...Abnormal Psychology and Therapy Paper David Brown, Charles Hodge PSY/300: General Psychology Susan Bonnell June 2, 2015 University of Phoenix Abnormal Psychology and Therapy Paper Abnormal psychology is the study of unusual behavior, thoughts, and emotion by members of a society (American Psychological Association, 2015). To meet the definition of abnormal, the behavior, actions, or thoughts must be atypical of the culture (Kowalski & Westen, 2011). Herein is where the challenge lies, due to the fact that our world encompasses many cultures and definitions of normal are significantly different from one region to the next. The paper will provide examples of abnormal psychology in the form of mental disorders and illnesses. Additionally, treatments for these disorders and illnesses will be discussed. Normal and Abnormal Psychology Normal and abnormal psychology can differ by culture. One’s normal behavior is that which allows for a society to maintain a productive and relationship driven life that does not differ drastically from the normalcy of said society (Kowalski & Westen, 2011). When an individual’s behavior is maladaptive to the culture he or she belongs, others will then classify said behavior as abnormal, and then will attempt to change that behavior. Wen-Sing Tseng, M.D. (2013), described a Latino man who hit his body and yelled very loudly, alone while in public, upon hearing of his wife’s death. The treating doctor was unsure if the man’s behavior...
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...WEEK3 FORUM POSTS PSY335 (ABNORMAL PYCH) 1.) According to the DSM-5 a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) would be diagnosed by a clinician if the client is experiencing symptoms that continue to last longer than a month after a traumatic event, actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violation has occurred. (APA, 2013) The major symptoms of PTSD are anxiety, depression, detachment, guilt, and anger (Comer, 2013) Acute Stress Disorder is has the same symptoms of PTSD, but a client’s onset and duration of symptoms last less than a month. Reference: American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Comer, R.J.(2014) Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology, New York: Worth 2) Disorders develop in survivors of trauma due to the fact that they may be re-experiencing the traumatic events in reoccurring thoughts, memories, dreams or nightmares connected to the event. PTSD and ASD are known disorders associated with traumatic disorders. The most common traumatic events are combat, disasters, abuse and victimization. 3) PTSD treatments for combat veterans may vary according to their symptoms displayed. A therapist may choose or combine the following therapies: Drug therapy: an antianxiety drug may be given to control tension, reduce nightmares, panic attacks, flashbacks, and depression; Behavioral exposure techniques: helps veterans to reduce specific symptoms, and often leads to overall...
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...TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Definition of adolescence and adolescent depression 2 2. Adolescent depressive symptoms 4 3. Problems with diagnosis of depression in adolescents 4 4. Gender factors that may play a role in assessing depression 6 5. Contextual factors that may play a role in assessing depression 8 6. Suicide 9 ‘Like anyone else, I have always had times when I felt deeply depressed, but this was something altogether new in my experience – a despairing, unchanging paralysis of the spirit beyond anything I had ever known or imagined could exist.’ The author William Styron (1990). (Kring, Johnson, Davison & Neale 2012:132) 1. Definition of adolescence and adolescent depression Adolescence is the period of development marked at the beginning by the onset of puberty and at the end by the attainment of physiological or psychological maturity (Reber, Allen & Reber 2009). It is a period of transition from childhood into adulthood, involving changes in physical development, cognitive abilities, emotional adjustment and self esteem. Adolescence is a time of acute stress. It is a period of social sorting and identity formation. Erikson described development that occurs throughout the lifespan in his theory of psychosocial development. During the adolescent period, which Erikson called ‘Identity vs Role confusion’, adolescents need to develop a sense of self and personal identity...
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...Psychological Disorder Analysis LeAnn Lawyer Axia College of University of Phoenix Abnormal Psychology: Abuse, Addiction, and Disorders PSY/270 Stacie Flynn December 05, 2010 Psychological Disorder Analysis This Psychological Disorder Analysis will analyze Marla’s disorder using the information provided in the Faces of Abnormal Psychology Interactive Application. Ten clinical interview questions along with the existing symptoms are crucial to making a final diagnosis of this disorder. Furthermore, important summarized aspects of the disorder will make this disorder more understandable. In addition, the origin of this disorder will show the possible treatment needed for the disorder. Marla is a 42-year-old Hispanic female, who decided to seek professional help and arrives at the mental health clinic experiencing and complaining about symptoms such as trouble sleeping, jumpy all of the time, and an inability to concentrate. Furthermore, these symptoms are affecting her performance and causing problems at work where she is an accountant. Following the given information in the Faces of Abnormal Psychology Interactive Application and the DSM-IV criteria, Marla is most likely suffering from Dysthymic Disorder. An additional interview, which includes interview questions will result and support the same conclusion. The questions during the interview would include is she currently taking any medication? If so how long has she been taking this medication? ...
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...abnormal psycology Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Jessica University of Phoenix PSY/410 Facilitator: Maria Neely; MA; M.ed. 19 December 2011 Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology * There is a fine line when comparing normal and abnormal behavior. What appears to be abnormal is considered normal by others. Abnormal behaviors are defined as psychopathology, which relates to abnormal behavior that can be defined, classified, explains, and treated (Hansell & Damour, 2008). This paper will examine the origins of abnormal psychology, include challenges to defining and classifying normal and abnormal behavior, provide a brief overview of how abnormal psychology has evolved into a scientific discipline, and the last part will analyze the psychosocial, biological/medical, and socio-cultural theoretical models related to the development of abnormal psychology. When assessing a person with a mental health problems looking at factors such as feelings, thoughts, and behaviors can play a very important role. The origins of abnormal behavior started...
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...of Abnormal Psychology Ann Bacon Psy/410 Abnormal Psychology October 24, 2011 Kristi Lane University of Phoenix Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology What is abnormal psychology? Abnormal psychology is the branch of psychology that deals with behaviors that are not considered normal as well as psychological phenomena such as dreams and altered mental states, which have not been explained. The goal of this branch of psychology is to understand abnormal behavior as well as to determine how and if the behavior needs to be addressed and to develop a treatment plan that will help individuals. This branch of psychology also recognizes that there are many influences such as environmental influences on psychological development. The goal of many mental health professionals is not to force an individual to achieve normality but to help individuals who struggle with mental and emotional disorders to achieve fulfilling and active lives. However, to completely understand what abnormal psychology is we need to understand the origins of abnormal psychology as well as the challenges of defining and classifying normal and abnormal behavior. It is also important to understand how abnormal psychology evolved into a scientific discipline as well as the different viewpoints or models of abnormal psychology. The following paragraphs will hopefully help us to completely understand the branch of abnormal psychology. Origins of Abnormal Psychology The field of abnormal psychology...
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...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Autumn Messina PSY/ 410 February 18, 2012 Stephen Sharp Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Over the years abnormal psychology has undergone so many different changes but finding the root of abnormal behaviors has been the one key element to these theories to help treat those suffering from a mental illness. In the paragraphs below there will be discussion about the origins of abnormal psychology and the challenges of defining and classifying normal and abnormal behavior. An overview of how abnormal psychology has evolved into scientific discipline and how psychosocial, biological/medical, and socioculture models are related to the development of abnormal psychology. Everybody around us is not perfect and we all have some type of misunderstanding about us but with some it is worse than others. Some people have problems with depression to obsession-compulsion and these behaviors would fall under abnormal psychology. For us to understand abnormal psychology we have to know what the meaning of abnormal means. Many of our behaviors follow what is called a normal curve. This curve is shaped like a bell and most individuals are clustered at the highest tip of the curve, which would be considered normal or average. According to Cherry (2012), “people who fall very far at either end of the normal curve might be considered abnormal” (para. 2). Many things in our life can cause stress or disruption, which...
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...into the DSM-IV looking at each of the six elements and we will attempt to isolate the disorder in the DSM-IV that fits Jim’s situation. In these pages, it is hoped that we can find a rational explanation to what mental disorder Jim is dealing with as stated in the DSM-IV according to the definitions available. Lastly, we will examine the benefits and disadvantages of having the DSM-IV classify disorders according to the information-contained in-between the covers of the DSM-IV. Case Study Jim Abnormal, what is it and is it something that is a simple explanation or does the word abnormal have many different facets to its definition. The word abnormal has many different elements to its portfolio; abnormal is not a one-word answer to all situations making this word complex in all the possible ways it can be used from a simple abnormal case to abnormal adding a multitude of complex issues to one case. Although abnormal is a complex explanation, many professionals will agree that abnormal is the fruition of biological predisposition. It is worth noting at this point that mental disorders continue to become more challenging simply because of the inherent difficulties a person faces that struggles with a mental disorder. If a mental disorder is added to a physical disorder as well, it then becomes exponentially challenging to manage and treat as well. Elements Inside the...
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...Abnormal Psychology and Therapy Paper Brenda Foster PSY 300 General Psychology May 6, 2013 Laurel Taron Abnormal Psychology and Therapy Paper Society’s view on normal and abnormal behavior is constantly changing. What one person views as normal another will view it as abnormal. Normal or abnormal behavior may be determined by social or cultural context. What a person does in one country may be completely abnormal in another country. Society may have its own version of the standards of normal but the mental health professional has to determine and define abnormal behavior and determine if the abnormal behavior will constitute as a mental disorder. The study of psychopathology is, “the scientific study of the origins, symptoms, and development of psychological disorders” Hockenbury & Hockenbury, (2001). Psychological or mental disorders are defined as, “a pattern of behavioral or psychological symptoms that causes significant personal distress, impairs the ability to function in one or more important areas of life or both” Hockenbury & Hockenbury, (2001). The determination of behaviors or a pattern of symptoms that constitutes a psychological disorder can be diagnosed with a disorder only if the patient has specific criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-IV, which was published by the American Psychiatric Association (1994). The mental health professionals have a “common language for labeling mental disorders and comprehensive...
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...What is depression? The word depression has been commonly used daily. Sometimes people even say "I" am depressed when in reality they mean, "I" am tired of the situation because I have had a bad day or even lost a job, etc.. These ups and downs in our everyday lifestyle is typical and is normal. Some people can adapt quite quickly while others cannot. Who gets depression? Statics says 5 in 100 adults will be diagnosed with depression on a daily basis. Sometimes depression can have a mild effect on a person that can last for a few weeks. Many person(s) will have two or more episodes of depression. It is severe enough that many need treatment that occurs in about 2 in 6 women and 2 in 13 men at any giving time in their lives. Symptoms of depression? Many people know when they are suffering from depression. Although, some don't realize when they are depressed because maybe not been diagnosed by a medical physician. Some know that they are not feeling right and not functioning well, but don't know why. While people think that they may have a physical illness - for example, if they lose weight. The symptoms most commonly often associated with depression. These are: Core symptoms: ✓ Sad or attitude change ✓ Lack of interest or participated in activities that you have enjoyed in the past Other common symptoms: ✓ Decreased in sleep pattern ✓ Change in appetite ✓ Tiredness or no energy exercise ✓ Agitations ✓ Lack of focus [pic]...
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...What is Psychology? In my research of Psychology and its meaning I have come up with many definitions. To sum all of the definitions into one it's the study ones feelings, thoughts, and their way of thinking and using all of there senses rather its cognitive, physical, or mental. Some other questions that came to mind during my research are what is normal psychology and what is abnormal psychology? What is normal psychology? Most people consider one to be normal if they seem to have no problems physically or mentally. Are you O.K. the way you are? Should you be different? Most of us tend to roles that are acceptable behavior in society. Society expects us all to play certain roles. Health and science guide says that normality is only questioned when there is a conflict between roles. Why do we conform to these roles? We do it because in most societies, including ours, there are rewards for conformity. People tend to treat us with respect when we play roles that others are comfortable with. What is abnormal psychology? I think it could be the study of mental illness as some journals stated. Overall it's the study of mental illnesses and of how people with mental illnesses can be treated. Stated in Health and Science guide mental illness is a much-debated topic in the world of psychology to which a lot of research is still needed. Problems usually come up when people try to define what is normal. Sigmund Freud was considered to be the...
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...Disorder Analysis Abnormal behaviors are noticed throughout most societies. Since there are many people who are diagnosed with these diseases, there has been a great effort in trying to organize and find possible treatments for these disorders. In the scenario that is assigned a 42-year-old woman named Maria, who has been experiencing abnormal behaviors. She is lacks the ability to concentrate and is starting to have anxiety. The symptoms are affecting her daily life. She has been having trouble sleeping, which can be a major problem all on its own. Maria is a 42-year-old female, is seeking advice from the mental health clinic regarding an assortment of symptoms. She is leading to understand that they are the cause of her issues. These symptoms are including difficulty sleeping, feeling jumpy all of the time, and having the inability to concentrate. Maria complains that these symptoms are affecting her performance while she is working. She is an accountant and needs to be able to concentrate on the task at hand. A possible reason Maria has the need to seek medical advice could be because her employer has prompted her to do so. During the provisional first visit to see a physician, Maria’s symptoms are requiring a further analysis to reach a complete diagnostic conclusion. The symptoms that Maria is describing can be the symptoms of a multitude of disorders. These disorders include depression, panic disorders, and potentially a post-traumatic...
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...Abnormal Behavior Abnormal psychology is a branch of psychology that studies behaviors, thoughts, and moods that are outside the bounds of what is widely considered as normal in a certain culture. The concept of abnormality is defined differently in different cultures as behaviors of a particular culture may be abnormal to another culture. In order to clearly understand what abnormal psychology is, it is very imperative to first understand what is defined as abnormal. The concept of abnormality is defined in relation to norms of a particular group or culture and hence anything (behavior, thought, or emotion) that is outside the norms of a particular group of people, gender, or age is considered as abnormal. Many people can follow under the normal curve where many human beings are clustered around the highest point of the curve called the average point. Any person who follows far from the average point in the normal curve is considered as abnormal. Different elements of abnormal psychology have brought about differences in definition, approaches, and treatment. These elements include; suffering, adaptation failure, incomprehensibility, vividness, violation of moral and ideal standards, unpredictability and loss of control, and incomprehensibility as well as irrationality. This study indicates how these elements bring about differences in definitions, approaches, and treatment of abnormality. Suffering is generally defined as the aspect of feeling pain or being...
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...Associate Level Material Appendix C Psychotherapy Matrix Directions: Review Module 36 of Psychology and Your Life. Select three approaches to summarize. Include examples of the types of psychological disorders appropriate for each therapy. {Psychodynamic Approaches} {Behavioral Approaches} {Cognitive Approaches} Summary of Approach Psychodynamic approaches involve seeking out unresolved past conflicts and unacceptable impulses from the unconscious into the conscious, where people deal with problems more effectively. This technique also tries to figure out why individuals employ defense mechanisms that are associated with coping when Confronted with conflicts. Childhood or past memories that are buried deep or ones that you want to forget are brought to attention to be discussed. Behavioral treatments build on the basic processes of learning, such as reinforcement and extinction, and assume that normal and abnormal behaviors are both learned. This means that abnormal behaviors learned from the past are addressed so the person can modify their behavior through some type of conditioning to reduce the frequency of the undesired behavior. A cognitive approach teaches people to think more adaptively by changing their dysfunctional cognitions about the world and themselves. This helps people understand the thought and feelings that influence behavior, which then addresses how to change their thinking and behavior. This often uses the basic principles of learning which challenges...
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...Anxiety, Mood/Affective, Dissociative, and Somatoform Matrix By Mary R. Torczon PSY/410 Dr. Jones July 25th, 2011 Anxiety, Mood/Affective, Dissociative, and Somatoform Matrix A disorder is a disruptive condition or combinations of symptoms that an individual experiences that may debilitate to his or her daily lives. Some disorders are more complex than others such as hypochondriasis, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Anxiety, mood, dissociative, and somatoform disorders make the ability for normal daily functioning impossible. This paper will analyze the disorders of anxiety, mood/affective, dissociative, and somatoform disorders in reference to the biological, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral components of each disorder category. Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders, which are many of the most severe mental disorders, stem from phobias or fears. All people experience some form of generalized anxiety or worry from time to time. Categories of anxiety disorders are general anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). Inappropriate anxiety causes the heart to race, breathing becomes rapid, and muscles tense for no reason (AllPsych, 2004). The symptoms, such as excessive worry and fear, become a disorder when they become part of normal daily life. Cognitively, individuals may fixate on perceived dangers and threats. They may over exaggerate the severity of undesirable situations, and...
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