definitions of abnormality

Question 1

what are the 4 definitions of abnormality

Answer 1

statistical infrequency, deviation from social norms, deviation from ideal mental health, failure to function adequately

Question 2

diagnosis through statistical infrequency means that

Answer 2

we diagnose mental illness when they have traits that are very rare

Question 3

weaknesses of diagnosis through statistical infrequency is

Answer 3

• not all rare traits are disorders; for example, extremely high intelligence is rare but desirable, so we don’t call it a disorder
• the cutoff point for receiving treatment is decided on objectively
• some mental disorders such as depression and anxiety are very common, affecting around 1 in 6 UK adults. This definition wouldn’t include them.

Question 4

strengths of diagnosis through statistical infrequency is

Answer 4

• very objective criteria