psychopathology Flashcards
what are the four definitions of abnormality?
-statistical infrequency
-deviation from social norms
-failure to function adequately
-deviation from ideal mental health
what is statistical infrequency?
occurs when an individual has less common characteristics.Being below average or above average could be seen as abnormal.
what is an example of statistical infrequency?
IQ and intellectual disability disorder (when IQ is below 70)
Evaluation 1- real world application (statistical infrequency)
-a strength
-can be used in clinical practices, both as part of formal diagnosis and a way to assess the individuals symptoms
-shown in Becks depression inventory where a score of 30+ is widely interpreted as indicating severe depression
-this shows that the value of statistical infrequency criterion is useful in diagnostic and assessment processes
Evaluation 2- unusual characteristics can be positive (statistical infrequency)
-a limitation
-infrequent characteristics can be seen as positive as well as negative
-we do not think of someone as abnormal for having a high IQ
-this shows statistical infrequency can form part of an assessment but is never sufficient as the social basis for defining abnormality
what is deviation from social norms?
concerns behaviour that is different from the accepted standards of behaviour in a community or society
what is an example of deviation from social norms?
-antisocial personality disorder
what is antisocial behaviour?
-being impulsive,aggressive and irresponsible
- associated with failure to conform to lawful and culturally normative ethical behaviour, which is considered abnormal
Evaluation 1- real world application(deviation from social norms)
-a strength
-used in clinical practices and has value in psychiatry
-can play a part in diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder and schizoptypal personality disorder
-this shows that the deviation from social norms criterion has value in psychiatry
Evaluation 2- cultural and situational relativism (deviation from social norms)
-a limitation
-there are different social norms in different cultures and situations
-a person can label someone as abnormal from one culture but another person from another culture can label someone as normal
-for example hearing voices in some cultures can be seen as a gift but would be seen as abnormal in the UK
-so its difficult to judge deviation from social norms
what is failure to function adequately?
occurs when someone is unable to cope with ordinary demands of day-to-day living
when is someone failing to function adequately?
-when a person no longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules e.g. maintaining eye contact
-when experiencing severe personal distress
-when a persons behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous to themselves or others
(proposed by Rosenhan and Seligman)
Evaluation 1- represents a threshold for help(failure to function adequately)
-it represents a sensible threshold for when people need help
-around 25% of people in the UK will experience a mental health problem
-when people cease to function adequately, they seek professional help or referred for help from others
-means that treatments can be targeted to those who need it most
Evaluation 2-discrimination and social control(failure to function adequately)
-a limitation
-it can be hard to say when someone is really failing to function or whether its their choice
-some people with alternatives choose to live off-grid
-means people who make unusual choices are at risk of being labelled abnormal and their freedom of choice may be restricted
what are the three categories of phobias according to the DSM?
-specific phobia
-social anxiety
-agoraphobia
what is specific phobia?
-phobia of an object or body part or a situation
what is social anxiety?
-phobia of social situation such as public speaking or using public toilets
what is agoraphobia?
-phobia of being outside or in a public place
what are the three behavioural characteristics of phobias?
-panic
-avoidance
-endurance
what are the three emotional characteristics of phobias?
-anxiety
-fear
-emotional response is unreasonable
what are the three cognitive characteristics of phobias?
-selective attention to the phobic stimulus
-irrational beliefs
-cognitive distortions
what are the four categories of depression according to the DSM?
-major depressive disorder
-persistent depressive disorder
-disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
-premenstrual dysphoric disorder
what is major depressive disorder?
severe but often short depression
what is persistent depressive disorder?
long term or recurring depression
what is disruptive mood dysregulation disorder?
childhood temper tantrums
what is premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
disruption to mood prior menstruation
what are the three behavioural characteristics of depression?
-activity levels
-disruption t sleep/ eating behaviour
-aggression and self harm
what are the three emotional characteristics of depression?
-lowered mood
-anger
-lowered self esteem
what are the three cognitive characteristics of depression?
-poor concentration
-attending to and dwelling on the negative
-absolutist thinking (all good or all bad)
What are the DSM categories of OCD?
-OCD
-trichotillomania
-hoarding disorder
-excoriation disorder
what is OCD?
-condition characterised by obsessions(recurring thoughts,images)/compulsive behaviour (such as handwashing)
what is trichotillomania?
compulsive hair pulling
what is a hoarding disorder?
gathering of possessions and not being able to part with them
what is an excoriation disorder?
compulsive skin picking
what are the three behavioural characteristics of OCD?
-compulsions are repetitive
-compulsions reduce anxiety
-avoidance
what are the three emotional characteristics of OCD?
-anxiety and distress
-accompanying depression
-guilt and disgust