Module 37 Normal Versus Abnormal: Making the Distinction Chapter 12 Essentials of Understanding Psychology- Sixth Edition PSY110 Psychology © Richard Goldman June 11, 2006

Defining Abnormality Deviation from the average Deviation from the ideal Create discomfort in others  Produces distress, anxiety, guilt, or causes harm in others Inability to function effectively Legal concept  Know the difference between right and wrong

Perspectives on Abnormality: Religious (Historical?)  Symptom of possession by the devil – exorcism Medical  Symptom of hormonal, chemical, genetic, or physical injury Psychoanalytic  Symptom of childhood conflicts regarding sex and aggression – Freud Behavioral  Inappropriate learned behavior through operant conditioning Cognitive  Maladaptive thoughts and beliefs are the cause Humanistic  Personal responsibility – free to act in any manner that you choose as long as it does not hurt others - Maslow & Rogers Sociocultural  Behavior (normal & abnormal) is shaped by our family, society, and culture

Classifying Abnormal Behavior: Terminology What are some term used to describe abnormal behavior?  Idiot  Insane  Neurotic  Psychotic  Demented  Disturbed  Troubled  Retarded  Disabled  Special  Challenged  Crazy  Mad  Stupid  Dum  Dim-wit  Dope  Fool  Lunatic (Loony)  Strange  Odd

Classifying Abnormal Behavior: DSM-IV-TR DSM-IV-TR  Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders  Fourth Edition  Text Revision  Published in 2000 (Next edition due in 2011) Classifies > 200 Psychological Disorders  17 Major Categories  5 Axes (Types of information in assessing patients) Behavioral descriptions only (not causes) First Publication in 1994

DSM-IV-TR Critique Pro:  Improved Diagnosis Accurate Consistent  Improved Communication Treatment Research  Conservative Based on well established criteria Con:  Medically biased (written by psychiatrists)  Black or white (you either have it or you don’t)  Stigma of label  Not cutting edge Slow to react to new info Example:  Asperger’s Syndrome is included  Other Autism Spectrum Disorders not included