PSY 4130 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Psy, Vincenzo Chiarugi, Phlegm

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSY 4130
• Professor: Shirley Griffith

Document Summary

Chapter 15 - early considerations of mental illness. Several terms have been used throughout history for what we may consider mental illness: ex: mad, lunatic, maniac, and insane. Currently, terms such as psychopathology and abnormal behavior are used in addition to mental illness. Current cultural beliefs and traditions affect what a society may call abnormal or not. Several recurring themes are part of the description: Harmful behavior: behavior which is self-mutilating or suicidal is generally considered abnormal. Unrealistic thoughts and perceptions: a pe(cid:396)so(cid:374)"s (cid:271)eliefs o(cid:396) pe(cid:396)(cid:272)eptio(cid:374)s (cid:449)hi(cid:272)h a(cid:396)e diffe(cid:396)e(cid:374)t f(cid:396)o(cid:373) those considered normal at specific time and place are considered abnormal and signs of mental illness, delusions are abnormal beliefs, hallucinations are abnormal perceptions. Inappropriate emotions: emotional displays are inappropriate based on the community in which one lives; may lead to label of mental illness. Unpredictable behavior: beliefs and emotions experience sudden shifts may be a sign of mental illness.