PSYC 235 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Mania, Syphilis, Nicole Oresme
13 May 2017
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Defined as a psychological dysfunction within an individual that is associated with distress or impairment of functioning. Response that is not typical or culturally accepted. The boy who fainted at the sight of blood has a phobia: this is a psychological disorder characterized by marked and persistent fear of an object or situation; can be very disabling at varying degrees. Refers to a breakdown in cognitive, emotional or behavioural functioning, known as a dysfunction. These are known to exist on a continuum or as a dimension, instead of being absent or present. You cannot just have a dysfunction to have a psychological disorder. Disorder must be associated with distress and individual must be upset. This by itself does not define abnormal behaviour as it is quite common to be distressed at times, let"s say if a family member dies. Some disorder occur where suffering and distress are absent (ex. Being in a manic episode and being extremely elated)
