Psychology 2310A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Compulsory Sterilization, Personal Distress, Soranus Of Ephesus

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2310A/B
• Professor: Rod Martin

Document Summary

Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (dsm-iv-tr) of the apa, is the most broadly accepted system for identifying particular types of disorders. Eccentric and unusual behaviour or beliefs are not necessarily abnormal according to diagnostic criteria. Behaviors that are repugnant and threatening to others, such as aggression and murder, are not always signs of an underlying psychological disorder. Psychological abnormality: behaviour, 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. Mental illness: often conveys the same meaning as psychological abnormality but it implies a medical rather than psychological cause. Psychological disorder: specific manifestation of this impairment of functioning, as described by some set of criteria that have been established by a panel of experts. Psychopathology: the scientific study of psychological abnormality and and problems faced by people who suffer from such disorders.