Psychopathology Flashcards
Abnormality
Difficult to define as it varies between cultures.
Statistical infrequency
Abnormal if fall outside typical statistical range - e.g. IQ normal distribution curve - IQ between 70 and 130 normal.
Statistical Infrequency evalutation
+ Sometimes statistics are appropriate to define abnormality.
- Arbitrary cut offs
- Ignores desirability
- Sometimes statistically frequent = abnormal
- Cultural relativism
Deviation from social norms
Abnormal is behaviour that deviates from accepted or expected behaviours in society.
Deviation from social norms evaluation
- Culture
- Varies over time
Failure to function adequately
Not being able to cope with every day living- causes distress fr person and others- may not know they are abnormal/ mentally ill.
Rosenhan and Seligman- FtFA signs
- No longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules (eye contact)
- Severe distress
- Irrational behaviour
7 criteria:
- Unpredictability
- Maladaptive behaviour
- Personal distress
- Irrationality
- Observer discomfort
- Violation of moral standards
- Unconventionality
Failure to function adequately evaluation
+ Subjective experience
+ Easy to judge
+ Includes others
- Subjective
- FtFA or deviation from social norms???
- Cultural relativism
- Some disturbed people appear normal
Deviation from ideal mental health
Absence of normality defines abnormality.
Jahoda 1958- 6 elements
- Self attitudes
- Personal growth
- Integration
- Autonomy
- Accurate perception of reality
- Mastery of environment
Deviation from ideal mental health evaluation
+ Positive approach
- Unrealistic
- Suggests mental health is the same as physical
- Cultural relativism
Phobia behavioural characteristics
Avoidance behaviours that trigger fight or flight response:
- Avoidance- interfering with routine
- Endurance- unavoidable
- Panic- fight or flight
Phobia emotional characteristics
Persistent emotional upset, anxiety (worry), fear (scared- caused by worry).
Phobia cognitive characteristics
Irrational thought processes, irrational beliefs (excessive), cognitive distortions, struggle focusing.
Specific phobia
Specific object/ situation
Social Phobia
Fear of public humiliation
Agoraphobia
Fear of public places
Clinical Depression
At least 5 symptoms for at least 2 weeks- 2.6% of population.
Symptoms of Depression
Poor/ increased appetite/ weight, too much/ too little sleep, tiredness, body slowed or sped up, loss of interest/ pleasure in usual activities, self reproach, guilt, distraction, thoughts of death/ suicidal behaviours.
Emotional Characteristics of depression
Sadness, low self esteem, loss of interest, anger
Behavioural Characteristics of Depression
Shift in activity, affected sleep/ appetite, aggression, self-harm
Cognitive Characteristics of Depression
Negative thoughts of self/ words, poor concentration, dwelling on negatives, catastrophic thinking
Obsessions
Uncontrollable and irrational thoughts/ images that interfere with functioning, causing anxiety.
Compulsions
Repeated actions or behaviours to relieve anxiety caused by obsessions