diff --git a/PSYG2500 Abnormal Psychology/index.md b/PSYG2500 Abnormal Psychology/index.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2a6c6d7 --- /dev/null +++ b/PSYG2500 Abnormal Psychology/index.md @@ -0,0 +1,143 @@ +# Introduction to Abnormal Psychology + +### Course Objectives: + +This course aims at providing students with a survey of +behavioral disorders in terms of the biological, +psychological, and sociocultural constellation of the +person. +While several orientations to the study of psychological +disorders will be discussed, the primary emphasis will +be put on the scientific study of these disorders from an +empirical perspective + +### Course Intended Learning Outcomes: + +Describe and explain the symptomatology, etiology and +therapy of various disorders introduced in the course +using a biopsychosocial perspective; +Apply their understanding of symptomatology and +etiology and make a diagnosis based on presenting +symptoms and suggest evidence-based treatments; and +Explore and analyze the emotional, physical, and +medical, implications of psychopathologies. +Describe and explain the symptomatology, etiology and +therapy of various disorders introduced in the course +using a biopsychosocial perspective; +Apply their understanding of symptomatology and +etiology and make a diagnosis based on presenting +symptoms and suggest evidence-based treatments; and +Explore and analyze the emotional, physical, and +medical, implications of psychopathologies. + +## What Do We Mean By Abnormality? + +### Indicators of Abnormality + +- Subjective Distress +- Maladaptiveness +- Statistical Deviancy +- Violation of the Standards of Society +- Social Discomfort +- Irrationality and Unpredictability +- Dangerousness + +### Mental Disorder + +- Associated with distress or disability. +- Biological, psychological, or developmental dysfunction in individual. +- Clinically significant disturbance in behavior, emotional regulation, + or cognitive function. + +## Classification and Diagnosis + +### Advantages of Classification Systems + +- Provide nomenclature and common language +- Allow information structuring +- Facilitate research +- Establish the range of problems to address + +### Disadvantages of Classification + +- Loss of individual’s information +- Stigma and stereotyping associated with diagnosis +- Self-concept impacted by diagnostic labeling + +### Is there Any Way for US To Reduce Prejudicial Attitudes Toward People Who Are +Mentally ill? + +*Arthur and Colleagues (2010)* + +- Negative reactions are widespread global phenomena +- Understanding of neurobiological basis does not lessen + stigma +- Actual contact with individuals does lessen stigma + +## Culture and Abnormality + +- Presentation of disorders found worldwide +- Certain forms of highly culture-specific psychopathology + +## How Common Are Mental Disorders? + +Significant question for many reasons: +Planning, establishing, and funding mental health services for specific disorders; +Providing clues to causes of mental disorders. + +### Epidemiology + +**Epidemiology:** Study of distribution of diseases, disorders, or health-related +behaviors in a given population. + +**Prevalence:** Number of active cases in population during any given period of +time. Different types of prevalence estimates (point, 1-year, lifetime). + +**Incidence:** Number of new cases in population over given period of time. Incidence figures are typically lower than prevalence figures + +### Treatment + +- Not all people receive treatment +- Vast majority of treatment is done on outpatient basis +- Inpatient hospitalization typically in psychiatric units + +### Mental Health Professionals + +#### Diagnosis and assessment involves participants who: + +- Play differing roles in the process +- Gather comprehensive evaluation patient data + +#### Related Jobs including: + +- Clinical Psychologist +- Educational Psychologist +- Counseling Psychologist +- School Psychologist +- Psychiatrist +- Clinical Social Worker +- Psychiatric Nurse +- Occupational Therapist +- Pastoral Counselor + +## Research Approaches in Abnormal Psychology + +### Benefits of Research +• Learn about a disorder’s symptoms, prevalence, +duration (acute, chronic), and accompanying problems +• Understand etiology and nature of disorder +• Discover how to provide the best patient care + +## Sources of Information + +**Case studies: ** +Specific individual observed and described in detail. +Subject to bias of author of case study. + +**Self-report data:** +Participants asked to provide information about themselves. +Interviews. + +**Observational approaches:** +Collecting information without asking participants directly for it. +Outward behavior can be observed directly.