PSYC 241 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Thomas Szasz, Mental Disorder, American Psychiatric Association

• School: Simon Fraser University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 241
• Professor: Shannon Zaitsoff

Document Summary

Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (dsm 5) of the american psychiatric association is the most broadly accepted system for identifying particular types of disorders. International classifications of mental and behavioral disorder (icd 10) of the world health. Organization is also used by practioners, primarily outside of north america. Eccentric and unusual behavior or beliefs are not necessarily abnormal according to diagnostic criteria: boundary between eccentricity and abnormality is not always clear. Behaviors that are repugnant and threatening to others are not always signs of an underlying psychological disorder. From the earliest written records, humans have identified individuals as abnormal and have attempted to offer explanations and treatments. Over time, definitions of abnormality have changed. Psychological abnormality: refers to behavior, speech, or thought that impairs the ability of a person to function in a way that is generally expected of him or her in the context where the unusual functioning occurs.