Abnormal psychology

Public Misconception

When the link between mental illness and violence is misunderstood.

Abnormal Psychology

Focuses on diagnosing, explaining, and treating individuals with psychological disorders

Psychologists

Hold post-graduate degree in clinical psychology pay

Psychiatrists

Tried as medical doctors, specialize in psychiatry

Biological Approach

Focuses on the role of inheritance, brain structure and function, and animal research in understanding abnormal behavior.

Cognitive Approach

Focuses on faulty schemas, types of thinking, and beliefs (mental processes).

Sociocultural Approach

Focuses on social needs, cultural influences on defining normal and abnormal behavior.

DSM-5

published by the American Psychiatric Association,

Normal Behavior

is not static and can change over time across different cultures Stat

Statistical Infrequency

Abnormal behavior based on its rarity in a population

Social Norms

Abnormal behavior based on societal attitudes and unwritten rules

Failure to Function Adequately

Abnormal behavior as actions, moods, or thoughts that significantly impact an individual's well-being.

Szasz (1960)

study that argued mental illness is a myth

Wakefield's Model ('Harmful Dysfunction')

model that categorized behaviors as normal or abnormal

Jahonda (1958)

proposed a different approach to defining normality and abnormality c

Culture-Bound Syndrome

Abnormal behaviors or disorders unique to specific cultures not recognized outside of that society

Reporting Bias

Data about a disorder gathered from hospital admissions may not accurately represent the prevalence of the disorder.

Validity in Diagnosis

A valid diagnosis occurs when a diagnosed person genuinely has a particular disorder as defined by diagnostic classification systems

Face Validity in ADHD Diagnosis

Face validity is present when criteria seem to measure what they claim to measure

Construct Validity in Diagnostic Testing

Construct validity assesses if a diagnostic test effectively supports the diagnosis by evaluating the relevance and accuracy of the questions asked.

Reliability

The accuracy or consistency of a diagnostic test.

Inter-Rater Reliability

Consistency in diagnoses when different mental health professionals assess the same patient using the same classification system.

Test-Retest Reliability

Consistency of diagnoses over time, ensuring that a patient diagnosed with a certain disorder maintains that diagnosis if the condition persists.

Stigmatization

Labeling individuals with mental health disorders may lead to social stigma, discrimination, and negative perceptions.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

The expectation of a certain outcome influences behavior, potentially leading individuals to fulfill the predicted behavior.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Is a complex mental health condition influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Diathesis-Stress Model

This model proposes that individuals have a biological predisposition (diathesis) for MDD, and the manifestation of the disorder depends on the presence of stressors.

Aaron Beck's Contribution

Proposed that depression arises when individuals make attributions for external events based on maladaptive beliefs and attitudes.

Cognitive Triad

A negative view of oneself, the world, and the future characterizes the cognitive triad in depression.

Negative View of the Self

Depressed individuals perceive themselves as deficient, inadequate, and unworthy.

Negative View of the World

Interactions and life experiences are seen as difficult or hopeless, emphasizing defeats and failures.

Negative View of the Future

Current difficulties are viewed as continuing indefinitely, leading to a sense of despair and hopelessness.

Schemas

Patterns of maladaptive thoughts and beliefs that become activated

Cognitive Errors

Faulty thinking accompanied by negative and unrealistic representations of reality.

Diathesis-Stress Model

A model that considers biological, cognitive, and sociocultural factors in understanding mental disorders.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Most common psychological treatment for major depressive disorder

Hunter et al(2012)

Demonstrated the effectiveness of CBGT in treating major depression in clients undergoing residential substance abuse treatment.

OHDC

Culturally specific Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy (CBGT) designed for African Americans with depression

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

A psychiatric treatment that involves the administration of a short electrical stimulus to the brain through electrodes placed on the temples.

Group therapy

Type of therapy for individuals to learn from the experiences of others facing similar challenges, fostering a sense of connection and shared understanding.

Eclectic Approach

An approach that combines two or more therapeutic techniques to tailor treatment to individual or group needs.

Pilots I & II

studies that emphasized the need for more research to establish the efficacy of OHDC

Outcome Measures

Psychological tests and surveys used to measure depression, cognitive functioning, quality of life, physical health, and attitudes toward seeking mental health services.

Recovery Rates

The percentage of participants who experienced recovery from major depression in the CBT groups.

Recurrence Rates

The rate at which depression symptoms recurred during the follow-up period after completing CBT.