Download What-is-Psych-Disorder

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007
I CAN
• Apply the Rosenberg Experiment to our
understanding of mental illness
• Define psychopathology
• List and describe the 3 indicators of
MAJOR mental illness
• Describe other indicators of abnormality
• Distinguish the medical and
psychological models for understanding
mental illness
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007
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Write a short
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meaning of this
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applies to your
reading
assignment.
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007
The Rosenberg Experiment
Rosenberg tested his theory that terms such as
sanity, insanity, schizophrenia, abnormal, and
mental illness might be not as specific as was
thought .
A.Five men and three women, who were psychologically
normal, were admitted to a hospital
B. They complained that they heard voices that seemed to
say “empty, hollow, thud.” They claimed no other
symptoms
C. All were admitted to 12 different hospitals
D. All but one diagnosed as schizophrenic
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007
Psychopathology
Pattern of emotions,
behaviors, or thoughts
inappropriate to the
situation.
Also leading to personal
distress or the inability to
achieve important goals.
Also known as…
Mental illness
Mental disorder
Psychological
disorder
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Three classic signs suggest severe
psychological disorder
• Hallucinations
False sensory experiences
• Delusions
A persistent false belief
• Severe affective disturbances
A disturbance in mood or
feeling.
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Other Indicators of Abnormality
Other signs of a disorder are more subtle, and a
diagnosis depends heavily on clinical judgment
Distress
Maladaptiveness
Irrationality
Unconventionality and
undesirable behavior
Unpredictability
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Distress: Does the individual
show unusual or prolonged
levels of unease or
anxiety.
Maladaptiveness: Does the
individual act in ways that
makes others fearful or that
interferes with their wellbeing.
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Irrationality: Does the individual
talk/act in ways that are irrational or
incomprehensible to others.
Unpredictability: Does the individual
behave erratically at different times,
as if experiencing a loss of control
Unconventional and undesirable
behavior: Does the individual
behave in ways that violate social
norms.
Ex: Strolling naked in the mall as opposed
to dying you hair green.
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Two Contrasting Views of
Psychological Disorder
1. The Medical Model
2. The Psychological Model
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1. The Medical Model
Mental disorders are
diseases of the mind
and can be treated
like a disease.
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2. The Psychological Model
Combines FOUR
perspectives
1. Behaviorism
2. Cognitive
Psychology
3. Social Learning
4. Biological
Psychology
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007
Historical roots of the changing
concepts of psychological disorders
Hippocrates: Four humors:
blood, phlegm, black bile, yellow
bile
Middle Ages/Church
Superstition takes over Hippocrates's
theory
Under influence of church, physicians and
clergy resort to the old ways of
explaining abnormal behavior in terms
of demons and witchcraft
(Spanish) Inquisition…unusual behavior
the work of the devil ..the cure: drive
the demon out
Salem Witchcraft
1692
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007
Changing Concepts of
Psychological Disorder:
The Cognitive-Behavioral Approach
Behavioral Perspective –
Abnormal behaviors can be acquired through
behavioral learning – operant and classical
conditioning.
Cognitive Perspective –
Abnormal behaviors are influenced by mental
processes – how people perceive themselves
and their relations with others.
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007
Social-Cognitive Behavioral Approach
Alternative to the
medical approach
Views psychological
disorders through
combination of the
social, cognitive,
and behavioral
perspectives.
No longer do these
traditions compete
with each other.
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007
Biopsychology of Mental Disorder
Chemical imbalances in the
brain..especially neurotransmitters.
Effects of imbalances, genetics, injury,
infection.
Although most psychologists have reservations about the
medical model, the do not deny the influence of biology
on thought and behavior.
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007
Picture Review
Elaborate on
your previous
statement by
linking it to
disorders,
therapies, and
the Rosenberg
Experiment
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007
CAN I?
• Apply the Rosenberg Experiment to our
understanding of mental illness
• Define psychopathology
• List and describe the 3 indicators of
MAJOR mental illness
• Describe other indicators of abnormality
• Distinguish the medical and
psychological models for understanding
mental illness
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007