Understanding abnormality and diagnosis Flashcards
what is abnormality?
abnormality is socially constructed and is different in every society/culture so there is no way to define this but needs to be understood within a social context.
what are the 4 D’s of abnormality?
Deviant
Distress
Dysfunction
Danger
what is the definition of deviance in abnormality?
the departure of how society expects us to behave - behaviours may seen normal in one context but abnormal in others. The behaviours have to deviate from the social norms but they also have to be deemed unacceptable in society.
What is the definition of distress in abnormality?
the extent to which the individual perceives their own behaviour and emotions to be upsetting. This will be different for everyone and is a subjective experience so this should be treated as separate to the other D’s.
what is the definition of dysfunction in abnormality?
when the severity of the disorder becomes too much for a person and they cannot be a functional part of society - cannot fulfil our social/occupational roles and everyday tasks.
what is the definition of danger in abnormality?
when an individual poses a threat to themselves or others due to their psychological problems. Individuals may become aggressive towards others or, if against themselves, they may have suicidal thoughts.
what did Davis (2009) propose?
A fifth D - Duration: this is the length of time that the individual has had symptoms.
what is a classification system?
they contain the information to make objective, reliable diagnoses of different psychological disorders.
What is the DSM?
it is the American classification system for only mental disorders. There are 5 versions. DSM V has 22 major diagnostic categories, grouping over 200 psychological disorders.
what is the ICD?
this is the international classification system for all known diseases and disorders. it was introduced by WHO. There are 11 versions. ICD has 11 diagnostic categories compared to the DSM’s 22.
what are 2 strengths to classification systems?
- recognition that others are going through the same thing which builds a sense of community
- an official diagnosis is only possible by research which shows that there is a treatment our therapy available for the disorder.
what are 2 weaknesses to classification systems?
- receiving a diagnosis may cause someone to think and act in ways that confirm it, creating a self for-filling prophecy
- public stigma around mental health disorders may lead someone to socially distance themselves from others and attribute fear to the diagnosed person.
