Abnormal Psychology L1 Flashcards
Who studies mental disorders?
- Clinical Scientists
2. Clinical Practitioners (Psychologists)
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
What are biological treatments characterized by?
They focus on changing some aspect of physical functioning via medication.
Mental illness is seen as a disease to be cured
What are the different types of psychological treatments?
- Psychodynamic approach
- Humanistic approach
- Behavioral approach
- Cognitive-behavioral approach
- Integrated/Eclectic treatments
Describe the Psychodynamic approach to psychological treatment
Behavior is seen as the product of unconscious inner forces. Inner forces are created by past experiences (childhood trauma). The goal of therapy is to resolve the tension of these past experiences
Describe the Behavioral approach to psychological treatment
Behavior is modified by applying principles of conditioning. Focus is on the present. Treatment involves exposure, reinforcement, and punishment.
Describe the Cognitive approach to psychological treatment
Behavior is seen as a product of thought processes in response to situations. The goal is to identify and challenge destructive thought processes while emboldening positive thought processes.
Describe the Humanistic approach to psychological treatment
Focus is on teaching the patient to seek fulfillment and reach their potential. The goal is to help patients discover and achieve their potential.
Describe the Integrated/Eclectic approach to psychological treatment
Therapists tailor a range of techniques from different types of approaches to the individual.
What are the different forms of therapy?
- Individual
- Couple
- Family
- Group
