Understanding Psychological Perspectives On Mental Disorders

03/05 1st Set of Notes From Mental & Psycial Health

Abnormal Psychology

 the study of unusual patterns of behavior, emotion, and thought, which may or may not be understood as precipitating a mental disorder. This field explores the causes, symptoms, and treatments of psychological disorders to understand and improve mental health.

Clinical Psychology

the branch of psychology that assesses, diagnoses, treats, and prevents mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, utilizing various therapeutic methods and interventions to improve individuals’ mental health and well-being

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR)

comprehensive classification system used by mental health professionals to diagnose and categorize mental disorders, providing standardized criteria and descriptions for consistent use across clinical settings.

• Classification systems are updated regularly to be responsive to new research and practice advances

International Classification of Mental Disorders (ICD) (11th edition)

global standard for reporting and categorizing diseases, including mental and behavioral disorders, used by healthcare professionals to diagnose conditions and track health trends worldwide

Deviation

significant departure from accepted social behaviors and cultural expectations, used as a criterion to identify and diagnose abnormal behaviors and psychological disorders in clinical settings.

Distress

intense and prolonged emotional suffering that impairs an individual’s ability to function in daily life, often used as a key criterion for diagnosis

Dysfunction

the disruption in cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functioning that significantly impairs an individual’s ability to perform normal daily activities.

Danger

abnormal behavior becomes dangerous to oneself or others

• This is the exception rather than the rule. (meaning it is not as common as other 3 D’s)

Biological Perspective

mental disorders are caused by physiological and genetic factors, focusing on how brain function, neurochemistry, and genetics contribute to psychological conditions.

Behavioral Perspective

suggests that mental disorders arise from maladaptive learned behaviors and associations, focusing on how inappropriate conditioning and reinforcement of behaviors contribute to psychological issues

Psychodynamic Perspective

mental disorders stem from unresolved unconscious conflicts and impulses, often originating in childhood, that influence current behavior and emotional states

Humanistic Perspective

emphasizes that mental disorders arise when individuals’ innate potential for self-fulfillment and personal growth is blocked often due to failures in achieving self-acceptance and meaningful personal goals

Cognitive Perspective

proposes that mental disorders are caused by maladaptive thought patterns, including dysfunctional beliefs, attitudes, and emotional responses, which negatively affect behavior and emotional well-being.

Evolutionary Perspective

suggests that mental disorders can arise from behaviors and mental processes that are maladaptive, reducing an individual’s chances of survival and reproduction in a given environment.

Sociocultural Perspective

mental disorders stem from maladaptive social and cultural relationships and dynamics, emphasizing the influence of societal norms and interactions on mental health.

Eclectic Approach

combining techniques and theories from multiple therapeutic orientations to tailor treatment to the unique needs of individual clients, enhancing flexibility and effectiveness in therapy

Biopsychosocial Model

psychological disorders result from a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, emphasizing the comprehensive and interconnected nature of influences on mental health.