Abnormal Psychology
1) Discuss in detail the THREE basic criteria that must be met in the diagnosis of a psychological disorder. Give clear examples of each criterion.
First the patient’s primary diagnosis (i.e. clinical syndrome such as depression, social phobias) and the evaluation of any present Developmental Disorders and/or Personality Disorders (i.e. long-standing personality problems or mental retardation usually stemming from early childhood such as Paranoia, Antisocial and Borderline Personality Disorders) must be fulfilled.
The clinician will then proceed to the Physical Condition of the patient where they will record any medical conditions that might affect the patient psychologically. The physical condition of the patient can play a role in the development, continuance or heightening of the first two criteria. Examples of physical conditions are brain injury or HIV/AIDS which can sometimes result in symptoms of mental illness.
The next criterion of the patient’s to be analyzed is the Severity of Psychosocial Stressors. This is when they record any significant psychosocial or environmental problems experienced by the patient. Examples of psychosocial stressors are what events occur in a person’s life, such as death of a loved one, starting a new job, college, unemployment, and even marriage. These events can heavily impact the first two criteria therefore must also be analyzed to come to a more accurate diagnosis.
On the final criterion, the Highest Level of Functioning, the clinician rates and records an assessment of the person's level of functioning both at the present time and the highest level within the previous year. This helps the clinician understand how the above four criteria are affecting the person and what type of changes could be expected.
2) Discuss, with examples, the THREE basic categories in the research of psychological disorders.
Research always starts with a hypothesis as this will give direction to the collection and interpretation of the data.
First the patient’s primary diagnosis (i.e. clinical syndrome such as depression, social phobias) and the evaluation of any present Developmental Disorders and/or Personality Disorders (i.e. long-standing personality problems or mental retardation usually stemming from early childhood such as Paranoia, Antisocial and Borderline Personality Disorders) must be fulfilled.
The clinician will then proceed to the Physical Condition of the patient where they will record any medical conditions that might affect the patient psychologically. The physical condition of the patient can play a role in the development, continuance or heightening of the first two criteria. Examples of physical conditions are brain injury or HIV/AIDS which can sometimes result in symptoms of mental illness.
The next criterion of the patient’s to be analyzed is the Severity of Psychosocial Stressors. This is when they record any significant psychosocial or environmental problems experienced by the patient. Examples of psychosocial stressors are what events occur in a person’s life, such as death of a loved one, starting a new job, college, unemployment, and even marriage. These events can heavily impact the first two criteria therefore must also be analyzed to come to a more accurate diagnosis.
On the final criterion, the Highest Level of Functioning, the clinician rates and records an assessment of the person's level of functioning both at the present time and the highest level within the previous year. This helps the clinician understand how the above four criteria are affecting the person and what type of changes could be expected.
2) Discuss, with examples, the THREE basic categories in the research of psychological disorders.
Research always starts with a hypothesis as this will give direction to the collection and interpretation of the data.