What is normal and abnormal? Abnormal Psychology What is normal and abnormal?

Objectives To define normal and abnormal To decide between methods of deciding normality To recognize the use of the bell-shaped curve showing normal distribution To develop and analyze surveys to determine normal personality qualities and behaviors

Karl Menninger The adjuration to be "normal" seems shockingly repellent to me; I see neither hope nor comfort in sinking to that low level. I think it is ignorance that makes people think of abnormality only with horror and allows them to remain undismayed at the proximity of "normal" to average and mediocre. For surely anyone who achieves anything is, essentially, abnormal

Normal v. Abnormal Normal is what is average for the majority of society Abnormal is the deviation from the majority ( major criteria)

Determining Abnormality Psychologist use 4 major criteria Typicality Maladaptivity Emotional Discomfort Socially Unacceptable Behavior

Typicality Defining normal as a typical average behavior Just because a person is not typical does not make them abnormal Randy Moss

Maladaptivity Person’s behavior prevents them from functioning adequately in life i.e. behavior that causes misery and distress rather than happiness and fulfillment Alcohol abuse Behaviors that are hazardous

Emotional Discomfort Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt, extreme sadness Disorders of anxiety and depression Loose interest in everything they once enjoyed Feel it is not worth living

Socially unacceptable behavior First, society’s norms must be established before deeming a behavior socially unacceptable Mormon marriage Carrying baby between legs

Who is abnormal? The term normal and abnormal may be different to some, based on the social norms of the subject’s environment. I want you to find me 5 examples of someone, who in your opinion, is “abnormal”. You should only use people you find on the news/internet (celebrities, politicians, performers, etc.) After you have found your 5 people, write a short entry as to why you believe they or their behavior are “abnormal” in accordance to what we discussed in class today.

Classifying Psychological Disorders It is Needed

Warning Do not obey the urge to self diagnose you or others Most people with disorders are harmless

Psychological Disorders Behavior patterns or mental processes that cause personal suffering Alter or prevent a person’s ability to cope with the outside world 1/3 of adults experience some type of psych. Disorder Most never seek help or treat it

Currently in The United States

Classification of Psychological Disorders Most agree there is a need to classify Important so individuals may be correctly diagnosed DSM – most widely used system Most recent is DSM IV Recognizes 18 categories Prior –neuroses /psychosis

Anxiety Uneasiness, worrying about, or dreading a vague or imagined danger Characterized by nervousness, inability to relax, and concern about losing control

Symptoms of Anxiety Trembling, sweating, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, increased blood pressure, flushed face, feeling like you are going to faint, light headedness Result of over activity in sympathetic branch of ANS

DSM IV Anxiety disorders include Phobic disorders Panic disorders Generalized anxiety Obsessive compulsive disorder Stress disorder

Phobic Disorder (phobia) - fear Simple phobia – most common of all anxiety disorder To be diagnosed the fear must lead to avoidance behavior that interferes with everyday life Social Phobia – persistent fear of social situations

Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia Have panic attacks – short period of intense fear or discomfort Being in places where escape may be difficult or impossible

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Excessive, unrealistic worry about life circumstances that lasts for at least six months

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) One of the more acute anxiety disorders Obsessions – wanted thoughts, ideas, and/or images that occur over and over Compulsions – repetitive ritual behavior Acting on obsessions

Discussion of Monk What tell tale signs does this clip feature that may lead us to believe Monk has OCD? How do we know that this is diruptive to his life? What is his Doctor’s advice?

Stress Disorder PTSD – most common Symptoms may occur six months or more after the event May last for years or decades Must inhibit everyday living Shell shock