Psychological DisordersClass 12 Psychology Case Study Questions

Although many definitions of abnormality have been used over the years, none has won universal acceptance. Still, most definitions have certain common features, often called the 'four Ds': deviance, distress, dysfunction and danger. Psychological disorders are seen as deviant (different, extreme, unusual), distressing (unpleasant and upsetting), dysfunctional (interfering with daily activities), and possibly dangerous. Two conflicting views emerge from these approaches. The first views abnormal behaviour as a deviation from social norms, which are a society's stated or unstated rules for proper conduct. This view is criticized because it implies normality is mere conformity. The second approach views abnormal behaviour as maladaptive. This perspective argues that the best criterion is not social acceptance but whether the behaviour fosters the well-being of the individual and the group. According to this criterion, conforming behaviour can be seen as abnormal if it is maladaptive, i.e., if it interferes with optimal functioning and growth. For example, a student who remains silent despite having questions is showing maladaptive behaviour.

One day while driving home, Deb felt his heart beating rapidly, he started sweating profusely, and even felt short of breath. He was so scared that he stopped the car. In the next few months, these attacks increased and he became hesitant to drive for fear of being caught in traffic during an attack. This is an example of an anxiety disorder. The term anxiety is usually defined as a diffuse, vague, very unpleasant feeling of fear and apprehension. There are many types of anxiety disorders. Panic disorder consists of recurrent anxiety attacks in which the person experiences intense terror. A panic attack denotes an abrupt surge of intense anxiety. Phobias are irrational fears related to specific objects or situations. Agoraphobia is the term used when people develop a fear of entering unfamiliar situations, and many with agoraphobia are afraid of leaving their home. Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) involves fear and anxiety about separation from attachment figures that is developmentally inappropriate.

Schizophrenia is a group of psychotic disorders where functioning deteriorates due to disturbed thought processes, strange perceptions, and unusual emotional states. The symptoms are grouped into positive, negative, and psychomotor categories. Positive symptoms are 'pathological excesses' or 'bizarre additions' to behaviour. A delusion is a key positive symptom, which is a false belief that is firmly held on inadequate grounds. For example, in delusions of persecution, people believe they are being plotted against. Another positive symptom is hallucination, which are perceptions that occur in the absence of external stimuli. Auditory hallucinations, like hearing voices, are most common. Negative symptoms are 'pathological deficits'. These include alogia (poverty of speech), blunted or flat affect (a reduction or absence of emotional expression), and avolition (apathy and inability to start or complete a course of action). Psychomotor symptoms can include catatonia, where individuals may remain motionless and silent for long periods.