- refers to the subfield of Psychology concerned with the scientific study of mental disorders, including their theoretical underpinnings, causes, progression, symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment.
- Psychopathology is also a synonym for psychological disorder, which is an abnormal pattern of thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that leads to a negative outcome. Generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and alcohol use disorder are examples of psychopathologies
Psychological Disorders
Different types of disorders result in wide array of negative outcomes These outcomes can be
- distress - negative emotions generated by abnormality
- impairment
- danger
In order for an abnormality to be considered a psychological disorder, it must lead to at least one of these consequences
Avoiding stigmas
- use person first language - Saying someone is a “person with schizophrenia” makes it clear the person exists independent of the disorder, but calling someone a “schizophrenic” defines them solely by their disorder
Mental Health Diagnosis
A symptom is a specific characteristic, one that may be a sign of the presence of a particular condition. Sneezing is a symptom of the common cold, and prolonged feelings of sadness is a symptom of depression. A syndrome is a cluster of symptoms that often occur together. Sneezing, coughing, and a sore throat is a syndrome indicative of the common cold. Prolonged feelings of sadness, withdrawal from friends, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities is a syndrome indicative of depression. When a syndrome matches the criteria for a disorder, clinicians make a diagnosis.
Use Cultural formulation interviews CFIs to offset the cultural issues in diagnosis