Term
Psychopathology
What is psychopathology?
Answer
Definition
The study of abnormal psychological disorders, their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
There is no single universally accepted definition. Four distinct perspectives are used to judge behavior as abnormal:
Limitation: Not all rare traits are negative; high IQ is rare but positive.
Limitation: Norms vary across cultures and times; can lead to discrimination.
Understanding the key characteristics and common explanations for these core illnesses.
Most modern approaches use an Interactionist perspective, combining both models.
Therapeutic interventions fall into three main categories:
Avoiding Stigma: Protection from harm and minimizing the negative impact of diagnosis (labeling) are crucial. Ensure confidentiality and informed consent in all research and treatment.
Essential studies that shaped our understanding of causes and treatments:
What is psychopathology?
The study of abnormal psychological disorders, their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
What does the statistical infrequency definition of abnormality state?
Behavior is abnormal if it is rare or statistically uncommon.
Name a limitation of defining abnormality by statistical infrequency.
Some rare traits like high IQ are positive, and not all abnormal behaviors are rare.
What does deviation from social norms mean?
Behavior that violates societal rules or expectations is considered abnormal.
Give an example of deviation from social norms.
Antisocial behavior such as criminal acts.
What is "failure to function adequately"?
When a person cannot cope with everyday life, causing distress or disability.
What is a strength of the failure to function adequately definition?
It focuses on personal experience and distress.
What are Jahoda's criteria in deviation from ideal mental health?
Self-actualisation, autonomy, realistic perception of reality, among others.
Identify one limitation of Jahoda's ideal mental health criteria.
They are difficult to meet fully and may be culturally biased.
What are common symptoms of depression?
Sadness, low energy, loss of interest, appetite and sleep changes.
What is Beck’s cognitive explanation for depression?
The negative triad: negative views about self, world, and future.
Name a biological factor linked to depression.
Genetic predisposition and neurotransmitter imbalance (low serotonin).
What are phobias characterized by?
Irrational fears causing avoidance and distress.
What is classical conditioning's role in phobias?
It leads to acquisition of the fear.
What does OCD involve?
Uncontrollable obsessions and compulsions.
Name a biological explanation of OCD.
Genetic factors and brain abnormalities like in the basal ganglia.
What is a main symptom of schizophrenia?
Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
Describe the dopamine hypothesis related to schizophrenia.
Excess dopamine activity contributes to symptoms.
What does the biological model of abnormality focus on?
Genetics, neurochemistry, and brain abnormalities.
What does the psychological model of abnormality include?
Learning theories and cognitive distortions.
Give an example of a biological treatment for psychopathology.
Drug therapy such as SSRIs for depression.
What is a psychological therapy commonly used?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
How does CBT work?
By challenging and changing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors.
What behavioral therapy is used for phobias?
Systematic desensitization.
What is a limitation of drug therapies?
Side effects and ethical concerns.
Who developed the cognitive theory of depression?
Beck (1967).
What ethical issues arise in psychopathology research?
Confidentiality, informed consent, and avoiding stigma.