PSYCH257 Lecture : Abnormal Psychology 2nd CDN edition Chapter 1
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Associated with distress /impaired functioning and atypical/culturally unexpected response. Dysfunction: breakdown in cognitive, emotional or behavioural functioning (eg. fainting at sight of blood) Part of criteria: to be sad; but not the only criteria. Some people experience mild breakdown w/o being dysfunctional, Hence, dysfunction is on a continuum (line) not as on/off categories. Hence, dysfunction is usually extreme expressions of normal emotion. But: this criteria has exceptions; eg. eccentric people, celebrities, different cultures. Uses subjective judgements (by the patient); doesn"t focus on objective (eg. blood tests) Psychologists are regulated by psych boards; psychotherapists are not. Via staying up to date on new developments, evaluating own assessments, and own research. Abnormal behaviour: acting differently from the norm, violating social norms. Szasz: mental illness diagnosed by psychologists has fundamental difference. Psychiatrists: need md + 3-4 year residency; usual focus on biological treatments (not just drugs) Psychiatric social workers/nurses: gain masters; deal with people with disorders.