Lecture: Psychological Disorders

Overview

• Definition of psychological disorders
• Diagnosis and classification
• Different perspectives on disorders
• Specific psychological disorders

What is a Psychological Disorder?

• Abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
• Psychopathology: Study of psychological disorders including symptoms, causes (etiology), and treatment
• Distinguished from situational or unconventional behaviors
• Considered disorders if they are:
  • Atypical
  • Distressful
  • Dysfunctional
  • Dangerous

Cultural Expectations and Disorders

• Atypical behavior does not necessarily indicate a disorder
• Cultural norms can affect the perception of behaviors (e.g., eye contact)
• Cultural changes over time affect what is considered a disorder

Psychological Disorder Definitions

• Jerome Wakefield's 'Harmful Dysfunction': Dysfunction must lead to negative consequences
• American Psychological Association: Significant disturbances in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

Diagnosis of Disorders

• DSM-5: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
  • Includes comorbidity and symptom criteria
  • Changes over time, reflecting cultural and scientific advancements
• ICD: International Classification of Diseases
  • Used more worldwide for clinical diagnosis

Perspectives on Disorders

• Supernatural: Historical view attributing disorders to supernatural forces
• Biological: Emphasizes genetic components and biological predispositions
• Diathesis-Stress Model: Disorders arise from biological predispositions and environmental stressors

Anxiety Disorders

• Characteristics: Excessive, persistent fear, and disturbances
• Types:
  • Specific Phobias: Persistent fear of objects or situations
  • Social Anxiety Disorder: Fear of social situations
  • Panic Disorder: Recurrent panic attacks
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Continuous and excessive worrying

Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

• OCD: Intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions)
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Preoccupation with perceived physical flaws
• Hoarding Disorder: Inability to discard possessions

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Occurs after traumatic events
• Symptoms: Intrusive memories, flashbacks
• Risk factors: Lack of social support, life stress, gender, and history of mental disorders

Mood Disorders

• Major Depressive Disorder: Persistent sadness and loss of interest
• Bipolar Disorder: Mood swings between depression and mania
• Causes: Genetic predisposition, neurotransmitter imbalances, stressful life events

Suicide

• Not classified as a disorder in DSM-5
• High risk with mood disorders and substance abuse
• Warning signs include social withdrawal and reckless behavior

Schizophrenia

• Major disturbances in thought, perception, and behavior
• Symptoms: Hallucinations, delusions
• Causes: Genetic factors, neurotransmitter imbalances, brain abnormalities

Dissociative Disorders

• Dissociative Amnesia: Inability to recall personal information
• Dissociative Identity Disorder: Multiple identities

Personality Disorders

• Types:
  • Cluster A: Odd, eccentric behavior
  • Cluster B: Dramatic, emotional, erratic behavior
  • Cluster C: Anxious, fearful behavior

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

• ADHD: Inattention and hyperactivity
• Autism Spectrum Disorder: Social communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors

Concluding Remarks

• Relations between disorders and cultural perspectives
• Emphasis on scientific understanding and treatment advancements

Remember to review DSM-5 criteria and cultural perspectives when studying psychological disorders.