Abnormal
Psychology
Lecture #1
Today’s Outline
• Syllabus
• Defining abnormality
• Psychopathology
Would you explain what is
“abnormal”?
• Defining Abnormality
• Seemingly simple, but complex
concept
Defining Abnormality
• Impairment in functioning
– Cognitive
– Emotional
– Behavioral
• Sometimes, this is not “abnormal”
– Depression over a death
Defining Abnormality
• Statistical Definition
– Is something atypical considered
abnormal?
• Societal and cultural norms definition
Defining Abnormality
• Distress Definition - however, there
are times when abnormal behavior is
not distressing
– Manic phase of bipolar depression
– Antisocial personality disorder
Defining Abnormality
• DSM-IV-TR Definition
• Behavioral, emotional, or cognitive
dysfunctions that are;
– unexpected in their cultural context
and
– associated with personal distress or
– substantial impairment in functioning
Psychopathology
• The scientific study of psychological
disorders
• Professions
Mental Health Professionals
• Ph.D.: Clinical and counseling
psychologists
• Psy.D.: Clinical and counseling
“Doctors of Psychology”
• M.D.: Psychiatrists
Mental Health Professionals
• M.S.W.: Psychiatric and nonpsychiatric social workers
• MN/MSN: Psychiatric nurses
• The lay public and community groups
The Scientist-Practitioner