Psychopathology Theories Flashcards
Abnormity-Statistical Infrequency
Any unusual or “strange” characteristic that is not the norm would be abnormal
Abnormity-Statistical Infrequency -Evaluation
+Has real life applications in the diagnosis of some conditions
- Usual characteristics can be seen as positive
- Not everyone benefits from being labelled-low self esteem
Abnormity-Deviation from Social Norms
Any behaviour that does not fit into what society views as “normal” or acceptable will be called abnormal
Abnormity-Deviation from Social Norms-Evaluation
+Has a real life application is diagnosis APD sufferers
- Not a sole explanation of abnormity-can be combined with others
- Culture based
- Can lead to human rights abuses
Abnormity-Failure to Function Adequately
This occurs when someone cannot cope with the demands of everyday life
Abnormity-Failure to Function Adequately-Rosenham and Seligman
According to Rosenham and Seligman, we are no longer functioning adequately when:
- We no longer cornform to standard interpersonal rules
- We experience severe personal distress
- Our behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous to ourselves and/or others
Abnormity-Failure to Function Adequately-Evaluation
+ Patients Perspective-Diagnosis includes their experiences
- Is it just a deviation from social norms?
- Diagnosis based on a subjective judgement done by the psychiatrist
Abnormity-Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
Occurs when we are not Psychologically Healthy
Abnormity-Deviation from Ideal Mental Health-Jahoda
According to Jahoda, we are in good mental health if we:
- Have no symptoms or distress
- Are rational and can accurately perceive ourselves
- Reach our potential
- Can cope with stress
- Have a realistic view of the world
- Have good self-esteem and lack guilt
- Can successfully work, love and enjoy our leisure
Abnormity-Deviation from Ideal Mental Health-Evaluation
+ Its a comprehensive definition-broad range of criteria
- Culturally biased- based on western individualist cultures
- Jahoda sets an unrealistic standard for good mental health
Phobia-Behavioural-Panic
Phobics may panic in response to the presence of the phobic stimulus, and shows behaviours that include crying, screaming or running way
Phobias-Behavioural-Avoidance
They will tend to go to extreme lengths to avoid the phobic stimulus. This can make it hard to go about everyday life
Phobias-Behavioural-Endurance
Sufferer remains in the presence of stimulus for a long time, but experiences high anxiety. This is unavoidable in some circumstances
Phobias-Emotional-Anxiety
This is what Phobics feel when in the presence of their phobic stimulus. It an unpleasant state of high arousal
Phobias-Emotional-Unreasonable Responses
The emotions that they feel go beyond what is reasonable. EG: Strong emotional reactions to a very small spider
Phobias-Cognitive-Selective Attention
Phobias cannot look away from the phobic stimulus, this is not useful if the fear is irrational
Phobias-Cognitive-Irrational Beliefs
Phobic hold irrational beliefs to phobic stimuli
Phobias-Cognitive-Cognitive Distortions
Phobics perceptions of the phobic stimulus is distorted : Ophidiophoboc may see snakes as alien and aggressive
Depression-Behavioural- Activity Levels
They had reduced energy levels, they withdraw from work, education and social life. However, it can have the opposite effect, called the Psychomotor Agitation, where they struggle to relax and end up pacing up and down a room
Depression-Behavioural-Sleep and Eating
They can experience insomnia or hypersomnia. Also, their appetite may increase or decrease
Depression-Behavioural-Aggression or Self Harm
They can become verbally or physically aggressive. They could also experience aggression against the self, like cutting or suicide attempts
Depression-Emotional-Lowered Mood
They have described themselves as worthless or empty. This is a very low mood
Depression-Emotional-Anger
They frequently experience anger, which can be directed at the self or others
Depression-Emotional-Lowered Self Esteem
They can experience seriously low self esteem, with some people saying that they hate themselves
Depression-Cognitive- Poor Concentration
They find it hard to stick to a task, or to make decisions that we find straightforward.
Depression-Cognitive-Attending and Dwelling on the Negative
They pay more attention to negative things more than positive things. They also find it easier to recall negative memories
Depression-Cognitive-Absolutist Thinking
They think in “black and white”. Either it’s all good or all bad
OCD-Behavioural-Repetitive Compulsions
They feel compelled to repeat a certain behaviour, e.g: Counting
OCD-Behavioural-Compulsions reduce Anxiety
The vast majority of compulsive behaviours are performed to manage the anxiety produced by obsessions. e.g: Compulsive hand washing is done as a response to an obsessive fear of germs