Abnormal Behavior

A brief study of Abnormal Behavior for a General Psychology class.

3. What is Abnormal Behavior?What is Abnormal Behavior?
Behavior that is:Behavior that is:
Statistically unusualStatistically unusual
Considered strange or undesirable by most Considered strange or undesirable by most
peoplepeople
A source of unhappinessA source of unhappiness
There are biological, psychological (personal There are biological, psychological (personal
standards), & socio-cultural factors involved in standards), & socio-cultural factors involved in
defining abnormal behavior.defining abnormal behavior.

4. What is Normal Behavior?What is Normal Behavior?
Normality is Often Confused with Reality.Normality is Often Confused with Reality.
Reality is That Which is Perceived by the Reality is That Which is Perceived by the
Senses.Senses.
Normal Behavior Agrees with or Conforms to Normal Behavior Agrees with or Conforms to
the Society’s Accepted Patterns of Customs, the Society’s Accepted Patterns of Customs,
Rules, Laws, Fears, and Taboos.Rules, Laws, Fears, and Taboos.

5. The Early Historical Model of Psychological DisordersThe Early Historical Model of Psychological Disorders
The Supernatural ModelThe Supernatural Model
Abnormal behavior is the result of possession by demons, through magic, &/or
the result of supernatural power.
Consequently, only certain people could remove the problem.

6. Early Mental InstitutionsEarly Mental Institutions
Early mental institutions were places of torture where Early mental institutions were places of torture where
the mentally disturbed were chained and abused.the mentally disturbed were chained and abused.

7. The Later Historical Model of Psychological DisordersThe Later Historical Model of Psychological Disorders
The Natural ModelThe Natural Model
The Medical Model: The Medical Model:
abnormal behavior is a abnormal behavior is a
disease.disease.
All diseases must haveAll diseases must have
symptomssymptoms & a& a pattern of pattern of
developmentdevelopment..
The natural model began in The natural model began in
ancient Greece.ancient Greece.
Philosophers began to see Philosophers began to see
natural causes to abnormal natural causes to abnormal
behavior just like any physical behavior just like any physical
illness.illness.

8. Modern Models of Abnormal Modern Models of Abnormal
BehaviorBehavior
The Psychoanalytic ModelThe Psychoanalytic Model
Abnormal behaviors are the result of unconscious conflicts.Abnormal behaviors are the result of unconscious conflicts.
The Biological ModelThe Biological Model
All abnormal behaviors have a biological or physiological basis.All abnormal behaviors have a biological or physiological basis.
The Cognitive-Behavioral ModelThe Cognitive-Behavioral Model
Abnormal behaviors are the result of learning maladaptive behaviors.Abnormal behaviors are the result of learning maladaptive behaviors.
The Diathesis-Stress Model.The Diathesis-Stress Model.
Abnormal behavior is a biological predisposition & the disorder is seen Abnormal behavior is a biological predisposition & the disorder is seen
under stress.under stress.
The Systems Approach ModelThe Systems Approach Model
Abnormal behaviors are produced from life-style stressors & expectations Abnormal behaviors are produced from life-style stressors & expectations
combined with biological predispositions.combined with biological predispositions.

9. Classifying Abnormal BehaviorsClassifying Abnormal Behaviors
DSM-IV-TRDSM-IV-TR
Handbook of disorders used by therapists.Handbook of disorders used by therapists.
It provides descriptions, not causes or treatments.It provides descriptions, not causes or treatments.

10. The Mood DisordersThe Mood Disorders
Depression
Depressed mood, motor retardation,
uneasiness & apprehension, intense
dejection, self-depreciation, self-
condemnation, guilt which can become
delusional.
Types of Depression
ClinicalClinical or endogenous depression
PsychologicalPsychological or exogenous
depression
Major Depression vs. Dysthymia
Major depression is an intense
sadness that lasts for months.
Dysthymia is a less intenseless intense sadness
with little relief for at least 2 years.

12. Mislabeling DepressionMislabeling Depression

13. The Mood DisordersThe Mood Disorders
SuicideSuicide
30,000 people per year in the
U.S.A. commit suicide.
More women attempt suicide,
but more men commit it.
Men take more active means.
Stress is often involved in
suicides.
Leaving home, college, career,
broken romance,
unemployment, financial strain
are major reasons.
The person tends to be
overwhelmed with hopelessness.

14. The Mood DisordersThe Mood Disorders
ManiaMania
The opposite of depression.The opposite of depression.
Overtalkativeness, heightened motor activity, flight Overtalkativeness, heightened motor activity, flight
of ideas, extreme elation.of ideas, extreme elation.
2 types of mania:2 types of mania:
Hypomania – a mild form of mania– a mild form of mania
Acute mania – boastfulness, expansive, unrealistic, – boastfulness, expansive, unrealistic,
ambitious, boisterousness & violent.ambitious, boisterousness & violent.
The Causes of Mood The Causes of Mood
DisordersDisorders
Biological causeBiological cause
Genetics & biochemistryGenetics & biochemistry
Psychological causePsychological cause
Cognitive distortions of the environmentCognitive distortions of the environment
Social causeSocial cause
Interpersonal problemsInterpersonal problems

15. Anxiety DisordersAnxiety Disorders
Anxiety is a condition in
which intense feelings of fear
& dread are long standing or
disruptive.
5 types of anxiety disorders
Phobias
Generalized Anxiety
Disorder (GAD)
Panic Disorder (PD)
Obsessive-Compulsive
Disorder (OCD)
Posttraumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD)

16. PhobiasPhobias
Out-of-proportion fears
associated with
circumstances & objects.
Most common phobias:
Social phobias
Fears associated with social
situations (e.g. agoraphobia)
Object phobias
Fears associated with dogs, cats,
spiders, etc.
Event phobias
Fears associated with something
happening (e.g. fear of being struck
by lightning, being hit by a meteor
or asteroid, stepping on the cracks
in a sidewalk, etc.)

18. Panic DisordersPanic Disorders
Recurring attacks of Recurring attacks of
panic, periods of panic, periods of
intense fear, & intense fear, &
feelings of impending feelings of impending
doom or death doom or death
accompanied by accompanied by
physiological symptoms physiological symptoms
all occurring without all occurring without
cause.cause.
Often seen with a phobic
response.
Feelings of dizziness, problems
with breathing, sweating, &
trembling.
After an attack, the fear of another
panic attack sets in.

19. Other Anxiety DisordersOther Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Generalized Anxiety
DisorderDisorder
Prolonged, unfocused, intense Prolonged, unfocused, intense
fear response.fear response.
Not attached to any object or Not attached to any object or
eventevent
Obsessive-Compulsive Obsessive-Compulsive
DisorderDisorder
Persistent, intrusion of Persistent, intrusion of
unwanted thoughts, urges, or unwanted thoughts, urges, or
actions that are unable to actions that are unable to
stop.stop.
Includes the “pack-rat”Includes the “pack-rat”

20. Other Anxiety DisordersOther Anxiety Disorders
Posttraumatic Posttraumatic
Stress Stress
DisorderDisorder
An anxiety disorder in
which a person who has
experienced a traumatic or
life-threatening event has
symptoms such as psychic
numbing, reliving of the
trauma, & increased
physiological arousal.

21. Causes of Anxiety DisordersCauses of Anxiety Disorders
Depends on the pointDepends on the point
of viewof view
1. Learned1. Learned
Either directly or vicariously
Locus of control seen
outside.
2. Biological2. Biological
Genetic predispositions.
3. Psychological3. Psychological
Internal conflicts produce
anxiety.
Follow this with extensive
use of the defense
mechanisms.

22. Psychosomatic & Somatoform DisordersPsychosomatic & Somatoform Disorders
Psychosomatic Psychosomatic
DisordersDisorders
Psychological factors produce real Psychological factors produce real
physical disorders.physical disorders.
Stress is strongly indicatedStress is strongly indicated..
Somatoform DisordersSomatoform Disorders
Physical symptoms persist without Physical symptoms persist without
any identifiable physical cause.any identifiable physical cause.
Conversion Disorders
Hypochondriasis
Body Dysmorphic Disorder

23. Dissociative DisordersDissociative Disorders
Some aspect of the personality seems
to be separated from the rest.
•Dissociative AmnesiaDissociative Amnesia
A loss of memory with no organic cause.
Usually after a stressful event.
Usually accompanied by a Dissociative Fugue.
•Dissociative Identity DisorderDissociative Identity Disorder
Multiple Personality Disorder
Several distinct personalities in the same
person.
•Depersonalization DisorderDepersonalization Disorder
Feelings of being changed or different in a
strange way.

24. Sexual & Gender-Identity DisordersSexual & Gender-Identity Disorders
Sexual DysfunctionSexual Dysfunction
Erectile DisorderErectile Disorder
The inability to achieve or The inability to achieve or
maintain an erectionmaintain an erection
Physical or Psychological causesPhysical or Psychological causes
Female Sexual Arousal Female Sexual Arousal
DisorderDisorder
The inability to become excited The inability to become excited
or achieve orgasmor achieve orgasm
About 1/3 have genetic construct, About 1/3 have genetic construct,
others are psychologicalothers are psychological

25. Sexual DisordersSexual Disorders
ParaphiliasParaphilias
ExhibitionismExhibitionism
Exposure of one’s genitals to an Exposure of one’s genitals to an
unsuspecting stranger.unsuspecting stranger.
VoyeurismVoyeurism
Observing a stranger naked, etc.Observing a stranger naked, etc.
FetishismFetishism
Sexual arousal from nonliving Sexual arousal from nonliving
objects.objects.
Transvestic FetishismTransvestic Fetishism
Dressing in clothing of the opposite Dressing in clothing of the opposite
sex.sex.

26. Sexual DisordersSexual Disorders
Sadism & MasochismSadism & Masochism
Arousal from dominating or being Arousal from dominating or being
dominated.dominated.
FrotteurismFrotteurism
Touching or rubbing against a non-Touching or rubbing against a non-
consenting person.consenting person.
NecrophiliaNecrophilia
Obsession with dead bodies.Obsession with dead bodies.
KlismaphiliaKlismaphilia
Sexual excitement from enemas.Sexual excitement from enemas.
CoprophiliaCoprophilia
Arousal through feces.Arousal through feces.
ZoophiliaZoophilia
Sexual activity with animals.Sexual activity with animals.

27. Gender-Identity
Disorder
The desire to become or the insistence one is the The desire to become or the insistence one is the
opposite sex.opposite sex.
Trans-sexuals & certain transvestitesTrans-sexuals & certain transvestites
In children it is seen as boys playing with girls toys and girls playing with boys toys.In children it is seen as boys playing with girls toys and girls playing with boys toys.

28. Personality DisordersPersonality Disorders
Inflexible, maladaptive ways of thinking & behaving Inflexible, maladaptive ways of thinking & behaving
learned in early life which cause distress & conflict learned in early life which cause distress & conflict
with others.with others.
These behaviors impair personal or social These behaviors impair personal or social
functioning & are a source of distress to the functioning & are a source of distress to the
individual or to other people.individual or to other people.
Included in these disorders are:Included in these disorders are:
Schizotypal Personality DisorderSchizotypal Personality Disorder Schizoid Personality DisorderSchizoid Personality Disorder
Paranoid Personality DisorderParanoid Personality Disorder Dependant Personality DisorderDependant Personality Disorder
Avoidant Personality DisorderAvoidant Personality Disorder Narcissistic Personality DisorderNarcissistic Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality DisorderBorderline Personality Disorder Antisocial Personality DisorderAntisocial Personality Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality DisorderObsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
Passive-Aggressive Personality DisorderPassive-Aggressive Personality Disorder

29. Cluster 1 DisordersCluster 1 Disorders
These disorders are
characterized by odd
or eccentric
behaviors or traits.
Schizoid Personality
Disorder
Characterized by the inability to form social
relationships
Withdrawn with a lack of feelings toward
others.
Schizotypal Personality
Disorder
Uncomfortable in interpersonal relationships,
& suffering from cognitive & perceptual
distortions & eccentric behavior.
May wear inappropriate, strangely out-of-date
or mismatched clothes.
Paranoid Personality
Disorder
Inappropriately suspicious of others & their
motives.
Guarded, secretive, devious, scheming,
argumentative, & often superstitious.

30. Cluster 2 DisordersCluster 2 Disorders
Characterized by Characterized by
dramatic, dramatic,
emotional or emotional or
erratic behavior. erratic behavior.
They have very They have very
unstable unstable
interpersonal interpersonal
relationships, relationships,
self-image and self-image and
moods.moods.
Borderline Borderline
Personality DisorderPersonality Disorder
Very unstable in self-image, mood, &
relationships.
Acts impulsively & self-destructively.
Manipulative, self-destructive impulses
when trying to control or strengthen
personal relationships.
Histrionic Histrionic
Personality DisorderPersonality Disorder
Overly dramatic behavior, self-centered,
& craving attention.

31. Cluster 2 DisordersCluster 2 Disorders
Antisocial Antisocial
Personality DisorderPersonality Disorder
Continually violates the rights of others,
prone to impulsive behavior, & feeling
no guilt for any harm.
Unethical, exploitative, violent, criminal
behavior.
Narcissistic Narcissistic
Personality DisorderPersonality Disorder
Over-inflated sense of self-importance.
Must be the center of attention, lacking
any real empathy for others.

32. Cluster 3 DisordersCluster 3 Disorders
Characterized by Characterized by
anxious or fearful anxious or fearful
behavior.behavior.
Avoidant Avoidant
personality personality
DisorderDisorder
Hypersensitive to potential rejection by
others, causing social withdrawal
despite a desire for social relationships.
Has social anxiety & is timid, anxious, &
fearful of relationships.
Obsessive-Compulsive Obsessive-Compulsive
Personality DisorderPersonality Disorder
Preoccupation with rules, schedules, & trivial
details, & unable to express emotional
warmth.
Preoccupied with orderliness & perfectionism.

33. Cluster 3 DisordersCluster 3 Disorders
Dependent Personality DisorderDependent Personality Disorder
The inability to make decisions or to act independently.
Fails to take responsibility for one’s own life, instead relies on other to
make their decisions.
Can’t tolerate being alone.
Has a fear of abandonment.
Passive-Aggressive Personality Passive-Aggressive Personality
DisorderDisorder
Unassertive, indirect resistance to demands, as in forgetting,
procrastinating, being late, and being indifferent.

34. Schizophrenic DisordersSchizophrenic Disorders

35. SchizophreniaSchizophrenia
A complex chronic A complex chronic
disorder characterized disorder characterized
by hallucinations, by hallucinations,
delusions, disturbances delusions, disturbances
in speech, as well as in speech, as well as
other symptoms.other symptoms.
It is divided into 5 It is divided into 5
distinct types:distinct types:
DisorganizedDisorganized
CatatonicCatatonic
ParanoidParanoid
UndifferentiatedUndifferentiated
ResidualResidual

36. Origins of SchizophreniaOrigins of Schizophrenia
Affects 1%-2% of Affects 1%-2% of
people in the U.S.people in the U.S.
Usually begins in the Usually begins in the
late teens or early 20s.late teens or early 20s.
Factors in the disorder:Factors in the disorder:
Genetic Factors
Family Factors
Cognitive Factors
Brain Dysfunction
Biochemical Factors

37. Types of SchizophreniaTypes of Schizophrenia
Disorganized TypeDisorganized Type
Originally called hebephrenic
There is an absence of and shallow
emotions with bizarre & silly, child-
like behaviors, poorly developed
delusions, regressive behavior &
verbal incoherence.
Catatonic TypeCatatonic Type
Unusual patterns of motor activity
(e.g. rigid postures or extreme
excitedness), will be either mute or
extremely talkative chattering
incoherently.

38. Types of SchizophreniaTypes of Schizophrenia
Paranoid TypeParanoid Type
Preoccupied with one or more sets
of bizarre delusions (of grandeur or
persecution), often based on the
“out to get me” attitude. Is
extremely suspicious. Nothing
makes sense.
ResidualResidual
Originally called simple
schizophrenia. Characterized by
withdrawal, minimal emotional
responding, absence of motivation.

39. Types of SchizophreniaTypes of Schizophrenia
Undifferentiated Undifferentiated
TypeType
Has many symptoms (e.g.
delusions, hallucinations, and
incoherence) but doesn’t fit
neatly into any specific
category.

40. Disorders of AgingDisorders of Aging
Alzheimer’s DiseaseAlzheimer’s Disease
An age-related disease
characterized by memory loss,
mental confusion, &, in it’s
later stages, a nearly total loss
of mental abilities.

41. Disorders of AgingDisorders of Aging
Parkinson’s Parkinson’s
DiseaseDisease
A degenerative disease
where the person has
difficulty performing
simple acts due to marked
disturbances dopamine
neurons in the substantia
nigra.
In the later stages, the
individual may have a
shuffling gait, a blank
expression on the face, and
is unable to initiate
movements.

42. The Cause of Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s?The Cause of Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s?
Blue-Green AlgaeBlue-Green Algae
Cynobacteria produces a toxin
called BMAA which has been
linked to neurodegenertive
disorders such as Alzheimer’s and
an illness that mimics Lou Gherig’s
and Parkinson’s diseases.
Cynobacteria live in marine,
brackish and freshwater
environments world-wide. With
more pollution & global warming,
blooms can cover thousands of
square kilometers causing health
concerns.

43. Childhood DisordersChildhood Disorders
ADHDADHD
A psychological disorder in which children
are unable to concentrate their attention on
any task for more than a few minutes.
Inattention, impulsiveness, hyperactive
behavior
A CNS arousal problem.
Underarousal
Affects Dopamine use in the Basal Ganglia
and Prefrontal Cortex
Psychostimulants are used to manage the
behavior.
They increase the child’s ability to focus
attention.
There are only short-term benefits.
Non-stimulant drugs are now being used.

44. Childhood DisordersChildhood Disorders
AutismAutism
A condition arising in infancy, in A condition arising in infancy, in
which the child is motivated to which the child is motivated to
avoid stimulation, including social avoid stimulation, including social
interaction.interaction.
They have poor social skills & They have poor social skills &
emotional responding.emotional responding.
They dislike changes in their They dislike changes in their
routine, perform monotonous routine, perform monotonous
actions, & ignore stimuli other than actions, & ignore stimuli other than
that which they are attending to.that which they are attending to.
They remain distant & withdrawn.They remain distant & withdrawn.
DyslexiaDyslexia
The inability to identify or write The inability to identify or write
correctly letters & words or to read correctly letters & words or to read
with understanding.with understanding.
Generally considered a learning Generally considered a learning
disorder.disorder.
When a child is below achievement When a child is below achievement
in school learning as would be in school learning as would be
expected for his intelligence, a expected for his intelligence, a
learning disorder is suspected.learning disorder is suspected.