Concept of Abnormality and Psychological Disorders:
Meaning of Abnormality can be aptly described with the
help of 4Ds :
Deviance: Psychological disorders are characterized by
Deviance, Unusual, Bizarre, Strange
Dysfunction: Interferes with the normal functioning of an
individual.
Distress: It implies behaviour that is unpleasant and
distressing to oneself and to others.
Danger It means behaviour that is harmful and dangerous
to the person concerned and others.
1. The first approach defines abnormal behavior as a
deviation from social norms.
2. Abnormal behavior is labeled as such when it goes
against societal expectations.
3. Social norms are based on a society’s values, culture,
and history.
4. Societal norms may change over time, leading to a shift
in what is considered psychologically abnormal.
5. The second approach defines abnormal behavior as
being maladaptive.
6. Maladaptive behavior is determined by its impact on
the individual’s well-being and growth.
7. Conforming behavior can be seen as abnormal if it
interferes with optimal functioning.
8. Maladaptive behavior suggests the presence of a
problem and may be caused by individual vulnerability or
environmental stress.
- Abnormal behavior can be explained by supernatural
forces and evil spirits.
- Exorcism is commonly used to remove these forces.
- Shamans or medicine men act as intermediaries
between spirits and humans.
- Biological approach states that abnormal behavior is
caused by bodily and brain dysfunctions.
- Correcting these biological processes can improve
functioning.
- Psychological approach suggests that inadequate
thinking, feeling, and perception lead to psychological
problems.
- Organismic approach views disturbed behavior as
conflicts between emotion and reason.
- Four humors (blood, black bile, yellow bile, phlegm)
were believed to affect temperament and imbalances
caused disorders.
- Demonology and superstition gained importance in the
Middle Ages, leading to witch hunts.
- Christian spirit of charity in the early Middle Ages laid
groundwork for psychodynamic theories.
- Renaissance period emphasized psychological conflict
and interpersonal relationships as causes of disorders.
- The Age of Reason and Enlightenment promoted
scientific understanding of abnormal behavior and led to
reforms in asylums.
- Deinstitutionalization and community care for mentally
ill individuals became important.
- Interactional or bio-psycho-social approach considers
biological, psychological, and social factors in
psychological disorders.
- Classification of psychological disorders groups specific
disorders into categories based on shared characteristics.
- It provides a means for professionals to communicate
and understand psychological disorders.
- The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5) by the American
Psychiatric Association is a commonly used manual.
- The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) by
the World Health Organization also provides a
classification of behavioral and mental disorders.
- Both manuals include descriptions of clinical features,
symptoms, and diagnostic guidelines for each disorder.
