Abnormal Psychology: Understanding Mental Disorders And Treatments
Abnormal psychology is a branch of psychology that examines various mental health conditions and psychiatric disorders that deviate from the norms of human thought and behavior. Here, we will delve into some of the most common—and fascinating—disorders that fall under this field of study, as well as the most effective treatments for overcoming them.
What does “abnormal” mean in psychology?
One of the fundamental questions in abnormal psychology is how to define what is “abnormal” within the context of human thought and behavior. Abnormal behavior is characterized by patterns that deviate from societal norms and expectations. While humans may exhibit a diverse range of emotions, beliefs, and personality traits, it can be helpful to think of each of these as existing on a “continuum,” with extremes on either end representing that which may be considered “abnormal.”
What is considered “normal behavior” can vary across cultures and contexts, making the word "abnormal" somewhat subjective; certainly, patterns that may be considered unusual in some cultures might be perfectly normal in others.
However, psychologists aim to establish diagnostic criteria to identify mental health conditions and psychiatric disorders based on empirical evidence, clinical observations, and scientific understandings of how to promote human welfare.
Understanding models of abnormality
In the realm of abnormal psychology, understanding models of abnormality is crucial for diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders effectively. These models provide a framework that allows mental health professionals to make sense of complex human behavior and thought patterns, facilitating the development of targeted interventions and treatments.
The Psychoanalytic Approach: This approach emphasizes the roles that subconscious memories, thoughts, and urges wield on unusual patterns of thought and behavior. In most cases, specialists who approach abnormal psychology from a psychoanalytic angle believe that studying subconscious memories, thoughts, and urges can help improve atypical behaviors. The psychoanalytic approach believes that looking into the feelings associated with the behaviors above makes a positive difference in rehabilitation.
The Behavioral Approach: The behavioral approach focuses on the specific conduct of the afflicted individual, emphasizing the roles of positive and negative reinforcement on changing behavior. The goal of this approach is to eliminate negative behavior by counteracting it with positive action.
The Medical Approach: This approach focuses on biological issues that could contribute to atypical behaviors, such as genetics or underlying pathology, with the aim of understanding the physiological basis of psychiatric disorders and guiding medical treatments. It emphasizes the role that biology, chemical imbalances, and even bodily illnesses can play on mental health.
The Cognitive Approach: In the cognitive approach, internal reasoning, interpretations, and thoughts are emphasized. When undergoing cognitive treatment, patients are encouraged to alter their internal thoughts or their external reactions to certain occurrences in the real world. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an excellent form of treatment that can treat mood disorders that fall under the category of abnormal psychology.
Common mental disorders and psychiatric conditions in abnormal psychology
Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are characterized by excessive and often irrational worries and fears, causing personal distress and impairing one's ability to function in everyday life. Mental health professionals identify these conditions based on diagnostic criteria that consider the presence of unusual patterns of anxiety and fear. They can offer a range of medical treatments and therapeutic interventions aimed at working through trauma and learning effective coping strategies.
Mood disorders
Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, involve significant disturbances in a person's emotional state, often leading to extreme shifts in mood. These conditions are defined by the presence of extremely high or extremely low moods. Effective treatments for mood disorders may include medication, psychotherapy, and support networks to help individuals regain emotional balance.
Psychotic disorders
Psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia, entail a disruption in a person's thinking and perception of reality. People with psychotic disorders may experience hallucinations and delusions. Psychology plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating these conditions. Treatment often involves medical and therapeutic interventions to reduce the frequency and severity of psychotic episodes and restore life balance and everyday functionality.
Personality disorders
Personality disorders, including borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder, encompass enduring patterns of behavior and cognition that deviate from social norms. These disorders often lead to difficulties in relationships and personal distress. While personality disorders can be difficult to treat, mental health professionals often use a combination of therapeutic approaches to address the unique social and emotional challenges that often accompany them.
Behavioral disorders
Behavioral disorders, such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Conduct Disorder (CD), involve persistent patterns of disruptive and inappropriate behaviors. Psychologists and clinicians use specific diagnostic criteria to define these disorders. As they typically arise in childhood and adolescence, mental health professionals often work closely with families and educators to improve social, academic, and executive functioning.
Eating disorders
Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder fall under the category of eating disorders. These mental health conditions are characterized by issues surrounding food, dieting, and body image. The treatment of eating disorders often involves a combination of medical and psychological approaches, with a focus on addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of these disorders.
Addiction
Addiction is an area of interest within abnormal psychology, as it studies the development of compulsive behaviors and dependence on substances or activities. Substance use disorders, such as drug addiction and alcoholism, as well as behavioral addictions like gambling addiction, are common examples. Treatment often involves a combination of medical, behavioral, and social interventions aimed at addressing both the physiological and psychological aspects of addiction.
Developmental disorders
Developmental disorders encompass a range of conditions that affect an individual's development, including autism spectrum disorder, learning and communication disorders, and intellectual developmental disorder, among others. Psychologists and clinicians play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating these disorders, often using standardized assessments and clinical observations to identify specific challenges in an individual's development. Interventions often include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, special education services, and behavioral interventions.
Treatment for psychological disorders
Treatment and rehabilitation for psychological disorders typically involves working with professionals who specialize in the specific disorder in question. Psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, therapists, and counselors may all play a role in treating psychiatric disorders. Psychiatrists may focus more on a medical approach, while other mental health professionals prioritize a psychoanalytic, behavioral, or cognitive approach.
If you believe that you may have a psychological disorder, it may be worth reaching out to a mental health professional for consultation. Clinicians must undergo years of education and training to accurately assess and diagnose psychological disorders. They possess the expertise and experience needed to evaluate your symptoms, provide a proper diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment options.
How online therapy can help
More and more people are gravitating toward online therapy, especially in areas where availability to in-person therapy services is limited. In many instances, online therapy is a more cost-effective option than face-to-face therapy. Additionally, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp enable the user to schedule appointments at convenient times and from preferred locations. All you need is a reliable internet connection.
Many studies have been conducted regarding the efficacy of online therapy in treating a variety of mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, depression, PTSD, and anxiety. In one study involving nearly 100 patients experiencing post-traumatic stress reactions, researchers determined that internet-based therapy was effective in reducing PTSD severity along with co-morbid depression and anxiety. Participants, in general, reported high ratings of the therapeutic alliance with their therapists. In a separate literature review of studies using guided internet-based CBT as an intervention for anxiety disorders, researchers affirmed that iCBT is efficacious either as a complement or a replacement for face-to-face CBT.
Takeaway
Abnormal psychology encompasses a wide and diverse range of psychiatric diagnoses. Much research in the area of psychology focuses on better understanding and treating these mental and behavioral issues. Treatment can involve a combination of medical interventions and therapies aimed at minimizing the impact of the disorder on a person’s life. If you are experiencing mental health concerns, know that help is available when you are ready. Connect with a licensed therapist online through BetterHelp.
What are the four types of abnormal psychology?
Some individuals may have questions about where studies and theories of abnormal psychology originate. Theories of abnormal psychology originate from four primary types, including biological, behavioral, cognitive, and psychodynamic models. These models explore how maladaptive behaviors and abnormal behaviors may arise in an individual. For example, behavioral abnormal psychology might look at behavioral disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and borderline personality disorder (BPD) to understand why maladaptive behaviors form and to define abnormal psychology.
What are examples of abnormal psychology classes?
Abnormal psychology classes study abnormal psychology, abnormal behaviors, and maladaptive behavior through the lens of psychology. People who study abnormal psychology may learn about mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), among others. They may also learn common treatments for these conditions, such as cognitive therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Is ADHD abnormal psychology?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neuropsychological condition and form of neurodivergence and not a mental disorder. It is not often considered part of abnormal psychology because it’s not “curable” and instead can cause symptoms that may be managed through lifestyle changes, medication, or therapy. The neurodivergent movement is trying to move away from labeling forms of neurodivergence as abnormal disorders.
What are the four Ds of abnormal behavior?
The four Ds of maladaptive behaviors and abnormal behaviors include the following:
- Deviance
- Distress
- Dysfunction
- Danger
These Ds represent the criteria for a condition or symptom to be considered abnormal. Abnormal behaviors deviate from the norm, cause distress, may cause daily dysfunction, and can put individuals or other people at risk of harm. For example, borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder may involve abnormal behaviors like risky sexual behavior or compulsive spending.
What is an example of an abnormal behavior of a person?
Mental health professionals may define abnormal and maladaptive behaviors as those that are part of a mental disorder listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). For example, maladaptive behaviors that may be symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder include performing compulsions and avoiding necessary daily tasks due to obsessions.
What are the five perspectives of abnormal psychology?
The five perspectives of abnormal behavior and psychology include the medical perspective, the psychodynamic perspective, the behavioral perspective, the cognitive perspective, and the social-cultural perspective. Each perspective takes elements from the four types of abnormal psychology to treat psychological disorders.
What are the characteristics of an abnormal person in psychology?
“Abnormal” is a term used in psychology to define conditions that involve maladaptive symptoms. It is not a term to label an individual or judge people seeking support. Mental health professionals can avoid stigmatizing clients using specific terminology instead of labeling clients as “abnormal.”
Is abnormal psychology the same as mental illness?
Abnormal psychology involves studying mental health conditions and how professionals treat psychological disorders. However, abnormal psychology has a broader reach than that. It may also look at abnormal behaviors, which may or may not be a symptom of a mental illness. It can also encompass abnormal short-term situations like one’s response to a traumatic event or abuse. Finally, abnormal psychology teaches professionals how to treat these behaviors through cognitive therapy, medication, or another modality.
If you are facing or witnessing abuse of any kind, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 for support. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788. You can also use the online chat.
What are the main causes of abnormal behavior?
There are many causes of abnormal behavior. No two people with abnormal behavior are necessarily 100% the same in how they present themselves. Mental illness is often one of the primary causes of abnormal behavior. Other causes may include adverse childhood experiences, traumatic events, or a lack of education and community support resources.
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