Overview
This lecture introduces psychological disorders, focusing on anxiety-related disorders, classification, diagnosis, and cultural considerations. Key definitions, symptoms, and the importance of professional evaluation are discussed.
Introduction to Psychological Disorders
- Psychological disorders involve patterns of behavior, thoughts, or emotions causing distress, danger, or dysfunction.
- Diagnosing disorders is for trained professionals; relating to symptoms does not mean you have a disorder.
- Most disorders exist on a continuum rather than strictly “normal” or “abnormal.”
Defining and Classifying Disorders
- Psychopathology is the study of abnormal behavior and mental disorders.
- Disorders are defined by four "Ds": deviance (from norms), distress, danger, and dysfunction.
- Definitions of “normal” are influenced by culture and statistical averages.
- DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is the standard classification tool used by clinicians.
Cultural Influences on Disorders
- Culture-bound disorders appear in specific societies (e.g., Koro, Windigo).
- Changing media and societal norms can influence disorder prevalence and symptoms (e.g., body dysmorphia tied to Western media).
- Professionals consider cultural context when diagnosing.
Pros and Cons of Diagnosis
- Pros: Common language for professionals and guidance for treatment.
- Cons: Potential stigma and prejudice; risk of “psychology student syndrome” (self-diagnosing).
Anxiety Disorders Overview
- Anxiety disorders are the most common class and often include physiological symptoms.
- All anxiety disorders involve excessive apprehension and arousal, causing impairment.
- About 18% of the US population experiences an anxiety disorder.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent, non-specific worry and physical symptoms for at least 6 months; often gradual onset in early adulthood.
- Phobic Disorders: Irrational, persistent fear of specific objects or situations that disrupt life (examples: claustrophobia, acrophobia, agoraphobia).
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by intrusive recurring thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) to reduce anxiety.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): After trauma, symptoms include anxiety, dissociation, nightmares, flashbacks, and concentration problems, sometimes appearing long after the event.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Psychopathology — Study of psychological disorders and abnormal behavior.
- DSM-5 — Manual used for diagnosing mental disorders.
- Four Ds — Deviance, distress, danger, dysfunction; criteria for labeling behavior as disordered.
- GAD — Generalized Anxiety Disorder; ongoing, non-specific anxiety.
- Phobia — Intense, irrational fear of specific things or situations.
- OCD — Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; cycle of unwanted thoughts and ritual behaviors.
- PTSD — Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; lingering effects after trauma.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Submit autobiography paper before the deadline.
- Prepare for final exam covering personality, disorders, and therapy (last three chapters).
- Optional: Review posted videos on disorders in the course's online portal.