Abnormality (or dysfunctional behavior) is a behavioral characteristic assigned to those with conditions that are regarded as rare or dysfunctional.[1] Behavior is considered to be abnormal when it is atypical or out of the ordinary, consists of undesirable behavior, and results in impairment in the individual's functioning.[2] Abnormality in behavior, is that in which is considered deviant from specific societal, cultural and ethical expectations. These expectations are broadly dependent on age, gender, traditional and societal categorizations. The definition of abnormal behavior is an often debated issue in abnormal psychology,[3] because of these subjective variables. Show
Abnormal behavior should not be confused with unusual behavior. Behavior that is out of the ordinary is not necessarily indicative of a mental or psychological disorder. Abnormal behavior, on the other hand, while not a mental disorder in itself, is often an indicator of a possible mental and/or psychological disorder.[4] A psychological disorder is defined as an "ongoing dysfunctional pattern of thought, emotion, and behavior that causes significant distress, and is considered deviant in that person's culture or society".[5] Abnormal behavior, as it relates to psychological disorders, would be "ongoing" and a cause of "significant distress". A mental disorder describes a patient who has a medical condition whereby the medical practitioner makes a judgment that the patient is exhibiting abnormal behavior based on the DSM-5 criteria.[6] Thus, simply because a behavior is unusual it does not make it abnormal; it is only considered abnormal if it meets these criteria. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5, is used by both researchers and clinicians in diagnosing a potential mental disorder. The criteria needed to be met in the DSM-5 vary for each mental disorder.[7] Unlike physical abnormalities in one's health where symptoms are objective, psychology health professionals cannot use objective symptoms when evaluating someone for abnormalities in behavior.[8] Several conventional criteria[edit]There are five main criteria of abnormality. They are:
Abnormal behaviors are "actions that are unexpected and often evaluated negatively because they differ from typical or usual behavior".[9] The following Criteria are subjective:
The standard criteria in psychology and psychiatry is that of mental illness or mental disorder. Determination of abnormality in behavior is based upon medical diagnosis. Other Criteria
A common approach to defining abnormality is a 'Multi-Criteria approach, where all definitions of abnormality are used to determine whether an individual's behavior is abnormal. For example, psychologists would be prepared to define an individual's behavior as "abnormal" if the following criteria are met.
A good example of an abnormal behavior assessed by a multi-criteria approach is depression: it is commonly seen as a deviation from ideal mental stability, it often stops the individual from 'functioning' in normal life, and, although it is a relatively common mental disorder, it is still statistically infrequent. Most people do not experience significant major depressive disorder in their lifetime.[15] Thus, depression and its associated behaviors would be considered abnormal. See also[edit]Look up abnormal in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
Notes and references[edit]
Which of the following is true of cultural concepts of distress CCD )? Quizlet?Which of the following is true of cultural concepts of distress (CCD)? The tenets of cultural concepts of distress are relevant for understanding all psychological disorders.
Which of the following is true of cultural syndromes of distress?Which of the following is true of cultural syndromes of distress? It refers to patterns of symptoms that tend to cluster together for individuals in specific cultural groups, communities, or contexts.
What is characterized by delusions and hallucinations lack of motivation social withdrawal impaired memory and dysregulated emotions?Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by continuous or relapsing episodes of psychosis. Major symptoms include hallucinations (typically hearing voices), delusions, and disorganized thinking. Other symptoms include social withdrawal, decreased emotional expression, and apathy.
Which of the following refers to a viewpoint that suggests that psychological disorders can only be understood in the cultural framework within which they occur quizlet?suggests that culture and psychopathology are inextricably intertwined, and that disorders can be understood only in the cultural framework within which they occur. (Cultural relativism).
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