psychopathology gaps Flashcards
Statistical infrequency
Under this definition of abnormality, a person’s trait, thinking or behavior is classified as abnormal if it is rare or statistically unusual. With this definition it is necessary to be clear about how rare a trait or behavior needs to be before we class it as abnormal
Statistical infrequency limitations
n fails to distinguish between desirable and undesirable behavior. Statistically speaking, many very gifted individuals could be classified as ‘abnormal’ using this definition. Eg high IQ
Many rare behaviors or characteristics (e.g. left handedness) have no bearing on normality or abnormality. Some characteristics are regarded as abnormal even though they are quite frequent. Depression may affect 27% of elderly people (NIMH, 2001). This would make it common but that does not mean it isn’t a problem
Statistical infrequency strengths
This definition can provide an objective way, based on data, to define abnormality if an agreed cut-off point can be identified.
Deviation from social norms
A person’s thinking or behavior is classified as abnormal if it violates the (unwritten) rules about what is expected or acceptable behavior in a particular social group. Their behavior may be incomprehensible to others or make others feel threatened or uncomfortable.
With this definition, it is necessary to consider: The degree to which a norm is violated, the importance of that norm and the value attached by the social group to different sorts of violation. E.g. is the violation rude, eccentric, abnormal or criminal?
Deviation from social norms limitations
can vary from culture to culture. This means that what is considered normal in one culture may be considered abnormal in another. This definition of abnormality is an example of cultural relativism.
Behavior that would have been defined as abnormal in one era is no longer defined as abnormal. For example drink driving was once considered acceptable but is now seen as socially unacceptable whereas homosexuality has gone the other way. Until 1980 homosexuality was considered a psychological disorder by the World Health Organization (WHO) but today is considered acceptable.
Failure to function adequately
Failure to function adequately (FFA) refers to abnormality that prevents the person from carrying out the range of behaviours that society would expect from them, such as getting out of bed each day, holding down a job, conducting successful relationships etc.
To assess how well individuals cope with everyday life, clinicians use the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF), which rates their level of social, occupational and psychological functioning.
FFA strengths
The definition provides a practical checklist of seven criteria individuals can use to check their level of abnormality.
It matches the sufferers’ perceptions. As most people seeking clinical help believe that they are suffering from psychological problems that interfere with the ability to function properly, it supports the definition.
FFA weakness
might not be linked to abnormality but to other factors. Failure to keep a job may be due to the economic situation not to psychopathology.
Cultural relativism is one limitation; what may be seen as functioning adequately in one culture may not be adequate in another. This is likely to result in different diagnoses in different cultures.
FFA is context dependent; not eating can be seen as failing to function adequately but prisoners on hunger strikes making a protest can be seen in a different light.
Deviation from ideal mental health
Jahoda suggested six criteria necessary for ideal mental health. An absence of any of these characteristics indicate individuals as being abnormal, in other words displaying deviation from ideal mental health.
Resistance to stress, Self-actualisation, High self-esteem, strong sense of identity, Autonomy, Accurate perception of reality
Deviation from ideal mental health limitations
Difficulty meeting all criteria, very few people would be able to do so and this suggests that very few people are psychologically healthy.
Cultural relativism: these ideas are culture-bound, based on a Western idea of ideal mental health, and should not be used to judge other cultures.
OCD
C
E
B
C: Obsessions dominate ones thinking and are persistent and recurrent thoughts images or beliefs entering the mind uninvited and which cannot be removed. recognized that the obsessions or compulsions are irrational
E:Obsessive thoughts often lead to anxiety, worry and distress.
B:Compulsions are the repetitive behavioral responses intended to neutralize these obsessions, often involving rigidly applied rules.
Depression
C
E
B
C:Negative thoughts, lack of concentration, low self-esteem, poor memory, recurrent thoughts of death, low confidence.
E:Intense sadness, irritability, apathy, feelings of worthlessness, anger.
B:Neglect of personal appearance, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep patterns
Phobias
C
E
B
C:A person would recognise that the fear is excessive or unreasonable. The person is consciously aware that the anxiety levels they experience in relation to their feared object or situation are overstated.
E:Exposure to the phobic stimulus nearly always produces a rapid anxiety response.
B:The phobic stimulus is either avoided or responded to with great anxiety. For example, someone with a phobia of dogs may cross the road every time they see a dog. This avoidance could interfere with the individual’s normal daily routine.
CBT
A01: aims
aims to change the way a client thinks, by challenging irrational and maladaptive thought processes. lead to a change in beh as a response to new thinking patterns.
Cognitive therapists help clients to recognize the negative thoughts and errors in logic that cause them to be depressed. The therapist also guide clients to question and challenge their dysfunctional thoughts, try out new interpretations, and ultimately apply alternative ways of thinking in their daily lives.
CBT: A01 Homework
The behavior part of the therapy involves setting homework for the client to do eg. keeping a diary of thoughts. The therapist gives the client tasks that will help them challenge their own irrational beliefs.
The idea is that the client identifies their own unhelpful beliefs and then proves them wrong. As a result, their beliefs begin to change. For example, someone who is anxious in social situations may be set a homework assignment to meet a friend at the pub for a drink.
