chapter 15 & 16

Question 1

What are disorders?

Answer 1

diagnostic labels used as a shorthand for communication between MHPs (mental health professionals)
likewise, disorders are labels, they only describe. They do not explain behavior.
psychology’s attempt to define abnormal behavior.
have been around for less than 100 years

Question 2

Why does psychology concern itself with defining abnormal behavior?

Answer 2

People look to Psychology for help with behavioral and emotional problems,
particularly problems that interfere with daily routines

All behavior is the concern of psychology as it attempts to answer the four questions/goals
Do you think a person is abnormal if they are still able to work, attend school and have friends & relationships? Many would say that is the definition of normal.

Question 3

While attempting to satisfy the goals of psychology, attempting to label people abnormal creates some problems. Some concerns or problems about distinguishing normal from abnormal include:

Answer 3

it is a subjective process. What is normal for some (individuals) is not normal for others.
what is normal in some cultures is not normal in other cultures
labeling someone abnormal has consequences, indicating a permanent change or “disease”
they imply that to not be content (happy) most of the time indicates abnormality (most people associate abnormality with “defective” or “flawed” behavior)

Question 4

The DSM book – Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Disorders

Answer 4

Current version is 5, published in 2013
A reference source with criteria/symptoms of diagnostic labels
Does not explain causes of disorders
Does not recommend treatment
NOTE: Unless a condition is listed in the DSM, it is not a recognized disorder.

Question 5

Problems with diagnosing

Answer 5

Diagnoses can vary from clinician to clinician.
Criteria are not always followed.
A patient can lie about symptoms.
A patient may not know how to verbalize/recognize their symptoms.

Question 6

Transference

Answer 6

sometimes the client projects personal feelings about others onto the counselor. This can be good or bad.

Question 7

Resistance

Answer 7

what Freud called it when a client refuses to share certain feelings, experiences or emotions.`

Question 8

cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer 8

is the most taught and most used form of therapy today.

CBT also requires the client to accept that he or she is the cause of their own problems.

Question 9

What makes Postmodern therapy different?

Answer 9

According to Postmodern therapy you do not have to find the cause of a problem to feel better or improve your situation.
The client is the expert on their problem, not the therapist.
There is no “right way” to live.
Labels are not necessary.
Postmodern therapy is designed to be brief;