Psychopathology Flashcards
What are the four definitions of abnormality
- Statistical deviation
- Deviation from social norms
- Deviation from ideal mental health
- Failure to function adequately
Define Statistical deviation as a definition for abnormality
We define someone as normal depending on how often something is observed. If something is observed many times we say this is normal, and if not it is considered abnormal
Define Deviation from social norms as a definition for abnormality
Someone is considered abnormal when…
they behave different to what is socially acceptable in that social setting. We make a collective judge as a community what is ‘right’
Define Deviation from ideal mental health as a definition for abnormality
Rather than look at what is abnormal, look at what is normal and then begin to identify who deviates from this ideal.
Jahoda developed a list of what made up ideal mental health
Define Failure to function adequately as a definition for abnormality
Someone is considered abnormal when…
They are no longer able to cope with the demands of everyday life and no longer able to maintain basic standards of nutrition and hygiene.
Rosenhan developed some signs that someone is failing to function adequately.
What where some of the signs Rosenhan developed to indicate if someone is failing to function adequately
- When a person no longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules (e.g. personal space, eye contact)
- When a person experiences severe personal distress
- When a persons behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous
List some examples of Jahoda’s ideal mental health:
- No symptoms of distress
- Good self esteem
- Can cope with stress
- Can successfully work and enjoy leisure
- We self actualise
Define Phobia
An irrational fear of object of situation
List the emotional characteristics of phobias
- Anxiety (unpleasant state of high arousal)
List the cognitive characteristics of phobias
- Cognitive distortions
- Irrational Beliefs
- Selective attention
List the behavioural characteristics of phobias
- Endurance
- Avoidance
- Panic (crying, screaming running away)
Define Depression
A mental disorder characterised by low mood and low energy levels
List the emotional characteristics of Depression
- Low self esteem
- Lowered mood
- Anger
List the cognitive characteristics of Depression
- Poor concentration
- Dwelling on the negative
- Absolutist thinking
List the behavioural characteristics of Depression
- Lowered activity levels
- Disruption or sleep or eating patterns
- Aggression or self harm
What does OCD stand for
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Define OCD
A condition characterised by obsessions and/or compulsive behaviour
List the emotional characteristics of OCD
- Anxiety and distress
- Accompanying depression
- Guilt and disgust
List the cognitive characteristics of OCD
- Obsessive thoughts
- Insight into excessive anxiety
- Cognitive strategies to deal with obsessions
List the behavioural characteristics of OCD
- Repetitive Compulsions to reduce anxiety
Positives of using Statistical Infrequency as a definition of abnormality
+ Real life application
Diagnosis of intellectual disability disorder
Negatives of using Statistical Infrequency as a definition of abnormality
- Does not consider favourable characteristics (e.g. IQ)
- Not everyone will benefit from a label