What this chapter is about
What makes behavior "abnormal"? This seemingly simple question has profound implications for how we understand and treat mental health conditions. Is sadness after loss abnormal? Is hearing voices abnormal? Is being extremely introverted abnormal? Is having obsessive thoughts about cleanliness abnormal?
The answer, it turns out, is complex. Abnormality is not a simple, objective category but rather exists on a continuum. Most human behaviors, thoughts, and emotions fall within a range of normal variation. However, when thoughts, feelings, or behaviors become so intense, persistent, or disruptive that they cause significant distress or impair functioning, they may constitute a psychological disorder.
Learning objectives
- 1Explain abnormal Behavior, Mental Health Conditions, and Their Causes
- 2Explain dEFINING ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR
- 3Explain criteria for Abnormality
- 4Explain statistical Infrequency
- 5Explain functional Impairment
- 6Explain subjective Distress
Your learning path
Key terms
MedicationSocial supportGenetic factorsAnxiety disordersCognitive therapyBiological factorsDepressive episodesStress and adversityBrain structure and functionADHDDSM-5AlogiaCultureParanoidSchizoidAvoidant
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