Psychological Disorders

Introduction

This chapter introduces the study of psychological disorders, focusing on understanding abnormal behaviour, its causes, and the major types of psychological disorders. Psychological disorders, also called mental disorders, are conditions where individuals experience maladaptive behaviours that interfere with their ability to function effectively in daily life. The chapter begins by acknowledging that everyone faces problems and stress, but some people react extremely, developing psychological problems. Abnormal psychology studies these maladaptive behaviours, their causes, consequences, and treatments. The chapter outlines that abnormal behaviour is often seen as deviant, distressing, dysfunctional, and sometimes dangerous. It also highlights the importance of understanding the historical perspectives on psychological disorders, classification systems like DSM-5 and ICD-10, and the various models explaining abnormal behaviour including biological, psychological, and socio-cultural approaches. The chapter aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of major psychological disorders such as anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma-related disorders, somatic symptom disorders, dissociative disorders, depressive and bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, neurodevelopmental disorders, conduct disorders, eating disorders, and substance-related disorders.

• Psychological disorders involve maladaptive behaviours interfering with daily functioning.
• Abnormal behaviour is characterized by deviance, distress, dysfunction, and danger.
• Historical perspectives include supernatural, biological, and psychological explanations.
• Classification systems like DSM-5 and ICD-10 help in diagnosing and understanding disorders.
• Multiple models explain abnormal behaviour: biological, psychodynamic, behavioural, cognitive, humanistic-existential, socio-cultural, and diathesis-stress.
• Major psychological disorders cover a wide range of conditions affecting mental health.
• 📌 Psychological disorders: Conditions involving maladaptive behaviours affecting functioning.
• 📌 Abnormal behaviour: Behaviour that is deviant, distressing, dysfunctional, and possibly dangerous.
• 📌 Maladaptive behaviour: Behaviour that hinders adaptation to environment.

Concepts of Abnormality and Psychological Disorders

This section explores the concept of abnormality and how psychological disorders are identified. Abnormal behaviour lacks a universally accepted definition but is commonly described using the 'four Ds': deviance, distress, dysfunction, and danger. Deviance refers to behaviour that is different, extreme, or unusual compared to societal norms. Distress means the behaviour causes unpleasant feelings to the individual or others. Dysfunction implies interference with daily functioning, and danger refers to behaviour that may harm oneself or others. The term 'abnormal' literally means 'away from normal', but psychology lacks a fixed 'normal' model for behaviour. Two main approaches to defining abnormality are discussed: the deviation from social norms approach and the maladaptive behaviour approach. The first defines abnormality as behaviour that violates societal expectations, which vary across cultures and time. The second approach focuses on whether behaviour promotes individual and group well-being; maladaptive behaviour that hinders growth is considered abnormal. The section also addresses stigma and misconceptions about mental illness, emphasizing that psychological disorders are illnesses like any other and should not be a source of shame.

• Abnormal behaviour is identified by deviance, distress, dysfunction, and danger.
• Deviation from social norms is one approach to define abnormality but is culturally relative.
• Maladaptive behaviour approach focuses on whether behaviour impairs well-being and growth.
• Stigma and fear often surround mental illness, leading to reluctance in seeking help.
• Psychological disorders should be viewed as illnesses requiring treatment.
• Social norms and cultural values influence what is considered abnormal.
• 📌 Deviance: Behaviour that differs markedly from societal norms.
• 📌 Distress: Unpleasant feelings caused by behaviour.
• 📌 Dysfunction: Impairment in daily functioning.