Explaining and Classifying Psychological Disorders

Factors Identifying Psychological Disorders

Key characteristics used to determine the presence of psychological disorders- must interfere with everyday life

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-V)

American Psychiatric Association, contains 22 categories of disorders, only shows symptoms

International Classification of Mental Disorders (ICD)

World Health Organization, used internationally

Eclectic Approach

Using various techniques and theories when diagnosing and treating

Behavioral

Learned classically conditioned responses or operant learned behavior through reinforcement (observational learning)

Psychodynamic

Unconscious internal conflicts, possibly stemming from early childhood trauma

Humanistic

Poor self-concept as a result of conditions of worth, poor self worth, real self vs. ideal self

Cognitive

Irrational and faulty thought processes and perceptions

Evolutionary

Byproducts of predispositional and adaptive traits or responses that were once beneficial but are less adaptive in modern circumstances

Sociocultural

Cultural norms, expectations, and social structure that shape human behavior, including mental health

Biological

Imbalance of neurotransmitters, hormones; genetic predispostions and brain abnormalities

Biopsychosocial

Explains psychological disorders as a result of the interaction between biological, psychological, and social factors