Psychological perspectives and disorders

Stigma, racism, sexism

Negative consequences of diagnosing or classifying psychological disorders.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)

Developed by the American Psychiatric Association to classify mental disorders.

International Classification of Mental Disorders (ICD)

Developed by the World Health Organization to classify mental disorders.

Eclectic approach

Using more than one psychological perspective when diagnosing and treating clients.

Behavioral perspective

Proposes that the causes of mental disorders focus on maladaptive learned associations between or among responses to stimuli.

Psychodynamic perspective

Proposes that the causes of mental disorders focus on unconscious thoughts and experiences, often developed during childhood.

Humanistic perspective

Proposes that the causes of mental disorders focus on a lack of social support and being unable to fulfill one's potential.

Cognitive perspective

Proposes that the causes of mental disorders focus on maladaptive thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, or emotions. (negative thoughts)

Evolutionary perspective

Proposes that the causes of mental disorders focus on behaviors and mental processes that reduce the likelihood of survival. (anxiety is from fight or flight)

Sociocultural perspective

Proposes that the causes of mental disorders focus on maladaptive social and cultural relationships and dynamics.

Biological perspective

Proposes that the causes of mental disorders focus on physiological or genetic issues.

Biopsychosocial model

Assumes that any psychological problem potentially involves a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.

Diathesis-stress model

Assumes that psychological disorders develop due to a genetic vulnerability combined with stressful life experiences.