Abnormal Psychology, Exam 1 (1-7)

Abnormal Psychology - understanding the nature, causes, and treatment of mental disorders. Relevance - Mental disorders are all around us portrayed in TV shows, news, movies and in our personal lives through friends, relatives or ourselves (examples). Family Aggregation - When a disorder runs in the family Indicators of abnormality - No single indicator is sufficient in an of itself to define or determine abnormality. The more that someone has difficulties in the following areas, the more likely he or she is to have some form of mental disorder. Subjective Distress - suffering/psychological pain i.e. people suffering from depression or anxiety typically report distress. Being stressed over an exam does NOT mean you have a mental disorder. Any one of these indicators is not sufficient or necessary to be considered a disorder. Maladaptiveness - behavior that interferes with our well-being and with our ability to enjoy our work and our relationships. Statistical Deviancy - Not only "not normal" but an added value judgement i.e. genius is a statistical deviancy, but is not considered abnormal while learning disabilities are also a statistical deviancy and are considered abnormal. Violation of the standards of society - breaking laws, not following norms. These are relative to each culture. Social discomfort - those around the abnormal behavior become uncomfortable i.e. sitting next to someone on a bus when all seats are empty Irrationality and unpredictability - unorthodox behavior that cannot be controlled by the individual i.e. screaming obscenities at nothing on the bus Dangerousness - being at danger to oneself or others. Therapists and other professionals are required to hospitalize/call police. VERY IMPORTANT: not all people who are diagnosed with a mental disorder are a danger to others. Bad drivers don't all have a mental disorder!!! Society and Abnormality - Abnormality is defined by society and its expectations and values. EX: Homosexuality was classified as a mental disorder until 1974 DSM-5 - The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Revised and updated from time to time. Used to help define mental disorders In the U.S. it is the accepted standard for defining various types of mental disorders Advantages of Classification - Nomenclature: a naming system that allows professionals in the field to communicate fluently about patients Helps us structure information and organize it (this also facilitates research and greater understanding) Insurance reimbursement: helps delineate what types of psychological difficulties warrant insurance reimbursement and the extent of that reimbursement Disadvantages of Classification - 1. Loss of information: simply knowing a person's diagnosis can be practical, but there is much more information about the individual that is left out 2. Stigma: disgrace. People feel far more comfortable sharing physical illness than mental illness. It can deter people from seeking help! (men, young, ethnic minorities, vets, mental health professionals) 3. Stereotyping: automatic beliefs about other people i.e. New Yorkers are rude 4. Labeling: the label itself can affect the person's well being due to a change in self-concept what groups are most affected by stigma to the point that it deters them from seeking treatment? - men, ethnic minorities, younger people, military personnel and mental health professionals