Abnormal psychology

1. When defining psychological disorder we have to question what exactly do we mean by psychological disorder. I considered the definition presented in an article by Psychology Today. They say the definition was released by DSM-5 it states, “A mental disorder is a syndrome characterized by clinically significant disturbances in an individual’s cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior that reflects a dysfunction in the psychological, biological, or developmental process underlying mental…

Various models of abnormality are used throughout the field of Psychology in order to organize, determine, and interpret the cause of the problem. Depending on the clinical scientists preferred model, the path taken to define the abnormal functioning can lead to many different questions, thus creating a specific treatment plan. Though the biological, psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic-existential, and sociocultural models all have well developed ideas on the possibilities of mental…

In her novel, Trauma and Recovery, Judith Herman discusses the concept of Complex Trauma Disorder and its implications. Intolerant of the currently defined diagnosis for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), she decides to rename it. Herman believes that the existing definition for PTSD is inaccurate, or as she asserts “does not fit accurately enough” (119). The present criteria for this diagnosis results from those who have survived “circumscribed” traumatic events, which includes rape,…

Out comes the soft cry of a young girl as she looks into the mirror for the 17th time today. She is disgusted and disturbed at the reflection in front of her. She is only 86 ponds, extremely light for her 5’2 stature. Every rib in her body can be seen from the back and the front, yet she feels massive. She doesn’t see a young beautiful girl, with big eyes and long hair. All that she sees is fat. Everywhere. Ever since the day he touched her she finds it hard to find beauty in anything at…

The history of abnormal behavior was prominent in Western culture until Age of Enlightenment. The ancient Greece, people who behaved peculiarly were sent to sanctuaries dedicated to Aesculapius, the god of healing. Incurables were driven from the temple by stoning. A difference of humors, he thought, accounted for abnormal behavior. A sluggish person was believed to have a large amount of mucus. During, the Medieval Times supernatural causes, led to beliefs that abnormal behaviors were a sign…

Abnormal Psychology’s Portrayal in the Media: Psycho The 1960 film, Psycho, portrayed abnormal psychology through the main character, Norman Bates. Specifically, the film likely depicted Norman Bates as having Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Norman Bates most likely had DID due to the various symptoms he presented. The most compelling support was the observed evidence of Norman having two distinct personalities, the main personality being himself, Norman, and the alternate personality…

A major question that has plagued the field of abnormal behavior is, what are the criteria for abnormal behavior (or psychopathology, mental illness, or a similar term)? Perhaps a clue to the answer can be seen in the medical profession, that can diagnose physical illness or disease fairly accurately. In the history of developing successful diagnostic procedures in medicine, a primary prerequisite has been a fairly precise knowledge of what constitutes normal anatomy and physiological…

that animals display abnormal behaviour in the same way as humans, also, animal studies are very unethical as most cause the animals stress (Lawton et al, 2011). Many studies have found that psychological disturbances are associated with biological changes, however, it cannot be told if such changes are a cause or effect of the psychological symptoms (Psych teacher,…

Finora Rodriques September 18, 2014 Abnormal Psychology Week 2 Assignment Treatment for mental health has come a long way in the past couple of decades. In class, we talked about the history of community mental health and where the timeline began. Dating back all the way to the Enlightenment Period, one’s worth was determined solely by whether or not he or she was able to work. The people who were not able to work, or the mentally ill, were incarcerated. You mentioned two men, Tuke and Pinel…

Evaluating Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders Brooke S. Bentley Liberty University Abstract The most unique categories of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders would be the Trauma and Stressor-Related category. This category of disorders consists of Reactive Attachment Disorder, Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder, Posttraumatic-Stress Disorder, Acute Stress Disorder, Adjustment Disorders, Other Specified Trauma- and Stressor- Related Disorder, and Unspecified…