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Psychological Disorders

Basil Fiorito


  1. Introduction

    1. (Ab)normality Exists on a Continuum
    2. Prevalence
    3. Elements of Abnormality

      • atypical
      • disturbing
      • maladaptive
      • unjustifiable
      • suffering
      • unpredictable
      • violation of standards

    4. Defining (Ab)normality: Social Judgement

  2. Classifications

    1. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV)
    2. Labels

      1. Advantages
        • common language
        • greater validity
        • better treatment
      2. Disadvantages
        • self-fulfilling prophecy