Abnormal psychology covers a wide spectrum of conditions, including:
Abnormal psychology is a specialized branch of psychology that focuses on the study, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Unlike general psychology, which examines "typical" human behavior, abnormal psychology investigates patterns of functioning that are considered deviant, distressing, dysfunctional, or potentially dangerous—often referred to as the "Four Ds." Defining "Abnormal" Abnormal Psychology
Defining abnormality is a complex task because behavior is heavily influenced by cultural norms and social contexts. What is considered standard in one society may be viewed as abnormal in another. To provide a standardized framework, clinicians typically rely on the or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) . These manuals categorize disorders based on specific symptoms and criteria, ensuring consistency in diagnosis. Key Perspectives and Models Abnormal psychology covers a wide spectrum of conditions,
Where an individual loses touch with reality (e.g., Schizophrenia). Involving severe disturbances in emotional state (e
Involving severe disturbances in emotional state (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder).
Understanding the origins of mental illness requires looking through several theoretical lenses:
This view posits that disorders are the result of learned maladaptive behaviors and distorted thinking patterns. Therapy focuses on unlearning these behaviors and restructuring thoughts.