Abnormal Psychology & Mental Disorders
What Is Abnormal Psychology?
Abnormal behaviour is behaviour which deviates from what is considered “normal” behaviour.
For example, if it is normal behaviour for a person to wash their hands after going to the toilet or before eating, and someone feels the need to wash or disinfect their hands after everything they touch, then this would be classed as abnormal behaviour because it deviates from the norm.
However, it is important to note that just because someone’s behaviour differs from what is considered to be normal it does not necessarily imply pathology (sickness).
This person could be germophobic and cleaning their hands helps to relieve their fear of germs, or they could simply be working in an environment where everything must be kept sterile, or there is a high risk of infection.
So it is not possible to classify a certain behaviour as abnormal solely by looking at the type of behaviour an individual displays, without looking for other signs as to whether or not that person is suffering from a mental disorder.
In these articles we shall look at some of the additional signs and symptoms that can be used to support the diagnosis of a mental disorder, and later, the different types of mental disorders a person can suffer from.
General Characteristics Of Mental Disorders
Below of some of the common characteristics that tend to be associated with mental disorders.
Suffering
Suffering, in one form or another, is very often associated with mental disorders.
Usually it is the person who suffers in the form of emotional suffering, such as depression or anxiety, but sometimes it can be other people who suffer as a result of that person’s behaviour.
For example, someone who suffers from paranoia may be distrustful towards other people and accuse them of things they didn’t do, which could subsequently lead to arguments or violence.
Self Defeating Behaviour
Self defeating behaviour is behaviour which provides some form of immediate gratification, but comes at a costly long term expense. In other words, the person satisfies themselves now, but suffers later.
For example, compulsive gambling or shopping would both be examples of self defeating behaviour, because even though they make a person feel good, they have negative long term consequences (debt).
Self Destructive Behaviour
Self destructive behaviour is behaviour which injures or harms the body in some way.
For example, overeating, drug addiction and self inflicted injury are all types of self destructive behaviour.
Salient Behaviour
Salient behaviour is any type of behaviour which tends to stand out as being particularly unusual.
For example, talking to an imaginary friend or wearing shorts and a tea shirt during the winter.
Illogical Behaviour
Illogical behaviour is behaviour which makes no sense. The individual performing such behaviour may think it makes sense, or may think that it doesn’t make sense but still does it anyway.
For example, a person recognises that saying a certain mantra won’t protect them from physical harm, yet they feel compelled to say it anyway.
Classifying Mental Disorders
A mental disorder is characterised by both abnormal behaviour and the presence of pathological signs and symptoms.
What Is A Sign?
A sign is something which is noticeable by others, and is therefore external.
For example, a person who constantly laughs to themselves even though they are not talking to anyone, may be a sign of a mental disorder.
What Is A Symptom?
A symptom is something a person experiences, and is therefore internal.
For example, a person may feel depressed, anxious or think that they hear people who others cannot.
Syndrome
A collection of signs and symptoms is called a syndrome, and this is what mental health professionals use to diagnose and treat mental disorders.
Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders
The diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders is a reference book that is often used to classify mental disorders. It uses a five-axis system to classify these disorders.
Axis 1 - Clinical Syndromes
Clinical syndromes are clusters of signs and symptoms that allow a determination to be made as to the type of mental disorder a person is suffering from.
This is the most important axis, because it gives a starting point to work from.
Axis 2 - Personality Disorders
Personality disorders may or may not be present, but if they are, then this can make it difficult to form an accurate diagnosis.
Axis 3 - Medical Conditions
The health of a person is important in treating a mental disorder.
For example, a schizophrenic person who also suffers from diabetes will need to eat a special diet alongside any treatment they receive.
Axis 4 - Psychosocial Problems
Psychosocial problems relate to problems interacting with other people, and the effect this is having on a person’s life.
For example, a divorce or the loss of a job needs to be taken into account to determine its connection with the clinical syndrome.
Axis 5 - Global Assessment
This is a general assessment as to how well a person is functioning in every day life. The patient is given a score out of 100, with 100 meaning that person is functioning well, and 20 meaning that person is functioning poorly.
All of these five axis’s are used to give mental health professionals an understanding of the nature and status of a persons mental disorder. This is important because it means that disorder can then be appropriately treated.
Summary
• Abnormal behaviour is behaviour which differs from what most people would consider to be normal.
• Mental disorders are usually associated with suffering by the individual with the disorder, or the suffering of people who are around them.
• Self defeating behaviour provides short term satisfaction at a long term expense.
• Self destructive behaviour is harm to oneself.
• Salient behaviour is strange or unusual behaviour.
• A sign is something which is visible from the outside.
• A symptom is something which is experienced by a person internally.
• A syndrome is a collection of signs and symptoms that are used to classify a mental disorder.
