S07 E15 - Atkinson & Hilgard: Unpacking Psychological Disorders

In this insightful episode of CSS Breakdown: Book by Book, we dive deep into Chapter 15 of Atkinson & Hilgard's 'Introduction to Psychology 15th Edition', Season 07, Episode 15. Join us as we explore the complex landscape of psychological disorders, moving beyond simple definitions to understand their multifaceted nature. Listeners can expect to explore:

o Defining Abnormality: Delving into criteria such as deviation from cultural and statistical norms, maladaptive behavior, and personal distress, as well as characteristics of psychological normality.

o Classifying Mental Health Problems: An overview of systems like ICD-10 and DSM-IV, and the distinction between neuroses and psychoses, highlighting their importance for diagnosis and research.

o Theoretical Perspectives: Examining how biological, psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive, and sociocultural views explain mental health problems, including the integrative vulnerability-stress model.

o Specific Disorders: A detailed look into:

 Anxiety Disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Phobias, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, exploring their symptoms and underlying mechanisms.

 Mood Disorders, focusing on Depression and Bipolar Disorder, their emotional, cognitive, motivational, and physical symptoms, and biological and cognitive theories.

 Schizophrenia, discussing disturbances in thought, perception, emotion, and motor activity, along with its genetic and neurological underpinnings.

 Personality Disorders, specifically Antisocial and Borderline Personality Disorders, characterized by lifelong maladaptive behavioral patterns and unstable moods/relationships.

 Pervasive Developmental Disorders, such as Autism and Asperger's Syndrome, highlighting deficits in social interaction, communication, and activities.

o We also touch upon the serious topic of suicide and the debate surrounding the potential overdiagnosis of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).