PS101 Chapter 15: Chapter 15 – Psychological Disorders
Document Summary
The field devoted to the scientific study of psychological disorders is usually called abnormal psychology. It has been estimated that in a given year, at least 20% of adults in canada experience serious psychological disturbances. Deviance behaviour, thoughts, emotions are considered abnormal when they differ from society"s idea about proper functioning. A society"s values can change over time, leading to a new societal view of what is psychologically abnormal. Distress to be considered abnormal, behaviours, ideas, or emotions usually must also cause distress or unhappiness. Dysfunction abnormal behaviour also tends to interfere with daily functioning, as opposed to behaviour that is simply eccentric. Danger some people with psychological dysfunction become dangerous to themselves or others (suicidal) A symptom is a physical, behavioural, or mental feature that helps indicate a condition, illness, or disorder. When certain symptoms regularly occur together and follow a particular course, these symptoms make up a particular mental disorder.
