Module 5.3: Explaining and Classifying Psychological Disorders

Learning Targets

• 5.3-1: Explain how typical behavior is distinguished from a disorder.
• 5.3-2: Discuss the biopsychosocial approach and the diathesis-stress model in understanding psychological disorders.
• 5.3-3: Describe the classification of psychological disorders and criticism of diagnostic labels.
• 5.3-4: Identify factors increasing the risk of suicide and insights into nonsuicidal self-injury.
• 5.3-5: Examine whether psychological disorders predict violent behavior.
• 5.3-6: Analyze the prevalence of psychological disorders and associated risk factors.

Key Concepts

Defining Psychological Disorders

• Typical vs. Disorder: Disorders are marked by significant disturbances in cognition, emotion, or behavior, causing distress and impairing day-to-day life.
• Social Norms: Definitions of disorders can vary over time due to changing societal norms.

Understanding Psychological Disorders

• Biopsychosocial Approach: Understands disorders as influenced by biological, psychological, and social-cultural factors.
• Diathesis-Stress Model: Proposes that genetic predispositions and environmental stressors interact to influence disorder development.

Classifying Disorders

• Purpose of Classification: Helps predict course, suggest treatment, and facilitate research.
• DSM-5-TR: A tool used for diagnosing and classifying psychological disorders.
• Criticism: Some argue the DSM casts too wide a net, labeling normal behavior as pathological.

Risk of Self-Harm

• Suicide Risks: Vary by nationality, gender, age, and other demographic factors. Increased by mental disorders like depression and anxiety.
• Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (NSSI): Often a sign of emotional distress and can lead to suicide if untreated.

Disorders and Violence

• Violence Prediction: Most individuals with psychological disorders are non-violent. Risk factors for violence are better predicted by substance abuse and past violent behavior.

Prevalence and Risk Factors

• Global Rates: Vary widely; poverty is a significant risk factor but can also be a result of disorders.
• Immigrant Paradox: Immigrants may have better mental health than their native-born counterparts.

Exam Tips and Practice

• Identifying Influences: Be familiar with the biopsychosocial model in explaining behavior.
• Understanding Labels: Recognize both the benefits and potential stigmatizing effects of diagnostic labels.
• Application of Concepts: Consider how concepts apply to real-life scenarios and self-evaluation of mental health.

Review Questions

• How should psychological disorders be defined and classified?
• What is the relationship between poverty and psychological disorders?

Practice Multiple Choice Questions

• Consider scenarios involving psychological disorders and utilize the biopsychosocial model for analysis.