Transcript Abnormal Psychology Psychopathology

Individual Differences
Lesson 1
Defining and explaining abnormality
Definitions of abnormality including DSM, Failure to
function, deviation from ideal mental health, and their
limitations.
Key features of biological approach to psychopathology.
Key features psychological approaches to
psychopathology including the psychodynamic,
behavioural and cognitive approaches.
Treating abnormality
Biological therapies including Drugs &ECT
Psychological therapies, psychoanalysis, systematic de
sensitisation, and cognitive behaviour therapy.
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To understanding of the module objectives
and how the unit is divided
Give two definitions of abnormality that of a
deviation from the social norm, and a failure
to function adequately.
What is abnormality???
Think about these topics to assist you.
Society
Culture
Crime and Deviance
Therapy
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Sending sane people into a mental hospital.
If we define peoples behaviour as normal then we
presuppose we know what normal is. Example?
‘normal’ patients gained admission into 12 hospitals
all presented the same symptom of hearing voices.
“Empty, Thud, Hollow”
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They acted normally and co-operated, and
maintained an imposter.
All but one received the diagnosis of Schizophrenia,
and when discharged (in remission)
SHOWING the impact of being
diagnosed as abnormality.
Deviation from social norms
- Behaviours considered undesirable by the
majority of society.
- Social norms is the standards of acceptable
behaviour set by the social group.
-not restricted to rules of etiquette but also more
serious moral issues like sexual behaviour, DSM
(Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders)
These include diagnosis of paedophilia, voyeurism
under ‘sexual and gender identity disorders’.
1)
1) Varies over time
Such as ideals of homosexuality, Russia
defining the state 50 years ago.
2) Subject to abuse
Szasz (1974) The concept of mental illness
simply a way to exclude non conformist.
3) Deviance is related to context and degree
Wearing a bikini in a classroom. A clear line
between eccentric and mental ill, social defiance
itself cannot after a complete definition of
abnormality.
3) Deviance is related to context and degree
Wearing a bikini in a classroom. A clear line
between eccentric and mental ill, social defiance
itself cannot after a complete definition of
abnormality.
4) Cultural relativism
No universal standards of labelling as there are
to many variables in differences of culture
‘Cultural Bound Syndromes’
2) Failure to function adequately
Generally decisions about adequate function
refer to normal daily activity. Eg: feeding,
washing, going to work.
Examples: depression not getting out of bed in
the morning, or looking after your children.
1) Who judges?
Everyone, Professionals, Patients
2)Adaptive of maladaptive? Some behaviours
classed as abnormal can be seen as adaptive –
eating's disorders, transvestite's.
3) Cultural relativism
Eg - many explain why lower class non whites are
more likely to be judged mentally ill, due to their
life styles are non traditional and may lead to
judgement of families to function adequately.