Abnormal Psychology And Therapy Paper
Abnormal Psychology and Therapy
PSY300
Shawna Aubuchon
July 2, 2013 Abnormal Psychology and Therapy
To distinguish psychology from other sciences and to explain how the human mind processes information, several schools of thought have emerged. Before the 1950s, psychologists used their own theories to diagnose psychiatric disorders. Now in its fourth edition, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) uses a multiaxial system to diagnose mental illnesses (Kowalski & Westen, 2011). This system places mental disorders in their social and biological context by evaluating patients along five axes: clinical syndromes, personality disorders (and mental retardation), medical conditions, environmental stressors, …show more content…
and global level of functioning (Kowalski & Westen, 2011). To treat mental disorders, theories developed and evolved. Among these theories are functionalism, Gestalt, psychoanalytic, behaviorism, humanistic, and cognitive. These theories uses therapy, such as cognitive and psychodynamic therapy, to treat mental disorders. To treat a mental illness with success, psychologists must be able to differentiate normal and abnormal psychology; diagnose a mental disorder and mental illness; and identify the best therapy to treat a psychiatric disorder.
In psychology, there is normal psychology and abnormal psychology. Normal psychology studies human behavior with a focus on the socially acceptable traits and behaviors of the general population (Rodger, 2013). For instance, child psychology emphases on how children develop mental and behavioral characteristics as they age. Normal psychology creates a reference to draw inferences about typical behavior and thought patterns. In contrast, abnormal psychology is the study of behavior that the general population considers socially unacceptable, including mental disorders (Rodger, 2013). Butcher stated, in the book Abnormal Psychology, “that there is still no universal agreement about what is meant by abnormality or disorder (2013)”. Butcher explained that there are signs that a person exhibits when there is a possible psychological problem. The associated signs are suffering, maladaptiveness, statistical deviancy, social discomfort, irrationality, dangerousness, and violation of the standards of society. When people violate standards of society, break the rules and act socially peculiar they exhibit abnormal behavior (Butcher, 2013). Examples of abnormal behavior include a person suddenly screaming an obscenity, placing oneself in danger, threatening suicide, or placing others in danger. Society believes that maladaptive behavior is abnormal, although not every disorder consists of maladaptive behavior (Butcher, 2013). According to Butcher, people who do dangerous things do not necessarily have signs of a mental disorder (Butcher, 2013).
Two mental disorders found in the DSM-IV are anxiety and personality disorders (Kowalski & Westen, 2011).
Personality disorders are defined by maladaptive patterns of thought, feelings and behavior. These patterns lead to chronic and severe disturbances that substantially inhibit the capacity to love and to work (Kowalski & Westen, 2011). There are several types of personality disorders, including borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder. Borderline personality disorder is typically more prevalent in women, while antisocial personality disorder is more prevalent in men (Kowalski & Westen, …show more content…
2011).
Borderline personality disorder is classified by unstable interpersonal relationships, dramatic mood swings, unstable sense of identity, intense fears of separation and abandonment, manipulativeness, and impulsive behavior. Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by irresponsible and disruptive social behavior. These individuals often display symptoms of stealing, destroying property, and a lack of empathy. Antisocial patients describe symptoms of chronic depression and feelings of boredom and worthlessness (Kowalski & Westen, 2011).
Another type of disorder is anxiety disorder, which affects 9 percent of the general population, with 2 percent having a generalized anxiety disorder. Individuals with an anxiety disorder experience a state of anxiety that is intense, frequent, or continuous. There are several types of anxiety disorders, including phobias and panic disorders. There are two types of recognized social phobias: public speaking phobias and all other kinds of social phobias, such as intense anxiety when interacting with other people (Kowalski & Westen, 2011). Persons experiencing a panic disorder will experience intense fear, fear of dying, and feelings of doom or terror not warranted by the situation (Kowalski & Westen, 2011).
In psychology, the term mental illness and disorder are used interchangeably.
One of the most tragic mental illnesses that a human can have is schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is an umbrella term for a psychotic illness characterized by disturbances in thought, perception, behavior, language, communication, and emotion (Kowalski & Westen, 2011). Individuals often suffer from delusions, hallucinations, and loosening of associations. Theorists hypothesize that the cause of schizophrenia is reflected from early damage to the brain. In addition to schizophrenia, mood disorders are also found in the DSM-IV. Mood disorders are characterized by disturbances in emotion and mood. Marked by persistent or severe feelings of sadness and hopelessness, mood disorders can be dangerously positive, where the patient will experience a manic state (feel excessively happy or euphoric). There are several forms of mood disorders, as well as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder (Kowalski & Westen,
2011).
One form of mood disorder is major depressive disorder. This disorder is the most severe form of depression, characterized by a depressed mood, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, disruption in appetite, sleep, energy level, and concentration. These individuals will often feel fatigued, worthless, excessive guilt, and are preoccupied with suicidal thoughts. Bipolar patients have manic episodes, where they will experience an abnormally elevated mood. During a manic episode, bipolar patients will need less sleep, experience racing thoughts, and a constant need to talk (Kowalski & Westen, 2011). Suicide rates for individuals with bipolar disorder are 10 to 20 percent, making it one of the most lethal psychiatric illnesses.
While not all psychiatric disorders are “curable”, there are many therapies proven to be effective in the treatment of a mental illness. Among these theories, psychodynamic therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy are common to treat mental illnesses. Psychodynamic therapy is typically short-term and is useful to treat anxiety and personality disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is useful in treating anxiety disorders, including phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder (Kowalski & Westen, 2011). A recent article by Sarah Glazer, reported “overwhelmingly points to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as the most effective approach.” on treating PTSD/anxiety (Glazer, 2002). The research goes on to show countless incidents where patients treated in this manner achieved superior success. Some illnesses, such as bipolar disorder are more difficult to treat. Many people with bipolar disorder do not feel they are suffering when in the mania stage. Patients will often refuse to take their medication because the mania feels good. Since this illness is genetically tide to an individual, it cannot be cured; however, with therapy and medication, such as lithium, Elavil and Thorazine, this debilitating illness can be controlled. Rational-emotive therapy (RET) can be one of the most effective therapies. According to an article by psychologist Albert Ellis, “Rational-emotive therapy quickly shows clients with simple phobias how they are irrationally commanding that they must perform well and must not suffer discomfort and are thereby largely creating their own phobic reactions" (Ellis, 1991). In extreme cases where therapy and medication are not effective, patients with a mental illness have the option to undergo surgery as a last resort.
The context of mental disorders varies cross culturally. The DSM-IV is the official manual psychologists refer to when diagnosing a disorder. Once a disorder or illness has been diagnosed, patients have several options when it comes to their treatment. Different schools of psychology have developed many therapies to treat various psychiatric disorders. Common therapies include psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and rational-emotive. Another option for patients is biological treatments, which use medication to restore normal functioning to the brain. Medications are proven very effective in the treatment of mood disorders and schizophrenia. The distinction between normal and abnormal psychology can be subtle. Abnormal behavior does not necessarily indicate a psychiatric disorder. To determine if an individual has a psychiatric disorder, psychologists must evaluate the effect the individual’s behavior has on their welfare and then determine an appropriate treatment plan if necessary (Rodger, 2013).
References
Butcher, J. N. (2013). Abnormal Psychology. New York, NY: Pearson Education.
Ellis, A. (1991). Rational-emotive treatment of simple phobias. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 28(3), 452-456. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0033-3204.28.3.452
Glazer, S. (2002, February 8). Treating anxiety. CQ Researcher, 12, 97-120. Retrieved from http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/
Kowalski, R., & Westen, D. (2011). Psychology, Sixth Edition (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc.
Rodger, B. (2013, Jan 13). Finding the difference. Retrieved from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-normal-and-abnormal-psychology.htm
PSY300
Shawna Aubuchon
July 2, 2013 Abnormal Psychology and Therapy
To distinguish psychology from other sciences and to explain how the human mind processes information, several schools of thought have emerged. Before the 1950s, psychologists used their own theories to diagnose psychiatric disorders. Now in its fourth edition, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) uses a multiaxial system to diagnose mental illnesses (Kowalski & Westen, 2011). This system places mental disorders in their social and biological context by evaluating patients along five axes: clinical syndromes, personality disorders (and mental retardation), medical conditions, environmental stressors, …show more content…
and global level of functioning (Kowalski & Westen, 2011). To treat mental disorders, theories developed and evolved. Among these theories are functionalism, Gestalt, psychoanalytic, behaviorism, humanistic, and cognitive. These theories uses therapy, such as cognitive and psychodynamic therapy, to treat mental disorders. To treat a mental illness with success, psychologists must be able to differentiate normal and abnormal psychology; diagnose a mental disorder and mental illness; and identify the best therapy to treat a psychiatric disorder.
In psychology, there is normal psychology and abnormal psychology. Normal psychology studies human behavior with a focus on the socially acceptable traits and behaviors of the general population (Rodger, 2013). For instance, child psychology emphases on how children develop mental and behavioral characteristics as they age. Normal psychology creates a reference to draw inferences about typical behavior and thought patterns. In contrast, abnormal psychology is the study of behavior that the general population considers socially unacceptable, including mental disorders (Rodger, 2013). Butcher stated, in the book Abnormal Psychology, “that there is still no universal agreement about what is meant by abnormality or disorder (2013)”. Butcher explained that there are signs that a person exhibits when there is a possible psychological problem. The associated signs are suffering, maladaptiveness, statistical deviancy, social discomfort, irrationality, dangerousness, and violation of the standards of society. When people violate standards of society, break the rules and act socially peculiar they exhibit abnormal behavior (Butcher, 2013). Examples of abnormal behavior include a person suddenly screaming an obscenity, placing oneself in danger, threatening suicide, or placing others in danger. Society believes that maladaptive behavior is abnormal, although not every disorder consists of maladaptive behavior (Butcher, 2013). According to Butcher, people who do dangerous things do not necessarily have signs of a mental disorder (Butcher, 2013).
Two mental disorders found in the DSM-IV are anxiety and personality disorders (Kowalski & Westen, 2011).
Personality disorders are defined by maladaptive patterns of thought, feelings and behavior. These patterns lead to chronic and severe disturbances that substantially inhibit the capacity to love and to work (Kowalski & Westen, 2011). There are several types of personality disorders, including borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder. Borderline personality disorder is typically more prevalent in women, while antisocial personality disorder is more prevalent in men (Kowalski & Westen, …show more content…
2011).
Borderline personality disorder is classified by unstable interpersonal relationships, dramatic mood swings, unstable sense of identity, intense fears of separation and abandonment, manipulativeness, and impulsive behavior. Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by irresponsible and disruptive social behavior. These individuals often display symptoms of stealing, destroying property, and a lack of empathy. Antisocial patients describe symptoms of chronic depression and feelings of boredom and worthlessness (Kowalski & Westen, 2011).
Another type of disorder is anxiety disorder, which affects 9 percent of the general population, with 2 percent having a generalized anxiety disorder. Individuals with an anxiety disorder experience a state of anxiety that is intense, frequent, or continuous. There are several types of anxiety disorders, including phobias and panic disorders. There are two types of recognized social phobias: public speaking phobias and all other kinds of social phobias, such as intense anxiety when interacting with other people (Kowalski & Westen, 2011). Persons experiencing a panic disorder will experience intense fear, fear of dying, and feelings of doom or terror not warranted by the situation (Kowalski & Westen, 2011).
In psychology, the term mental illness and disorder are used interchangeably.
One of the most tragic mental illnesses that a human can have is schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is an umbrella term for a psychotic illness characterized by disturbances in thought, perception, behavior, language, communication, and emotion (Kowalski & Westen, 2011). Individuals often suffer from delusions, hallucinations, and loosening of associations. Theorists hypothesize that the cause of schizophrenia is reflected from early damage to the brain. In addition to schizophrenia, mood disorders are also found in the DSM-IV. Mood disorders are characterized by disturbances in emotion and mood. Marked by persistent or severe feelings of sadness and hopelessness, mood disorders can be dangerously positive, where the patient will experience a manic state (feel excessively happy or euphoric). There are several forms of mood disorders, as well as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder (Kowalski & Westen,
2011).
One form of mood disorder is major depressive disorder. This disorder is the most severe form of depression, characterized by a depressed mood, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, disruption in appetite, sleep, energy level, and concentration. These individuals will often feel fatigued, worthless, excessive guilt, and are preoccupied with suicidal thoughts. Bipolar patients have manic episodes, where they will experience an abnormally elevated mood. During a manic episode, bipolar patients will need less sleep, experience racing thoughts, and a constant need to talk (Kowalski & Westen, 2011). Suicide rates for individuals with bipolar disorder are 10 to 20 percent, making it one of the most lethal psychiatric illnesses.
While not all psychiatric disorders are “curable”, there are many therapies proven to be effective in the treatment of a mental illness. Among these theories, psychodynamic therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy are common to treat mental illnesses. Psychodynamic therapy is typically short-term and is useful to treat anxiety and personality disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is useful in treating anxiety disorders, including phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder (Kowalski & Westen, 2011). A recent article by Sarah Glazer, reported “overwhelmingly points to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as the most effective approach.” on treating PTSD/anxiety (Glazer, 2002). The research goes on to show countless incidents where patients treated in this manner achieved superior success. Some illnesses, such as bipolar disorder are more difficult to treat. Many people with bipolar disorder do not feel they are suffering when in the mania stage. Patients will often refuse to take their medication because the mania feels good. Since this illness is genetically tide to an individual, it cannot be cured; however, with therapy and medication, such as lithium, Elavil and Thorazine, this debilitating illness can be controlled. Rational-emotive therapy (RET) can be one of the most effective therapies. According to an article by psychologist Albert Ellis, “Rational-emotive therapy quickly shows clients with simple phobias how they are irrationally commanding that they must perform well and must not suffer discomfort and are thereby largely creating their own phobic reactions" (Ellis, 1991). In extreme cases where therapy and medication are not effective, patients with a mental illness have the option to undergo surgery as a last resort.
The context of mental disorders varies cross culturally. The DSM-IV is the official manual psychologists refer to when diagnosing a disorder. Once a disorder or illness has been diagnosed, patients have several options when it comes to their treatment. Different schools of psychology have developed many therapies to treat various psychiatric disorders. Common therapies include psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and rational-emotive. Another option for patients is biological treatments, which use medication to restore normal functioning to the brain. Medications are proven very effective in the treatment of mood disorders and schizophrenia. The distinction between normal and abnormal psychology can be subtle. Abnormal behavior does not necessarily indicate a psychiatric disorder. To determine if an individual has a psychiatric disorder, psychologists must evaluate the effect the individual’s behavior has on their welfare and then determine an appropriate treatment plan if necessary (Rodger, 2013).
References
Butcher, J. N. (2013). Abnormal Psychology. New York, NY: Pearson Education.
Ellis, A. (1991). Rational-emotive treatment of simple phobias. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 28(3), 452-456. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0033-3204.28.3.452
Glazer, S. (2002, February 8). Treating anxiety. CQ Researcher, 12, 97-120. Retrieved from http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/
Kowalski, R., & Westen, D. (2011). Psychology, Sixth Edition (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc.
Rodger, B. (2013, Jan 13). Finding the difference. Retrieved from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-normal-and-abnormal-psychology.htm