Abnormal Psychology is a branch of Psychology that mainly focuses on the study of Abnormal Behavior and Psychopathology. Psychopathology is the investigation to find out the causes, symptoms, and treatment of mental illnesses and disorders. These illnesses and Disorders include Depression, Anxiety, Phobia, Inferiority Complex, Schizophrenia, SAD, GAD, Autism, and many more. Some of these illnesses can easily be Treat, while others are very difficult to treat completely. Abnormal Psychology is one of the major Branches of Psychology. Psychologists study this field in a Clinical Context.
The term “Abnormal Psychology” covers a broad range of illnesses and disorders from Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) to Personality Disorder. Some of these disorders are very severe and cannot be treat by simply counseling, it needs Medication. Psychologists use DSM-6 to describe, explain, predict and treat Mental disorders. Usually, counselors, Clinical psychologists, and psychotherapists work directly in this field. Abnormal psychology is studied in every discipline of Psychology. It is also known as psychopathology.
Overview:
What is the difference between Normal and Abnormal? The definition of this question is Very Difficult. The simple and the most common Definition of Abnormal is “the behavior that is outside of the normal is called as abnormal Behavior. The Definition of Abnormal is based on Statistics. When a majority of group Behave similarly this behavior is considered Normal Behavior, but if someone behaves differently from the group, he is considered abnormal.
Psychologists made a Curve based on statistical data, which is known as the Normal Curve. The majority of people lie around the highest point of the curve is known as average. The people who fall very far from either point of the curve are Considers as abnormal.
It is very important to note that the difference between normal and abnormal is not synonymous with Good and Bad. For Example; a person has a very high IQ level. According to the Definition of Abnormal, he is not considered normal. He is considered abnormal but he would also be considered a Genius.
So then what is Abnormal Behavior?
Abnormal Behavior is a behavior that causes problems and Disturbances in a person’s life and that is also disruptive for other people then this Behavior would be considered as abnormal Behavior that may require some types of psychological treatment and Counselling.
Perspectives:
There are many Perspectives that define the causes of Mental illnesses and Disorders. But psychologists and Psychiatrists use only a single perspective to treat patients with several psychological illnesses. But Many psychologists use eclectic approaches in order to better understand and treat patients. Some of these approaches are given below.
Psychoanalytic Approach:
This Approach of defining the causes of mental illness is the root of the theories of Sigmund Freud. According to the psychoanalytic approach, much abnormal behavior and Mental illnesses stem from Unconscious thought, Desires, and memories. The repressed desire and memory affect our behavior and Personality. These feelings are Outside of our awareness but still, these unconscious thoughts and memory influence our Behavior.
The Therapist Who takes this approach believes that analyzing thoughts, desires, memories, and even dreams can uncover feelings and causes that have been leading to Maladaptive Behavior And psychological distresses.
Behavioral Approach:
This perspective to abnormal psychology focuses on Observable and learned behaviors. In Cognitive behavior therapy, the main focus is on reinforcing positive behaviors and not reinforcing abnormal behaviors.
The activity approach targets solely the behavior itself, not the underlying causes. A behavioral therapist might utilize Classical and operant conditioning to eliminate unwanted behavior and learn new behavior.
Medical Approach:
This Approach to Abnormal psychology Focuses on the Biological and physiological causes of Mental Disorder. According to this Approach, mental illnesses are caused by Brain injuries, Inheritance, genetics, and chemicals imbalance. The people who take this approach use medication for the treatment of Mental Disorder. Psychiatrists use medication along with Counselling and Therapy.
Cognitive Approach:
The Cognitive Approach to abnormal psychology focuses on how Internal thinking, thoughts, memories, perception, schema, and reasoning Contributes to mental illnesses. The psychologist who takes this approach treats the patient to change his or her Thought, perception, and judgment.
Types of psychological disorders.
Psychological Disorders impact multiple areas of life. It affects human behavior and their thinking style. there are Different types of Psychological disorders. Psychologists investigate these disorders by using DSM-6. Some of the major Psychological Disorders are Anxiety disorder, Mood Disorder, Neurodevelopmental disorder, and Personality Disorder.
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