Abnormal Psychology L1 Flashcards
Who studies mental disorders?
- Clinical Researchers
- Clinicians and Mental Health Workers
What are the different element used to define mental health problems?
- Infrequency
- Deviance
- Distress
- Disability
- Danger
Describe how frequency relates to mental health problems?
The behavior is not displayed by many people - it is therefore infrequent and abnormal.
Describe how deviance is used to define mental health problems?
If something deviates from the normal majority then it is a mental health problems.
What is the important catch when using deviance to define mental health problems?
That deviance is contextual - what are you deviating from? Gender roles? Cultural expectation?
Describe how distress can be used to define mental health problems?
If the behavior puts someone in distress - makes them suffer - then it is a mental health problem.
Can distress used to be define all mental health problems?
No, for instance people with narcissistic personality disorder + children don’t suffer. Requires awareness.
Describe how disability can be used to define mental health problems?
Behavior that results in impairment (ie social anxiety or occupational anxiety)
Describe how danger can be used to define mental health problems?
If the behavior is dangerous to the individual or others around them then it is a mental health problem.
Can danger be used to define all mental health problems?
No - there are many mental health problems that do not typically pose threats to individuals or their peers.
Can disability be used to define mental health problems?
No - not all mental health problems are disallowing (could just apply to a specific context and not to greater context of life)
What is the best way to define a mental health problem?
As a combination of all five elements - a holistic approach must be taken.
What is significant about the DSM-5 definition of a mental health problem?
It is very open ended, and allows for a wide variety of problems.
Who made the first attempt to define a mental health problem?
Emil Kraepelin (1883)
What are the two overarching approaches to treating mental disorders?
- Biomedical treatment (drugs)
2. Psychological treatments