Psychological Disorders

• The DSM-5 is the most recent edition, published in May 2013.
• Rationalised

  2023-24
• Since the word ‘abnormal’ literally means “away from the normal”, it implies deviation from some clearly defined norms or standards
• Failures in living are mainly due to failures in adaptation to life challenges
• Various approaches have been used in distinguishing between normal and abnormal behaviours
• Abnormal Psychology is the area within psychology that is focused on maladaptive behaviour – its causes, consequences, and treatment
• Although many definitions of abnormality have been used over the years, none has won universal acceptance. Still, most definitions have certain common features, often called the ‘four Ds’: deviance, distress, dysfunction and danger
• After reading this chapter, you would be able to understand the basic issues in abnormal behaviour and the criteria used to identify such behaviours, appreciate the factors which cause abnormal behaviour, explain the different models of abnormal behaviour, and describe the major psychological disorders
• When the behaviour cannot be modified according to the needs of the situation, it is said to be maladaptive
• In psychology, there is no ‘ideal model’ or even ‘normal model’ of human behaviour to use as a base for comparison
• Some people have an extreme reaction to the problems and stresses of life
• Approaches in distinguishing between normal and abnormal behaviours

  • Deviance
  • Distress
  • Dysfunction
  • Danger
• Unhappiness, discomfort, anxiety, and unrealised potential are seen all over the world
• From these approaches, there emerge two basic and conflicting views
• A society's culture values competition and assertiveness

  May accept aggressive behaviour
• First approach to abnormal behaviour

  • Views abnormal behaviour as a deviation from social norms
  • Abnormal is a label given to behaviour deviant from social expectations
  • Abnormal behaviour, thoughts, and emotions differ markedly from a society’s ideas of proper functioning
• Second approach to abnormal behaviour

  • Views abnormal behaviour as maladaptive
  • Criterion for normality is whether behaviour fosters the well-being of the individual and the group
• There is no ‘ideal model’ or even ‘normal model’ of human behaviour to use as a base for comparison
• A society's values may change over time


  Causing its views of what is psychologically abnormal to change as well
• Conforming behaviour can be seen as abnormal if it is maladaptive, i.e. if it interferes with optimal functioning and growth
• Stigma attached to mental illness means people are hesitant to consult a doctor or psychologist
• Historical Background: Abnormal behaviour has been explained by supernatural and magical forces such as evil spirits or the devil
• Shamans or medicine men are believed to have contact with supernatural forces and are mediums for spirits to communicate with human beings
• Serious questions have been raised about the definition of abnormal behaviour based on societal norms
• A society's culture values cooperation and family


  May consider aggressive behaviour as unacceptable or abnormal
• Psychological disorders are characterised by superstition, ignorance, and fear
• Society's norms

  • Stated or unstated rules for proper conduct
• Chapter 4 • Psychological Disorders

  Rationalised 2023-24
• Well-being

  Includes growth, fulfilment, and actualisation of potential
• Individuals have been believed to behave strangely throughout history
• Exorcism is still commonly used to remove evil residing in individuals
• Psychological disorder should be viewed as any other illness
• Renaissance Period marked by increased humanism and curiosity about behaviour
• Shaman communication

  1. Medium through which spirits communicate with human beings

  2. An afflicted person can learn which spirits are responsible for their problems and what needs to be done to appease them
• In ancient Western world, philosopher-physicians of ancient Greece developed the organismic approach and viewed disturbed behaviour as arising out of conflicts between emotion and reason
• Seventeenth and eighteenth centuries known as the Age of Reason and Enlightenment, scientific method replaced faith and dogma as ways of understanding abnormal behaviour
• Biological or organic approach

  Belief that psychological problems are caused by inadequacies in the way an individual thinks, feels, or perceives the world
• In recent years, there has been a convergence of approaches resulting in an interactional, or bio-psycho-social approach where biological, psychological, and social factors play important roles in influencing psychological disorders
• American Psychiatric Association (APA) has published an official manual describing and classifying various kinds of psychological disorders, the current version being the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
• Supernatural, biological or organic, and psychological perspectives have recurred throughout the history of Western civilisation