Definitions of abnormality Flashcards
Describe the concept of Statistical Infrequency in defining abnormality.
Statistical Infrequency is a mathematical method for defining abnormality where rare behaviors are considered abnormal. It relies on the normal distribution of human attributes within the population, using standard deviation to determine how far scores fall from the mean.
Explain the limitations of using Statistical Infrequency to define abnormality.
Critics argue that quantifying abnormality, despite being objective, does not account for rare but desirable behaviors and that even abnormal behaviors can occur frequently, such as depression.
Define Deviation from Social Norms in the context of abnormality.
Deviation from Social Norms refers to behaviors that do not fit within what is socially acceptable, based on implied, unwritten rules that society follows.
How does culture influence the definition of abnormality according to Deviation from Social Norms?
Culture impacts what is considered ‘abnormal’ and acceptable, making it difficult to understand social norms unless one has been immersed in the culture for a long time.
Explain the flexibility of Social Norms in defining abnormality.
Social norms are flexible and recognize that age and context can alter perceptions of behavior, which helps maintain order in society.
Discuss the importance of the six criteria for ‘normality’ in defining abnormality.
The six criteria for ‘normality’ include personal autonomy, self-actualization, positive self-attitude, resistance to stress, environmental mastery, and accurate perception of reality. Meeting all criteria is necessary to be deemed normal.
What are the implications of not meeting the criteria for ‘normality’?
If an individual does not meet one of the six criteria for ‘normality’, they are considered abnormal and may require targeted interventions to address their behavior.
Describe the focus of the Deviation from Ideal Mental Health definition of abnormality.
This definition focuses on what is helpful for the individual, emphasizing positive attributes and mental health rather than just the absence of illness.
Identify a criticism of the Deviation from Ideal Mental Health definition.
A major criticism is that it is practically impossible for individuals to achieve all six criteria for ‘normality’, and the criteria can be culturally biased.
Explain the concept of Failure to Function Adequately in defining abnormality.
Failure to Function Adequately refers to an individual’s inability to cope with everyday life, which can manifest in areas such as hygiene and work.
List the factors that indicate Failure to Function Adequately.
Factors include unpredictability, maladaptive behavior, personal distress, irrationality, observer discomfort, violation of moral standards, and unconventionality.
How can Failure to Function Adequately be assessed?
It can be assessed using the Global Assessment of Functioning scale, which evaluates an individual’s ability to function in daily life.
Define OCD and its main components.
OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, is classified as an anxiety disorder characterized by two main components: obsessions, which are intrusive thoughts, and compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors.
Describe the clinical characteristics of OCD.
The clinical characteristics of OCD include behavioral aspects like repetition and compulsions, emotional aspects such as anxiety and depression, and cognitive aspects involving selective attention and obsessive thoughts.
Explain the biological explanation of OCD.
The biological explanation of OCD suggests that it may be inherited, with specific genes like the COMT gene regulating dopamine and the SERT gene linked to lower serotonin levels. High dopamine and low serotonin levels are implicated, along with brain regions like the basal ganglia and orbitofrontal cortex.
How does the basal ganglia relate to OCD symptoms?
The basal ganglia influence the coordination of movement, and patients with head injuries in this region often develop OCD-like symptoms after recovery, indicating its role in the disorder.
What research supports the genetic basis of OCD?
Research by Lewis (1936) found that 37% of OCD patients had parents with the disorder, and 21% had siblings with it, supporting the genetic link. Additionally, Nestadt et al. (2010) found a higher prevalence of OCD in MZ twins (68%) compared to DZ twins (31%).
Evaluate the biological treatments for OCD.
Biological treatments for OCD include SSRIs, which increase serotonin levels, and benzodiazepines, which enhance GABA action to reduce anxiety. SSRIs have been shown to be more effective than placebos, are cost-effective, and non-disruptive.
Describe how SSRIs function in treating OCD.
SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, function by increasing the level of serotonin available in the synapse by preventing its reabsorption into the sending cell, which improves mood and alleviates OCD symptoms.
Explain the role of benzodiazepines in treating OCD.
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the action of the neurotransmitter GABA, which slows down neuronal firing in the brain, thereby reducing anxiety associated with OCD.
Discuss the implications of the biological explanation of OCD.
The biological explanation of OCD has good implications for treatment, such as the use of SSRIs, which can effectively manage symptoms, and it highlights the importance of understanding the genetic and neurobiological factors involved.
How does the biological explanation of OCD demonstrate reductionism?
The biological explanation of OCD is considered biologically reductionist as it focuses primarily on the role of genetic and neurobiological factors, potentially overlooking psychological and environmental influences.
What are the advantages of drug treatments for OCD compared to psychological treatments?
Drug treatments for OCD, such as SSRIs and benzodiazepines, are often more cost-effective, non-disruptive, and do not require the same level of motivation as psychological treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Describe the characteristics of depression as a mood disorder.
Depression is characterized by low mood or loss of pleasure in activities for a prolonged period, along with clinical characteristics such as reduced appetite and sleep (behavioral), feelings of anger and worthlessness (emotional), and negative thoughts and inability to concentrate (cognitive).
Explain the cognitive explanation of depression according to Beck.
Beck’s cognitive explanation suggests that cognitive biases, such as catastrophizing and negative self-schema, lead individuals to interpret information about themselves negatively, maintaining a negative triad of thoughts about the self, the world, and the future.
How does Ellis’s ABC model explain the cause of depression?
Ellis’s ABC model posits that depression is caused by an activating event, which leads to an irrational belief, resulting in negative consequences. This model emphasizes the role of irrational thoughts in the development of depression.
Evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive treatments for depression.
Cognitive treatments, such as CBT and REBT, are effective in challenging and changing irrational thoughts. Research, such as March et al. (2007), shows CBT can be as effective as antidepressants, but a combination of both is most effective. However, CBT requires motivation, which may be a barrier for those with severe depression.
What are the implications of cognitive biases in depression?
Cognitive biases, such as negative interpretations and hopelessness about the future, contribute to the maintenance of depression. Research by Boury et al. (2001) supports this by showing that depressed patients are more likely to misinterpret information negatively.
Define the role of CBT in treating depression.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) identifies irrational thoughts, and the patient works with the therapist to challenge these thoughts by discussing evidence for and against them, as well as testing beliefs through behavioral experiments and homework.
Explain the concept of logical and empirical disputing in REBT.
In Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), logical disputing involves questioning the logic of a person’s thoughts, while empirical disputing seeks evidence to support or refute those thoughts.
Discuss the limitations of cognitive explanations of depression.
Cognitive explanations do not account for the origins of irrational thoughts or faults, and biological explanations, such as low serotonin levels, may be more compatible with scientific aims and objectivity.
How does motivation affect the engagement with CBT in depressed patients?
Patients with severe depression may lack the motivation to engage with CBT or attend therapy sessions, which can limit the effectiveness of this treatment approach.
What research supports the cognitive explanation of depression?
Research by Boury et al. (2001) found that patients with depression were more likely to misinterpret information negatively and feel hopeless about their future, supporting the cognitive explanation of depression.
Define phobias in the context of anxiety disorders.
Phobias are categorized as an anxiety disorder that causes an irrational fear of a particular object or situation.
Describe the clinical characteristics of phobias.
Clinical characteristics of phobias include avoidance and panic (behavioral), fear and anxiety (emotional), and selective attention and irrational beliefs (cognitive).
Explain the two-process model proposed by Mowrer (1947) regarding phobias.
The two-process model suggests that classical conditioning explains how phobias are acquired, while operant conditioning explains how they are maintained.
How does classical conditioning contribute to the development of phobias?
Classical conditioning occurs when a neutral stimulus is associated with something that is already feared, leading the neutral stimulus to become a conditioned stimulus that produces fear.
What role does operant conditioning play in maintaining phobias?
Operant conditioning maintains phobias through negative reinforcement, where avoidance of the phobic stimulus reduces anxiety, reinforcing the avoidance behavior.
Describe the findings of Watson and Raynor (1920) related to phobias.
Watson and Raynor demonstrated that a fear response could be induced through classical conditioning, as seen in the case of Little Albert, who learned to fear white rats.
Explain the concept of systematic desensitization in treating phobias.
Systematic desensitization involves creating a fear hierarchy with the patient and therapist, teaching relaxation techniques, and achieving ‘reciprocal inhibition’ to counter-condition the phobia.
What is flooding in the context of phobia treatment?
Flooding involves exposing the individual to the anxiety-inducing stimulus immediately, preventing avoidance until the phobia is extinguished.
Evaluate the effectiveness of systematic desensitization based on research.
Research by McGrath et al. (1990) found that 75% of patients with phobias were successfully treated using systematic desensitization.
Discuss the limitations of behavioral treatments for phobias.
Behavioral treatments may not help with all phobias, such as those evolved for survival or social phobias, and alternative factors like cognitive and evolutionary influences are often not considered.
Compare the advantages of systematic desensitization and flooding as treatments for phobias.
Systematic desensitization is often favored as it is less traumatic, while flooding is more cost-effective due to its immediate nature.
What is the goal of reciprocal inhibition in systematic desensitization?
The goal of reciprocal inhibition is to achieve a state where two emotional states cannot exist at once, allowing the patient to be relaxed in the presence of their phobic stimulus.
