Psychopathology

• What is the definition of abnormality in psychology?

  • Abnormality is difficult to define.
  • Every culture, time period, and society has unique norms.
  • Deviation from these norms can be seen as abnormal.
• How can deviation from social norms be misused?


  It can justify hatred, prejudice, oppression, and cruelty.
• What has often been classified as psychologically abnormal in authoritarian regimes?

  Political dissidence.
• How was homosexuality viewed historically in terms of abnormality?

  It was used to justify cruelty, prejudice, and hatred.
• How have social norms regarding women's roles changed over time?

  Many behaviors, like women having careers, are now seen as normal and acceptable.
• What are the statistical definitions of abnormality?

  • Deviation from statistical norms.
  • Low IQ or statistically infrequent behaviors.
  • Does not account for desirability of behavior.
• What is a limitation of the statistical definition of abnormality?

  It does not distinguish between rare and harmful behavior versus rare and harmless behavior.
• What are the five criteria for diagnosing abnormal behavior based on failure to function adequately?

  1. Dysfunctional behavior
  2. Observer discomfort
  3. Unpredictable behavior
  4. Irrational behavior
  5. Personal distress
• Who outlined six conditions linked with an ideal state of mental health in 1958?

  Jahoda
• What are the six conditions for ideal mental health according to Jahoda?

  1. Positive self-attitude
  2. Self-actualization
  3. Resistance to stress
  4. Personal autonomy
  5. Accurate perception
  6. Adaptation
• Why is it difficult for individuals to meet all six conditions of ideal mental health?

  It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for any individual to meet all six conditions.
• What basic guide does the UK Department of Health provide for classifying mental illness?

  • At least one of the following must be present on a non-temporary basis:

  1. Impairment of intellectual functions
  2. Alterations to mood
  3. Delusional beliefs
  4. Disordered thinking
• What is depression classified as in the DSM?

  A mood disorder.
• What does a mood disorder like depression impact?

  It impacts thinking, perceptions, and behavior.
• What are the two major types of depression?

  1. Major depression (unipolar)
  2. Manic depression (bipolar)
• How is major depression characterized?

  It is a single episode of depression that can come on suddenly.
• What characterizes manic depression?

  It involves alternating between two extremes of mood.
• What are the three main types of symptoms associated with depression?

  1. Physical or behavioral symptoms
  2. Cognitive symptoms
  3. Effective or emotional symptoms
• What are the four physical and behavioral symptoms of depression?

  1. Insomnia and sleep disturbances
  2. Changes in appetite
  3. Physical pain
  4. Lack of physical activity and energy
• What are the three main cognitive symptoms of depression?

  1. Persistent negative self-regard
  2. Suicidal or self-harm-related thoughts
  3. Slower thought processes than normal
• What are the three effective or emotional symptoms of depression?

  1. Feelings of extreme sadness and despair
  2. Mood swings
  3. Anhedonia (loss of pleasure in activities)
• What is a phobia?

  • An extreme and irrational fear.
  • It is classified as a type of anxiety disorder.
• What are the types of phobias distinguished by the DSM?

  1. Specific phobias
  2. Agoraphobia
  3. Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
• What are the five subtypes of specific phobias?

  1. Animal phobias
  2. Environmental phobias
  3. Blood-injection-injury phobias
  4. Situational phobias
  5. Other phobias
• What is agoraphobia?


  It is a fear of open spaces, crowds, or not being at home.
• How can agoraphobia develop?

  It can develop as a direct result of other phobias.
• What are the clinical characteristics of phobias?

  1. Cognitive symptoms: irrational beliefs about danger.
  2. Behavioral symptoms: inability to conform to social norms.
  3. Physical symptoms: increased adrenaline and heart rate.
  4. Emotional symptoms: feelings of dread and panic.
• What are the diagnostic criteria for phobias according to the DSM?

  1. Significant and prolonged fear lasting more than six months.
  2. Anxiety response to the stimulus.
  3. Fear is out of proportion to actual danger.
  4. Changes in behavior to avoid the stimulus.
  5. Fear disrupts everyday life.
• What does OCD stand for?

  Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
• How common is OCD in the population?

  About two percent of the population is affected.
• What are the key features of OCD?

  • Obsessions: intrusive thoughts about a particular object or process.
  • Compulsions: repetitive actions to reduce anxiety.
• How are obsessions defined in the context of OCD?

  They are constant, recurring, intrusive thoughts that are unwanted and impossible to ignore.
• What are compulsions in OCD?

  They are repetitive actions that reduce anxiety and are not caused by external factors.
• What are the criteria for classifying compulsions according to the DSM?

  • Must be repetitive.
  • Must reduce anxiety.
  • Must not be caused by anything exterior.
• What do individuals suffering from OCD experience in terms of thoughts and actions?


  They suffer obsessions about a particular object or process and compulsions to carry out a specific action.
• How do obsessions differ from compulsions in OCD?

  Obsessions are cognitive and affect thinking patterns, while compulsions are behavioral and affect actions.
• How are obsessions defined according to the DSM?

  Obsessions are constant, recurring, persistent, intrusive thoughts about a particular thing that are unwanted and impossible to ignore.
• What are the criteria for compulsions to be classified as such according to the DSM?

  Compulsions must be repetitive, reduce anxiety, and not be caused by anything exterior like medical treatment or substance abuse.
• What are the four main types of OCD compulsions?

  1. Checking (e.g., repeatedly checking locks)
  2. Contamination (e.g., excessive cleaning)
  3. Hoarding (e.g., keeping useless objects)
  4. Oddliness (e.g., organizing books in precise order)
• What impact does depression have on people's lives?

  Depression has a huge impact on the everyday lives of a great many people.