Introduction to Psychological Disorders Module 30 Introduction to Psychological Disorders

Module Overview Defining Disorder Understanding Disorders Classifying Disorders Labeling Disorders Click on the any of the above hyperlinks to go to that section in the presentation.

Module 30: Introduction to Psychological Disorders Defining Disorder Module 30: Introduction to Psychological Disorders

How do psychologists define what kind of behavior is diagnosed as a psychological disorder?

Psychological Disorder A harmful dysfunction in which thoughts, feelings, or behaviors are maladaptive, unjustifiable, disturbing, and atypical. Hans Deryk/AP/Wide World Photos

Maladaptive An exaggeration of normal, acceptable behaviors Destructive to oneself or others

Unjustifiable Behavior which does not have a rational basis

Disturbing A behavior which is troublesome to other people

Atypical A behavior so different from other people’s behavior that it violates a norm Norms are the rules established by a culture of accepted and expected behaviors Norms can vary from culture to culture

MUDA A mnemonic device used to remember the four attributes of a psychological disorder Maladaptive Unjustifiable Disturbing Atypical

Understanding Disorders Module 30: Introduction to Psychological Disorders

Historically, what were considered the causes of psychological disorders, and what are the current perspectives?

Early Views of Mental Illness In ancient times, mental illness was usually explained through a supernatural model; the person was possessed or a sinner During the Middle Ages treatment methods were inhumane and cruel

Philippe Pinel (1745-1826) French physician who worked to reform the treatment of people with mental disorders. Encouraged more humane treatment

Understanding Disorders: The Medical Model Module 30: Introduction to Psychological Disorders

The Medical Model The concept that mental illnesses have physical causes that can be diagnosed, treated, and in most cases, cured. Psychological disorders can be diagnosed based on their symptoms and treated or cured through therapy. Psychological disorders are similar to a physical illness.

Understanding Disorders: The Bio-Psycho-Social Model Module 30: Introduction to Psychological Disorders

Bio-Psycho-Social Model A contemporary perspective that assumes biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors combine and interact to produce psychological disorders. Studies the influences of nature and nurture and their interaction

Bio-Psycho-Social Model Bio – predisposition or hereditary susceptibility to a disorder Psycho – one’s thoughts and thinking patterns Social – expectations and influence of culture

Bio-Psycho-Social Perspective

How do psychologists categorize the different psychological disorders?

Classifying Disorders Module 30: Introduction to Psychological Disorders

Classifying Mental Disorders Psychology classifies disorders to: Describe the disorder Predict the future course of the disorder Treat the disorder appropriately Provide a springboard for research into the disorder’s causes

DSM-IV-TR The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition a widely used system for classifying psychological disorders.

DSM-IV-TR Lists and describes all the currently accepted categories of mental disorders DSM -5 scheduled for release in 2013

DSM-IV-TR Divides mental disorders into 16 clinical syndromes Includes the symptoms but not the causes of each disease Has changed significantly since the first edition

DSM-IV-TR Axis

DSM-IV-TR Axis Axis II – Is a Personality Disorder or Mental Retardation (Intellectual Disability) present? Axis III – Is a General Medical Condition such as diabetes, hypertension, or arthritis, also present? Axis IV – Are Psychosocial or Environmental Problems, such as school or housing issues, also present?

DSM-IV-TR Axis Axis V – What is the Global Assessment of this person’s functioning? (from 0 to 100) 91 – 100 Superior function in a wide range of activities, life’s problems never seem to get out of hand; is sought out by others because of his or her many positive qualities. No symptoms. 51 – 60 Moderate symptoms (for example, flat affect or occasional panic attack) or moderate difficulty in social, occupational, or school functioning (for example, few friends or conflicts with peers or co-workers). 0 – Persistent danger of severely hurting self or others (for example, recurrent violence), persistent inability to maintain minimal personal hygiene, or serious suicidal act with clear expectation of death.

DSM-IV-TR Axis

Module 30: Introduction to Psychological Disorders Labeling Disorders Module 30: Introduction to Psychological Disorders

Labeling Stigmas Studies show a clear bias against people diagnosed with mental disorders.

The End