Psychopathology

Normality Debate

Discussion on what constitutes normal versus abnormal behavior.

Psychopathology

The study of mental disorders and abnormal behaviors.

Statistical Deviance

Use of statistical norms to determine what is considered normal behavior.

Socio-Cultural Context

Recognition that definitions of normality vary across different cultures and societies.

Maladaptiveness

Behaviors that hinder an individual's ability to adapt or adjust for the benefit of themselves or others.

Personal Distress

Emotional suffering often associated with mental disorders; not experienced by individuals with antisocial personality disorder.

DSM-V

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association in 2013.

ICD-11

The International Classification of Diseases, 11th edition, published by the World Health Organization in 2018.

Mental Illness Definition (DSM-V)

A syndrome characterized by significant disturbances in cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior.

Mental Illness Definition (ICD-11)

Syndromes characterized by significant disturbances in cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior reflecting dysfunction in mental processes.

Biomedical Perspective

The view that mental illness has biological causes.

Genetic Predisposition

Increased vulnerability to psychological disorders due to family history of mental illness.

Neurotransmitter Functioning

Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters can contribute to mental illness.

Structural Brain Abnormalities

Physical brain changes due to genetic disorders, birth defects, or damage.

Psychodynamic Perspective

Freud's theory that psychological symptoms arise from internal forces and conflicts.

Cognitive-Behaviour Perspective

The view that thoughts and learned behaviors impact emotions and actions.

Community Perspective

Understanding psychopathology within the context of community influences.

Diathesis-Stress Model

The theory that predispositions for mental illness emerge under environmental or biological stressors.

Biopsychosocial Model

An integrated approach considering biological, psychological, and social factors in mental health.

Intellectual Disability Disorder

Characterized by subaverage intellectual and adaptive functioning.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Marked by severely impaired social interaction and communication.

Pica

Persistent eating of non-nutritious substances.

Bipolar I Disorder

Involves manic and depressive phases of mood.

Panic Disorder

Characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Involves obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Presence of two or more distinct identities within one individual.

Normal Response to Trauma

Common emotional responses following stressful or traumatic experiences.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Symptoms following exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.

Hyperarousal

A state of increased psychological and physiological tension.

Intrusion

Re-experiencing trauma through flashbacks or nightmares.

Biological Factors in PTSD

Genetic vulnerability, neuroimaging findings, and biochemical differences.

Psychological Factors in PTSD

Dynamics before the trauma and cognitive explanations for symptoms.

Social Factors in PTSD

Community context and exposure to violence or war.

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder

A range of disorders including delusional disorder and schizophrenia.

Delusions

Fixed false beliefs, often of persecution or grandeur.

Hallucinations

Sensory experiences without external stimuli, such as hearing voices.

Cultural Context in Mental Health

Recognition of culture-specific terms and conditions not included in DSM.

Amafufuyana

A culturally specific condition described by Xhosa traditional healers, associated with possession.

Ukuthwasa

A calling to serve as a traditional healer, believed to confer special powers.