PSYCH 120A- Midterm Exam Guide - Comprehensive Notes for the exam ( 97 pages long!)
Document Summary
What do we mean by abnormality: stress. Lists every disorder that is deviant enough to be labeled: dsm defines abnormality, very biological in origin. Classification systems: provide nomenclature that allows info structuring, have social and political implications, classify disorders, not people. Labels can assist other professionals: classifying can standardize treatment. Cultural factors influence: presentation of disorders found worldwide, certain forms of highly culture-specific psychopathology, cannot pathologize culturally specific behavior. How common are mental disorders: dsm = little broad = many misdiagnoses. Diathesis stress model all disorders are related to a past event (preexisting vulnerability (due to genetics, environment)) where an immediate moment activates the disorder: e. g. genetic tendency to have asthmatic problems -> pollen -> activates asthma. Protective factors things that protect you from the disorder (e. g. exercising a lot to protect/prevent asthma) Biological viewpoint and casual factors: neurotransmitter and hormonal abnormalities in brain, e. g.
