Abnormal_psycho

Abnormal Psychology M.Sc. (Psychology) IV - Semester 363 41

Introduction

  • Definition: Abnormal psychology is the scientific study of troublesome feelings, thoughts, and behaviors associated with mental disorders.

  • Importance: It explores lives of people with psychological symptoms to understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Unit Structure Overview

  • Unit 1: Introduction and Theoretical Perspectives of Abnormal Behavior

  • Unit 2: Normality & Abnormality

  • Unit 3: Ways of Thinking About Abnormal Behavior

  • Unit 4: Disorders of Childhood & Adolescence

  • Unit 5: Anxiety Related Disorder

  • Unit 6: Psychosis: Personality and Developmental Disorder

  • Unit 7: Consumer Decision Making Process

  • Unit 8: Mood Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Other Psychotic Disorder

  • Unit 9: Disorders of Adult Personality and Behavior

  • Unit 10: Classification of Mental Disorder and Organic Mental Disorders

  • Unit 11: Stress Related and Somatoform Disorders

  • Unit 12: Addictive Disorders

  • Unit 13: Causes and Risk Factors for Abnormal Behavior

  • Unit 14: Adjustment Disorder

Unit 1: Introduction and Theoretical Perspectives of Abnormal Behavior

1.1 Introduction

  • Explore the definition and implications of abnormal psychology.

1.2 Objectives

  • Understand the definitions, classification systems, and causes of abnormal behavior.

1.3 Definition of Abnormality

  • Discusses various criteria for identifying abnormality:

    • Suffering: Psychological pain.

    • Maladaptiveness: Interference with well-being and capacity to function.

    • Statistical Deviancy: Behavior that deviates from the norm.

    • Violation of Social Standards: Not following cultural norms.

    • Social Discomfort: Unease in others caused by the individual’s behavior.

    • Irrationality and Unpredictability: Unconventional actions.

1.4 Classification System

  • DSM-5: Lists all officially designated mental disorders with the criteria needed for diagnosis.

  • ICD-10: International classification of diseases, including mental disorders.

1.5 Causes and Risk Factors

  • Factors influencing the development of abnormal behaviors:

    • Biological Factors: Neurotransmitter imbalances, genetic vulnerabilities.

    • Psychological Factors: Trauma, parenting style, dysfunctional relationships.

    • Socio-Cultural Factors: Economic status, discrimination and social norms.

Unit 2: Normality & Abnormality

2.1 Introduction

  • Challenge of defining normality versus abnormality in psychological terms.

2.2 Objectives

  • Learn about normality, Jahoda’s characteristics of positive mental health, and Allport’s mature personality.

2.3 Concept of Normality

  • Definitions vary; includes traits like soundness of mind and adherence to societal norms.

2.5 Jahoda’s Positive Mental Health

  • Six criteria include:

    • Positive Attitude Towards Self

    • Autonomy

    • Environmental Mastery

    • Resistance to Stress

    • Accurate Perception of Reality

    • Self-Actualization

Unit 3: Ways of Thinking About Abnormal Behavior

3.1 Introduction

  • Discusses historical perspectives and modern theories in understanding abnormal behavior.

3.4 Multidimensional Models

  • Biological, Psychological, Socio-Cultural, and Bio-Psychosocial Models: Explore various conceptual frameworks for understanding abnormality.

Unit 4: Disorders of Childhood & Adolescence

4.1 Introduction

  • Discuss the significance of childhood psychological disorders.

4.3 Intellectual Disability

  • Defined by significant impairments in intellectual functioning.

  • Causes: Various genetic, environmental factors.

4.4 Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Explains characteristics, causes, and treatment of autism.

Unit 5: Anxiety Related Disorder

5.3 Anxiety

  • Introduction to symptoms and classifications of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, phobias, and OCD.

Unit 6: Psychosis: Personality and Developmental Disorder

6.3 Personality Disorder

  • Overview of symptoms across various clusters (A, B, C) of personality disorders.

Unit 7: Consumer Decision Making Process

7.3 Decision Making Process

  • Steps involved: Problem recognition, criteria weightage, information search, alternatives generation, optimal decision, implementation.

Unit 8: Mood Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Other Psychotic Disorders

8.1 Introduction

  • Discuss emotions and their impact on mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder.

Unit 9: Disorders of Adult Personality and Behavior

9.3 Eating Disorders

  • Overview of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, symptoms, causes, and treatment.

Unit 10: Classification of Mental Disorders and Organic Mental Disorders

10.1 Introduction

  • Importance of diagnostic classifications in understanding disorders.

Unit 11: Stress Related and Somatoform Disorders

11.3 Definition of Stress

  • Define stress and its physiological and psychological impacts.

Unit 12: Addictive Disorders

12.3 Substance Use Disorder

  • Overview of different substances, their effects, and treatment options.

Unit 13: Causes and Risk Factors for Abnormal Behavior

13.4 Diathesis-Stress Model

  • Explanation of how stress and biological predisposition interact to result in mental disorders.

Unit 14: Adjustment Disorder

14.3 Meaning of Stress

  • Discuss how stress and adjustment issues manifest in various life situations.