Introduction to Abnormal Psychology

PSYG2500 Abnormal Psychology/index.md

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+# 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.