1.1 Introduction to Abnormal Psychology

Course Objectives:

This course aims at providing students with a survey of behavioral disorders in terms of the biological, psychological, and sociocultural constellation of the person.
While several orientations to the study of psychological disorders will be discussed, the primary emphasis will be put on the scientific study of these disorders from an empirical perspective

Course Intended Learning Outcomes:

Describe and explain the symptomatology, etiology and therapy of various disorders introduced in the course using a biopsychosocial perspective;
Apply their understanding of symptomatology and etiology and make a diagnosis based on presenting symptoms and suggest evidence-based treatments; and Explore and analyze the emotional, physical, and medical, implications of psychopathologies.
Describe and explain the symptomatology, etiology and therapy of various disorders introduced in the course using a biopsychosocial perspective;
Apply their understanding of symptomatology and etiology and make a diagnosis based on presenting symptoms and suggest evidence-based treatments; and Explore and analyze the emotional, physical, and medical, implications of psychopathologies.

What Do We Mean By Abnormality?

Indicators of Abnormality

Subjective Distress
Maladaptiveness
Statistical Deviancy
Violation of the Standards of Society
Social Discomfort
Irrationality and Unpredictability
Dangerousness

Mental Disorder

Associated with distress or disability.
Biological, psychological, or developmental dysfunction in individual.
Clinically significant disturbance in behavior, emotional regulation, or cognitive function.

Classification and Diagnosis

Advantages of Classification Systems

Provide nomenclature and common language
Allow information structuring
Facilitate research
Establish the range of problems to address

Disadvantages of Classification

Loss of individual’s information
Stigma and stereotyping associated with diagnosis
Self-concept impacted by diagnostic labeling

Is there Any Way for US To Reduce Prejudicial Attitudes Toward People Who Are

Mentally ill?

Arthur and Colleagues (2010)

Negative reactions are widespread global phenomena
Understanding of neurobiological basis does not lessen stigma
Actual contact with individuals does lessen stigma

Culture and Abnormality

Presentation of disorders found worldwide
Certain forms of highly culture-specific psychopathology

How Common Are Mental Disorders?

Significant question for many reasons:
Planning, establishing, and funding mental health services for specific disorders;
Providing clues to causes of mental disorders.

Epidemiology

Epidemiology: Study of distribution of diseases, disorders, or health-related behaviors in a given population.

Prevalence: Number of active cases in population during any given period of time. Different types of prevalence estimates (point, 1-year, lifetime).

Incidence: Number of new cases in population over given period of time. Incidence figures are typically lower than prevalence figures

Treatment

Not all people receive treatment
Vast majority of treatment is done on outpatient basis
Inpatient hospitalization typically in psychiatric units

Mental Health Professionals

Diagnosis and assessment involves participants who:

Play differing roles in the process
Gather comprehensive evaluation patient data

Clinical Psychologist
Educational Psychologist
Counseling Psychologist
School Psychologist
Psychiatrist
Clinical Social Worker
Psychiatric Nurse
Occupational Therapist
Pastoral Counselor

Research Approaches in Abnormal Psychology

Benefits of Research

• Learn about a disorder’s symptoms, prevalence, duration (acute, chronic), and accompanying problems • Understand etiology and nature of disorder • Discover how to provide the best patient care

Sources of Information

**Case studies: ** Specific individual observed and described in detail. Subject to bias of author of case study.

Self-report data:
Participants asked to provide information about themselves. Interviews.

Observational approaches:
Collecting information without asking participants directly for it. Outward behavior can be observed directly.