Abnormal Psychology

ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY * The scientific study of mental or behavioral disorders, diseases, illnesses, dysfunctions, abnormalities or problems.
Deviance/Unusual – Impaired functioning with respect to expected performance (Danger to self and others)
ELEMENTS OF ABNORMALITY
Deviance Irrationality
Distress Observer discomfort
Danger Violation of moral and ideal standard
HISTORICAL VIEWS OF ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR * Pendulum between supernatural and natural (scientific) explanations
GREEK AND ROMAN ERA
Hippocrates – Mental disorders have biological causes, just like physical illness
Humoral Theory – The body is composed of four fluids: Diseases develop as a result of an imbalance * Opened the way for medical involvement in the treatment of mental and behavioral disorders
Cicero, Roman Philosopher – Mental disorder are just extreme cases of normal personal and emotional characteristic
Witchcraft and Demonology (Supernatural) - Possessions and exorcism
Modern Scientific view (Natural) – Humane treatment of the mentally ill
ABNORMALITY DISORDERS 1. Anxiety Disorders – The major characteristic or is experienced when one tries to control maladaptive behaviors
a. General Anxiety or Panic Disorders
Different views:

Psychoanalysts – Trace anxiety disorders unresolved conflicts
Behavioral Theorists – Anxiety is a response to the external environment
Cognitive Theorists – People over estimate the degree of harm
E.g: She experienced airplane crash, that’s why when she sees airplanes, she gets scared.
b. Panic Attack
Some symptoms:

Palpitation Trembling
Losing control Shortness of breath
As if going crazy Fear of dying

c. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Shows perfectionism that interferes with task completion
- Preoccupied with details, rules, lists, order, organization
- Shows rigidity and stubborness
E.g: Is unable to complete a project because his or her own overly stricts standards are not met – RITUALS
d. Specific Phobias
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