Concept of disordered behaviour: different characteristics all subject to dispute. It's the behaviour that's considered disordered, not the personn.
atypical behaviour: may indicate a disorder
disturbing behaviour: that causes anxiety in other people
maladaptive behaviour: that is harmful to self or others
unjustifyable behaviour: if the person is not able to give a rational explanation for their behaviour
self-labeled: if the person thinks it's a disorder, then it is.
Classification of disorders: in north america is the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual fourth edition technical revsion (aka DSM IV TR) published by the American Psychiatric Association. DSM is atheoretical: It defines signs and symptoms, doesn't explain the causes or treatment of disorder.
Issue of labelling. controversial
Some say that labelling is good because it allows professionals to communicate with each other, good labels lead to good research, good labels lead to appropriate treatment, and the label helps person cope with their illness. (they're not the only one like this)
Some say labels are bad because they contribute to stigma, stigma prevents people from seeking treatment. Rosenhein did a study where people went into hospital faking symptoms of psychosis then acted normal. They were diagnosed with various disorders because once they had been labelled, their actions were interpreted differently.
Terms: Neurosis vs Psychosis (not used in DSM anymore). Neurosis is a mild disorder that typically doesn't require hospitalization. It's reality based. The person is employable and generally functional. Psychosis is serious, a break with reality such as hallucination or delusion. Acute psychosis requires hospitalization.
Mention of Medical Student Syndrome: learning about illnesses causes people to start thinking they're sick.
Anxiety disorders
anxiety is normal. when is it a disorder?
If it is most of person's existence (e.g. more days than not).
If a person experiences anxiety in situations that most do not and there is no threat.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Person experiences anxiety more days than not.
They are tense
key: vague sense of apprehension
worry a lot. especially unfounded worries
they experience fatigue, insomnia, decreased concentration, difficulty making decisions.
"Free floating anxiety"
Panic Disorder (PD)
Sudden and abrupt increase in anxiety. Usually short in duration then subsides. (nothing particular triggers it) Need to have a certain number of attacks for diagnosis. They develop apprehension about upcoming attacks.
Phobic Disorder (Phobias)
irrational fear (the individual knows that it is irrational) that is out of proportion of the situation.
trigger leads to anxiety or panic.
Specific phobias: eg fear of heights, spiders, or snakes.
social phobias: eg fear of public speaking, eating in public, using public washrooms. These people are very sensitive to being judged by others.
