PSYC 435 Abnormal Psychology
Chapter 1 Summarized Notes for
Exam to Score 98% Athabasca
University.
, Chapter 1: Abnormal Behavior in Historical Context
Myths and Misconceptions
MYTH REALITY
Normality and Abnormality are clearly No single definition of psychological
defined abnormality
People who are mentally ill must be: In general, having problems doesn’t
- lazy, crazy, or dumb make anyone any more lazy, crazy,
- weak in character dumb, weak or dangerous than the
- dangerous to themselves or general population
to others
Mental Illness is a hopeless situation There are effective treatments for many
problems
Defining Abnormal Behaviour
➢ psychological dysfunction
o breakdown in cognitive, emotional, or behavioural functioning
➢ distress or impairment
o difficulty performing appropriate and expected roles
o impairment is set in the context of a person’s background
▪ you might be ABLE to do what you need to do, but you might be very distressed still
▪ you might have somebody who isn’t subjectively distressed, but they are
not functioning well (impairment)
➢ atypical or unexpected cultural response
o reaction is outside cultural norms
▪ some behaviours are normal in certain cultures, but not normal in “our” culture
▪ example: when is it OK to hear voices? In religious ceremony vs. not
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
➢ DSM is a widely accepted system for classifying psychological problems and disorders
➢ Contains diagnostic criteria for behaviours that:
o Fit a pattern
o Cause dysfunction or subjective distress
o Are present for a specified duration
▪ For instance, if somebody has been exposed to a traumatic event, and they are re-
experiencing it or showing other signs of distress… if the symptoms are around
less than 30 days, that’s acute distress. POST 30 days, that’s post traumatic stress
disorder
▪ Otherwise the definitions are the same
▪ Psychotic disorders…. There are 2 disorders that look very similar. Schizophrenia
looks very similar to schizophrenoform disorder. The difference is really in the
duration
▪ Duration is super important
o And are not otherwise explainable
▪ If the behaviours you are observing are due to a medical condition, or the acute
effects of intoxication… they are not a mental disorder
▪ The rule-outs are always in the manual as well
Dr Smith: Normal or Abnormal?
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