Abnormal Psychology The study of psychopathology What is

Abnormal Psychology The study of psychopathology

What is Psychopathology? n The study of abnormal thoughts, behaviors, and feelings. n “Psycho” refers to “mind. ” n Derives from the Greek “Psyche” for “soul. ” n “Pathology” refers to “disease. ”

What constitutes abnormal behavior? n What do you think?

Factors that determine whether behavior is abnormal or not: n 1. Statistical infrequency n 2. Violation of norms n 3. Personal Distress n 4. Dysfunction n 5. Unexpectedness

Statistical infrequency: n Abnormal behavior is often infrequent. mania & depression occur in 1% of the pop.

Problem: Not all unusual behavior is considered abnormal!! (e. g. , superior athletic, musical, or intellectual ability)

Violation of norms: n Abnormal behavior often violates the social norms of a given culture. (E. g. , experiencing hallucinations, talking to inanimate objects, )

Problem: n The violation of norms explicitly makes abnormality a relative concept. Criminals and prostitutes violate social norms, but would not necessarily fall within the context of abnormal psychology.

Personal Distress: n Behavior may be defined as abnormal if it creates subjective distress. n (E. g. , a hallmark of mood anxiety disorders is heightened subjective distress. )

Problem: n Not all distressed individuals are mentally ill & some mentally ill individuals do not show distress (psychopaths).

Dysfunction: n Does the behavior impair an individual’s ability to function in life (work, personal relationships)? (E. g. , substance-use disorders)

Problem: n Some individuals with a DSM diagnosis, live functional lives (e. g. , transvestites).

Unexpectedness: n Distress & disability are considered abnormal when they occur as unexpected responses to stressors. E. g. , (anxiety disproportionate with the situation).

Problems with classifying behavior as abnormal Several factors need to be examined. Societal norms may change which behaviors are deemed abnormal. E. g. , Homosexuality was once classified as a mental disorder in the DSM (up till 1973).

Mental Health Professions What does it take to be a clinical psychologist?

1. Clinical Psychologist n -Ph. D. or Psy. D. n -4 -7 yrs graduate study (the range is probably more like 5 -9 years). n -1 -year pre-doctoral internship in APA accredited hospital or mental health facility. n At least 1 year of supervised post-doctoral experience for licensure (depends on state: Alabama has no such requirement).

Difference between Ph. D. & Psy. D n -A Ph. D. is trained to: n *conduct research, teach n *assess & diagnose mental disorders n *conduct therapy n A Psy. D: limited to clinical practice…. Modeled after the M. D. degree. .

2. Psychiatrist n -4 yrs Medical school (M. D. ) n -4 -5 yr residency in hospital ***Can prescribe medication for mental disordersbecause of M. D. training. n Recent development: Psychologists are gaining limited prescriptive authority in some states… e. g. Louisiana, New Mexico n

3. Psychoanalyst -M. D. or Ph. D. degree n -receives specialized postdoctoral training in field of psychoanalysis n -up to 10 yrs graduate study required

4. M. S. W. (Masters in Social Work) n n -MSW degree -2 -3 yrs graduate study -1 -3 yr. field placement -can practice psychotherapy and marriage counseling. 5. Counseler or Counseling Psychologist: n - (Masters or Ph. D. ) n -2 -5 yrs graduate work n 1 -3 yr field placement n n Note: Most state licensing boards regulate the use of the term “psychologist, ” such that anyone using such a title has an appropriate doctoral degree and requisite postdoctoral hours.

History of Psychopathology n Mental illness was thought to be the result of supernatural forces (angry Gods, possession by demons). Scholars, theologians, and philosophers believed a troubled mind was the result of displeased Gods or possession.

Demonology n Abnormal behavior (hallucinations, delusions, paranoia) resulted from demonic possession. Treatment: drive the evil spirits out of the body. n -stone-age: trephination n n -exorcism rituals: prayers, vile brews, flogging, starvation, etc.

Mental illness: a biological problem? n By 5 th century B. C. , mental illness--thought to be result of physical disease (e. g. Hippocrates and unbalanced humors). n -The idea that deviant behavior occurs because of disease in the body is referred to as “Somatogenesis. ” n Contrasted with “Psychogenesis, ” which holds that deviant behavior occurs because of aberrant mental processes. .

Hippocrates (contd. ) Thought cognitive functioning could be restored by balancing the four humors in body: blood, black bile, yellow bile, & phlegm).

The Dark Ages n With decline of Roman & Greek civilizations/ rise of Church as dominant power in Europe, demonology makes a come-back!! n *Treatment- exorcisms

Mental illness: witchcraft (1300 s) n Hallucinations & delusions--evidence of witchcraft. n Most accused were not mentally ill, but forced to admit symptoms they didn’t possess. n Treatment: beatings/death by hanging or burning.

Mentally ill housed in asylums (1500 s+) n After crusades, mentally ill were confined to asylums. n Asylums (originally leprosariums), were converted after crusades when leprosy was on a decline. n Most famous: St. Mary’s of Bethlehem in London (founded in 1243). Called “Bedlam. ” n Deplorable conditions- little food, little patient care, blood letting practices, & spread of diseases.

Asylums became “attraction. ” n Bedlam- became hot tourist spot, where London’s mentally ill were placed on display for all to see. n Treatment- patients were drained of blood & purposely “frightened. ”

Moral Treatment (1790 s +) n Philippe Pinel – humanitarian treatment of mentally ill in asylums. n Patients formerly chained & shackled were released & free to roam the buildings. Treatment: cannabis, opium, alcohol.

Current conceptualizations in modern psychiatry Mental illness– may have biological, psychological, and/or social cause. Treatment: somatic therapy (drugs, ECT) or psychotherapy