal behaviour
● Deviance – behaviour that differs from social norms.
● Distress – behaviour causes emotional suffering.
● Dysfunction – behaviour interferes with daily functioning.
● Danger – behaviour poses risk to self or others.
1.2 Understanding abnormal behaviour
1.2.1 Abnormal behaviour cannot be explained by a single factor. Psychologists use the
multipath model, which considers the interaction of:
● Biological factors
● Psychological factors
● Social factors
● Sociocultural influences
1.3 Classification systems
1.3.1 Mental disorders are classified using:
● DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)
● ICD (International Classification of Diseases)
1.3.2 These systems help clinicians diagnose disorders and guide treatment, although they
may have cultural limitations
Learning Unit 2: Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders
Involve excessive fear or anxiety that interferes with daily functioning.
1.1 Characteristics
● Persistent worry
● Physical symptoms (rapid heartbeat, sweating)
● Avoidance of feared situations
, 1.2 Major anxiety disorders
● Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – excessive worry about many areas of life.
● Panic Disorder – sudden panic attacks with intense fear.
● Phobias – intense fear of specific objects or situations.
● Social Anxiety Disorder – fear of social situations and being judged.
1.3 Causes (Multipath model)
● Biological factors – genetics, brain chemistry.
● Psychological factors – learned fears, cognitive distortions.
● Social factors – stressful life events.
1.4 Treatment often includes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication.
Learning Unit 3: Trauma- and Stressor-Related
Disorders
These disorders occur after exposure to traumatic or stressful events.
1.1 Examples
● Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
● Acute Stress Disorder
● Adjustment Disorders
1.2 Common symptoms
● Intrusive memories
● Nightmares
● Emotional numbness
● Avoidance of reminders of trauma
● Hyperarousal (easily startled, constant alertness)
1.3 Causes
1.3.1 Trauma exposure such as:
● Violence
● Abuse
● Accidents
● Natural disasters
1.4 Risk is influenced by individual resilience, social support, and biological vulnerability.
Behaviour
Abnormal behaviour
Patterns of thinking, feeling, or behaving that are considered unusual, distressing,
dysfunctional, or culturally inappropriate.
1.1 Key criteria used to identify abnormal behaviour
● Deviance – behaviour that differs from social norms.
● Distress – behaviour causes emotional suffering.
● Dysfunction – behaviour interferes with daily functioning.
● Danger – behaviour poses risk to self or others.
1.2 Understanding abnormal behaviour
1.2.1 Abnormal behaviour cannot be explained by a single factor. Psychologists use the
multipath model, which considers the interaction of:
● Biological factors
● Psychological factors
● Social factors
● Sociocultural influences
1.3 Classification systems
1.3.1 Mental disorders are classified using:
● DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)
● ICD (International Classification of Diseases)
1.3.2 These systems help clinicians diagnose disorders and guide treatment, although they
may have cultural limitations
Learning Unit 2: Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders
Involve excessive fear or anxiety that interferes with daily functioning.
1.1 Characteristics
● Persistent worry
● Physical symptoms (rapid heartbeat, sweating)
● Avoidance of feared situations
, 1.2 Major anxiety disorders
● Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – excessive worry about many areas of life.
● Panic Disorder – sudden panic attacks with intense fear.
● Phobias – intense fear of specific objects or situations.
● Social Anxiety Disorder – fear of social situations and being judged.
1.3 Causes (Multipath model)
● Biological factors – genetics, brain chemistry.
● Psychological factors – learned fears, cognitive distortions.
● Social factors – stressful life events.
1.4 Treatment often includes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication.
Learning Unit 3: Trauma- and Stressor-Related
Disorders
These disorders occur after exposure to traumatic or stressful events.
1.1 Examples
● Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
● Acute Stress Disorder
● Adjustment Disorders
1.2 Common symptoms
● Intrusive memories
● Nightmares
● Emotional numbness
● Avoidance of reminders of trauma
● Hyperarousal (easily startled, constant alertness)
1.3 Causes
1.3.1 Trauma exposure such as:
● Violence
● Abuse
● Accidents
● Natural disasters
1.4 Risk is influenced by individual resilience, social support, and biological vulnerability.
