CLPSY - Introduction to Psychological Disorders Lesson

Learning Targets:

• Recognize the use of the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association as the primary reference for making diagnostic judgments. 
• Describe the contemporary and historical conceptions of what constitutes psychological disorders. 
• Discuss the intersection between psychology and the legal system.

AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2020. (n.d.). https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-psychology-course-and-exam-description.pdf

Psychological Disorders

One of the main reasons people choose to take psychology is a motivation to understand what one doesn't understand about others' behaviors and thoughts. The most perplexing oddities for "normal" people are those we see exhibited in people with psychological disorders. This unit will introduce a variety of psychological disorders to help you understand those who behave differently.

Psychological disorders are those behaviors, complexes, thoughts, and feelings of individuals that, when present, cause significant distress, disability, pain, and suffering. The associated behaviors are deviant and lead the person to be dysfunctional. Psychological disorders impact the individual, families, the workplace, and the community. Standards for what is considered abnormal behavior may vary with cultures and over time. Psychologists may examine disorders from one or more approaches such as medical model, biosocial, psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive, or behaviorist. Psychiatrists may prescribe treatment based on their approach to disorders. Due to social, cultural, economic, and other factors, many individuals who might benefit from therapy are not able to receive it. In some cases, people fear that medication is overprescribed.

How are Psychological Disorders Diagnosed?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a tool used by mental health professionals to diagnose and classify mental disorders. The most recent version of the DSM is the DSM-5, which was published in 2013. It includes updated diagnostic criteria and new disorders, as well as changes to the classification of existing disorders.

The DSM-5 is considered the primary reference for making diagnostic judgments because it provides a common language and standard criteria for mental health professionals to use when diagnosing mental disorders. This helps ensure consistency and accuracy in diagnoses, which is important for effective treatment planning and research.

The DSM-5 includes a list of diagnostic criteria for each disorder, as well as information on prevalence, risk factors, and comorbidities (co-occurring disorders). It also includes guidance on cultural considerations and the use of dimensional assessments to provide a more comprehensive picture of an individual's mental health. However, it is important to note that the DSM-5 is not without limitations and controversies, and it is always important for mental health professionals to use their clinical judgment and consider the individual needs and circumstances of each patient.

The History of Psychological Disorders                                

Historically, psychological disorders were often viewed because of supernatural forces or moral weakness. As modern psychology emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, researchers began to study psychological disorders using scientific methods. Early theorists, such as Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, developed psychoanalytic theories, which focused on the unconscious mind and unresolved conflicts as the source of psychological problems.

Later, the rise of behaviorism led to a focus on observable behaviors and learning processes as key factors in the development of psychological disorders. This perspective emphasized the role of environmental influences and conditioning in shaping behavior.

Today, contemporary conceptions of psychological disorders take a more biopsychosocial approach, which recognizes the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in the development and maintenance of psychological disorders. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the primary reference for diagnosing psychological disorders and classifying them based on specific criteria. This understanding has led to more effective and evidence-based approaches to diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders.

Psychology and the Law

The intersection between psychology and the law involves the application of psychological principles and research to legal issues and the criminal justice system. Forensic psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the intersection of psychology and the law, and is concerned with a wide range of issues, including criminal profiling, eyewitness testimony, jury selection, and the assessment and treatment of offenders.

Psychological assessments and evaluations can also be used in legal proceedings to inform decisions about child custody, competency to stand trial, and sentencing. In addition, psychologists may serve as expert witnesses in legal cases, providing testimony and analysis on psychological issues relevant to the case.

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