...Abnormal Psychology and Therapy PSY/300 August 30, 2010 Bonnie Johnson Abnormal Psychology and Therapy Abnormal Psychology is psychology that’s main purpose is to use research in an effort to classify, diagnose, and treat psychological disorders and illnesses. Everyone experiences some kind of worry, fear, and even anxiety. When an individual cannot control their emotions and daily life becomes affected they may suffer from a disorder or illness that is very complex. Abnormal vs. Normal When comparing normal and abnormal psychology there are key differences. Normal psychology deals with the feelings that should be felt. Abnormal psychology deals with the feelings we experience that we shouldn’t . We should not live everyday in constant fear for no reason. When our feelings start controlling our life on a daily bases this is abnormal. Compare and Contrast There are two main divisions in psychology: normal and abnormal. Both of these branches can be easy to distinguish, but the lines between them may be blurred as well. To better understand these two sides of psychology it is necessary to understand what each division represents in this field (Critical psychology, 2001). Normal psychology is what an average animal experiences in response to emotional stimuli. For example, a woman’s boyfriend severs relations between the two people. In the average situation, the woman would be depressed for a short period of time. This sadness could stretch to several weeks or...
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...Eating, Substance Abuse, Sex/Gender/Sexual, Impulse Control and Personality Disorders Paper and Matrix Kristen Brown Psy 410 February 7, 2010 Kristi Lane Eating, Substance Abuse, Sex/Gender/Sexual, Impulse Control and Personality Disorders Paper and Matrix Biological Eating Disorder Eating disorders have been linked to many biological components such as genetic factors, hormonal and neurotransmitter abnormalities, and damage or abnormalities to certain structures in the brain. Research conducted on twins has shown that genetic factors play an enormous role in whether one will develop an eating disorder. Many individuals who have eating disorders also seem to suffer from other disorders that have genetic factors involved. Eating disorders have been linked to people who also have obsessive compulsive disorder. Individuals who have hormonal or neurotransmitter abnormalities tend to have no control over their eating habits. People who have hormonal abnormalities tend to have unlevel amounts of hormones related hunger. Bulimia nervosa is linked to low hormone amount of the hormones that suppress appetite cause the individual to feel excessively hungry. The reverse is the case for anorexia nervosa. Endorphins play a key role in the body’s feelings of pleasure and people who suffer from eating disorders tend to have endorphins secreted when they are completed measures to prevent weight gain such as self-induced vomiting. Lastly, some people who have been diagnosed with eating...
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...Case of Karen Carpenter Virginia A Hess PSY 410 December 12, 2013 Kelley Smith Case of Karen Carpenter Anorexia nervosa happens when an individual fixates on being thin. The individual with anorexia will become obsessed with the amount of food that he or she will intake. Individuals with anorexia usually decline to consume food as well as are in denial about being hungry. These individuals are also scared to get weight as well as view themselves in a bad way. They tend to avoid social situations that involve eating. These individuals suffer from different physical problems for example dizziness/fainting, dry skin, dehydration, constipation, as well as decreased blood pressure level (Hansell & Damour, 2008). This can also result in death like in the case of Karen Carpenter. This paper will be discussing her tragic struggle with this disorder. Case Karen Carpenter was an American singer who battled with anorexia nervosa in the 1960’s. Her struggle with disorder would bring eating disorders to the public and would later contribute to her death. At an early age Karen was teased by her older brother being called “fatso”. Her mother also would make comments that made her aware of her flawed body figure. Her mother would remind her of the fact that big hips run in the family. At the age of 17 she lost 25 pounds. Career At the age of 19 Karen and her brother were signed to A&M Records. This would be the start to Karen being in the spotlight. Being...
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...Dependent Personality Disorder in Women Kimberly L. Johnson Abstract This paper will examine the DSM disorder of Dependent Personality Disorder in Women. The focus of this paper will be to highlight the differentiation, diagnosis and treatment of this specific pathological personality disorder. According to the DSM, Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be cared for by others that usually lead to clingy and fears of separation. In professional counseling it is critical that clinicians understand the root causes of DPD and how this disorder can manifest in women. This disorder can be found in both men and women, but research seems to suggest that women are more likely to suffer from this disorder. Therefore, understanding the pathology of DPD and its diagnosis and treatment will be critical to professionals working with women. This paper will also discuss how clinicians should be cautious when making diagnosis in women who present with DPD and knowing what gender and culture factors that exists. Dependent Personality Disorder in Women Clinical Definition of Dependent Personality Disorder According to the DSM-IV-TR (2000), Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be cared for by another person that usually lead to clingy and fears of separation. DPD as outlined in the DSM-IV-TR is considered the formal diagnosis of DPD needed for insurance, research, and communication...
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...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Abstract In the following paper, abnormal psychology will be discussed in length. The origins of abnormal psychology will be discussed, including the challenges to defining and classifying normal and abnormal behavior. There will also be a brief overview of how abnormal psychology has evolved into a scientific discipline. Finally the biopsychosocial, biological/medical, and sociocultural theoretical models, will also be analyzed in relation to the development of abnormal psychology. Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Abnormal psychology, also known as psychopathology, is the subfield of psychology devoted to the study of mental disorders (Hansell & Damour, 2008). The subfield also aims to understand the nature, causes, and treatment of these mental disorders (Pearson Higher Education, 2010). Abnormal psychology has come a long way in regard to how it is defined, viewed, and even treated. There are many challenges when it comes to defining and classifying normal and abnormal behavior. Over time, abnormal psychology has evolved into a scientific discipline. When it comes to the development of abnormal psychology, there are many theoretical models in which we can study as well. Origins of Abnormal Psychology It is difficult to define abnormality, and the scientific characterization of abnormality depends on five criteria: help seeking, irrationality/dangerousness, deviance, emotional distress, and significant...
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...Mental Disorder Mental illness is a disorder that is characterized by disturbances in a person’s thought, emotions, or behavior. Mental illness refers to a wide variety of disorders, ranging from those that cause mild distress to those that impair a person’s ability to function in daily life. Many have tried to figure out the reasons for mental illnesses. All of these reasons have been looked at and thought of for thousands of years. The biological perspective views mental illness as a bodily process. Where as the psychological perspectives think the role of a person’s upbringing and environment are causes for mental illnesses. Researchers estimate that about 24 percent of people over eighteen in the United States suffer from some sort of common mental illness, such as depression and phobias. Studies have also shown that 2.6 percent of adults in the United States suffer from some sort of severe form of mental illness, such as schizophrenia, panic disorders, or bipolar disorders. Younger people also suffer from mental illnesses the same way that adults do. 14 to 20 percent of individuals under the age of eighteen suffer from a case of mental illness. Studies show that 9 to 13 percent of children between the ages of nine and seventeen suffer from a serious emotional disturbances, that disrupts the child’s daily life. Major depression is a severe disorder. Symptoms include withdraw from family and/or...
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...Abnormal Psychology Roshaun Hatchett PSY/410 April 25, 2012 Dr. Christopher Daub Abnormal Psychology Abnormal psychology has been in existence for more than a century. Mental illness was approached from a spiritual point of view. Individuals of certain beliefs would misdiagnose others from the spiritual perspective and would assume that evil spirits controlled his or her’s physical, mental, and observable world (Tyrer, 2010). The following will be covered in this document: the origins of abnormal psychology, classification of normal and abnormal behaviors, how abnormal psychology evolved into a scientific discipline, and the theoretical models related to the development of abnormal psychology. The practice of trephination, a procedure that bore holes in a individuals skull to release evil spirits, was taken place in 3000 B.C. in Peru and Bolivia (Tyrer, 2010). Hippocrates was the first to approach abnormal behaviors from a biological perspective. He believed, “When the fluids were out of balance, this was the cause of mental illness” (Tyrer, 2010, para. 6). His theory was considered and almost close to the truth, in time his theory was proven to be inaccurate. Years later, Freud suggested the idea of conscious and subconscious processes to be the explanation of odd behaviors. He continued to suggest ideas from a psychodynamic perspective, but in the end lacked evidence in his theory. Freud’s theory inspired Wilhelm Wundt to elaborate on his theory. He...
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...and for people who practice particular religions. Different cultures have their own set of behavioral norms that they follow to maintain structure. Therefore, understanding behavior from other cultures may be significantly difficult to relate too. The text refers to this type of view as the relativist perspective on psychopathology because it gives a comparison to unique cultural perspective of psychological disorders. Another perspective is called the universalist perspective on psychopathology because it suggests the absolute continual of ideas and attitudes that people share despite cultural differences. It is common in some cultures to treat an illness as a disorder and label it as such. It is likely to consider normal behavior as abnormal and vice versa in different cultures. American clinicians use the DSM-IV to diagnose mental disorders. However, every illness is not found in the DSM-IV. Anxiety Disorder Anxiety disorder is a term used to describe universal experiences of fear, worry, and apprehension that can be disruptive to daily activity. These symptoms can cause severe distress to an individual. Although the fear can range from a wide variety of situations, such as fear of spiders to fear of socializing with people....
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...Abnormal psychology is the study of abnormal behavior, thoughts and emotions. There are many people with mental disorders that never get treated. It is very important to make correct diagnoses when diagnosing a patient. Accurate diagnosing will insure that the individual is receiving the best treatment possible. The earlier mental illnesses are detected they easier they are to treat. It should always be ones priority to function as normal as possible and get back on track. Educating people on their disorder and treatment options will give them a better understanding of their condition and what they can do to stay healthy and recover to normal. I am going to be writing a psychological case study on Trevor Reznik from the Machinist. I will be giving a brief background on Trevor as well as discussing his behavior and symptoms. I will base my diagnosis of his symptoms and behavior with accordance to the DSM-IV criteria and multi-axis diagnosis. I will also be recommending treatment and recovery options. Trevor Reznik is a 29 year old man from Seattle Washington. He moved to Houston 5 years ago after earning a degree in machinery. Trevor is a Machinist at Skilled Craftsmen of Texas. He says he doesn't care much for the trade but the pay is alright. He states that he isn't very well at keeping in touch with family these days. He grew up in a single family home and his father died when he was a young boy. There is no history of medical or mental disorders to Trevor lihis knowledge...
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...Psychological Disorder Analysis Tammey Sweezer PSY/270 1 September 2013 Joan Rachmel Psychological Disorder Analysis Today we are going to meet Marla, a 42 year old, Hispanic, female. Her chief complaints are having trouble sleeping, feeling “jumpy all of the time”, and experiencing an inability to concentrate. Marla is an accountant, and these issues are causing problems at work for her. Hi Marla, How are you doing today? I am here, nothing to write home about. Thank you. Have you talked to your children lately? No, not for a while now, like they say got to have patience of Job. Why do you think that your children are acting this way? I could name a number of reasons, or blame their dad and stepmom. But to tell you the truth, I really do not know. I wish I did. I miss them and love them with all of my heart. I know that sooner or later they will come around and start talking to me again; and I will be here waiting for them. How is your sex life? *Laughing* Oh you are so funny. Am I supposed to have one of those? Is Frank still staying with you? Yes, but we are not doing anything. I do not trust him, so I do not see anything happening in the near future. I have been having some very vivid dreams, more like nightmares. Are you having nightmares because you do not trust Frank? No, I do not think so. Well, maybe I do not know. Danny used to cheat on my mom with anything that wore a skirt. I know this from firsthand experience. Are you okay? Do you need a Kleenex? Do you...
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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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...Anxiety, Mood/Affextive, Dissociative/Somatoform University of Phoenix Online PSY/410 Anxiety, Mood, Dissociative, Somatoform Disorders The DSM-IV-TR offers diagnostic categories and classifications for the use of identifying and diagnosing mental disorders (Hansell & Damour, 2008). In this paper are the sections of anxiety disorders, mood and affective disorders, dissociative disorders, and somatoform disorders. The likely categorizations and signs beneath these groupings will be covered. As well as, one disorder out of all categories—general anxiety disorder, cyclothymic disorder, depersonalization disorder, and body dysmorphic disorder will be analyzed. Anxiety Disorders The primary distinction between fear and anxiety is that fear is directed at a specific stimuli; whereas, anxiety is more a general feeling of apprehension about the future (Hansell & Damour, 2008). The precise disorders that can shoot from too much anxiety are: acute stress disorder, agoraphobia, anxiety disorders due to a medical condition, general anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder with and without agoraphobia, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), specific phobia, social phobia, and substance-induced anxiety disorder (Hansell & Damour, 2008). Panic and anxiety are regular reactions but when these feelings are sensed in the nonexistence of a underlying agent psychological dysfunction can be the ended outcome, for instance...
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...Vulnerable Populations Tiffani Adams BSHS/302 August 1, 2011 Stacy Townes Vulnerable Populations The term Mental Illness covers a wide variety of disorders ,which can be mild to severe in nature. These disorders cause a breakdown in thoughts and behaviors making it difficult to impossible for a person to cope with daily life. There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness (Mental Health America, 2011) and include different forms of depression and other emotional disorders, anxiety disorders, dementia, and personality disorders. It is estimated that there are more than 50 million Americans living with one form of mental illness or another. Knowledge and understanding of mental illnesses has come a long way in the last century, before this time many were labeled as being possessed by demons. In order to “cure” them, people were often subjected to physical and emotional abuse; it was often believed that the only way to exorcise the demons was to beat them out of a person. People were locked away and isolated from the population at large, neglected and abused there was little hope or understanding for a person suffering from mental illness. Great strides were made in 1908 after a man named Clifford Beers released an autobiography titled “A Mind That Found Itself” (Mental Health America, 2010). Beers had spent time in a mental institution after his brother’s death and had witnessed firsthand the inhuman treatment of the patients, after his release he began a national...
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...‘Critically consider definitions of abnormality’ Abnormal psychology (or psychopathology) deals with sets of behaviors or symptoms that produce a functional impairment in people’s lives. There are many definitions to consider in Abnormality, and below i have stated them. Statistical Infrequency.In this definition of abnormality, behaviors which are seen as statistically rare, are said to be abnormal. However this definition obviously has limitations, it fails to recognize the desirability of the particular behavior. This definition also implies that the presence of abnormal behavior in people should be rare or statistically unusual, which is not the case. Instead, any specific abnormal behavior may be unusual, but it is not unusual for people to experience some form of prolonged abnormal behavior at some point in their lives. Deviation from Social Norms defines the departure or deviation of an individual, from society's norms. For example if some was to witness a man running around nude on the streets, the man would be perceived as abnormal, as he has broken society's norms about wearing clothing. There are also a number of factors to be examined before reaching a judgment as to whether someone has deviated from society's norms. The first of these factors being culture. What may be seen as normal in one culture, may be seen as abnormal in another. The second factor being the situation & context the person is placed in. For example going to the toilet is a normal...
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...this contained a lot of frightening and unfamiliar imagery and considered it to be an outside source that compelled him to think this way as opposed to coming from himself; from within. Thinking irrationally, he suspected that his doctors were somehow implanting these thoughts in his brain with the use of hypnosis and telepathy (Meyer, Chapman, et al., 2009). After some additional thinking, Schreber began to believe that his thoughts were instilled within him by God and that is was God’s decision to make him a woman. Although he figured this was beyond human ability and deemed as “miraculous” it still tormented him (Meyer, Chapman, et al., 2009). The text describes Schreber’s case as containing many different personality disorders, or abnormal disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders. Freud described Schreber’s primary symptoms as paranoid schizophrenia as well as psychosis in nature. Freud came to the conclusion that Schreber’s thoughts and delusions were brought on upon by his rejection and denial of his homosexuality (Meyer, Chapman, et al., 2009). Other psychologist at the time believed that homosexuality was not the direct cause but the mental abuse he received from his father during childhood. His father utilized shame and humiliation to instill doubt and self-esteem issues within Daniel. Genetically speaking, there were no indications that anyone else in Schreber’s family suffered from the same ailments. His frequent delusions and moments of grandeur are considered...
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