Abnormal Psychology Disorders And Treatments To Improve Symptoms

Abnormal psychology is a branch of psychology that examines various mental health conditions and psychiatric disorders that deviate from the norms of human thought and behavior. Here, we will delve into some of the most common—and fascinating—types of mental disorders that fall under this field of study, as well as the most effective treatments for overcoming them. 

Understanding models of abnormality

In the realm of abnormal psychology, understanding models of abnormality is crucial for diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders effectively. These models provide a framework that allows mental health professionals to make sense of complex human behavior and thought patterns, facilitating the development of targeted interventions and treatments.

• The psychoanalytic approach: This approach emphasizes the roles that subconscious memories, thoughts, and urges wield on unusual patterns of thought and behavior. In most cases, specialists who approach abnormal psychology from a psychoanalytic angle believe that studying subconscious memories, thoughts, and urges can help improve atypical behaviors. The psychoanalytic approach believes that looking into the feelings associated with the behaviors above makes a positive difference in rehabilitation.

• The behavioral approach: The behavioral approach focuses on the specific conduct of the afflicted individual, emphasizing the roles of positive and negative reinforcement on changing behavior. The goal of this approach is to eliminate negative behavior by counteracting it with positive action.

• The medical approach: This approach focuses on biological issues that could contribute to atypical behaviors, such as genetics or underlying pathology, with the aim of understanding the physiological basis of psychiatric disorders and guiding medical treatments. It emphasizes the role that biology, chemical imbalances, and even bodily illnesses can play on mental health. 

• The cognitive approach: In the cognitive approach, internal reasoning, interpretations, and thoughts are emphasized. When undergoing cognitive treatment, patients are encouraged to alter their internal thoughts or their external reactions to certain occurrences in the real world. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an excellent form of treatment that can treat mood disorders that fall under the category of abnormal psychology.

Common mental health disorders: Abnormal psychology disorders and treatments

Anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are characterized by excessive and often irrational worries and fears, causing personal distress and impairing one's ability to function in everyday life. Mental health professionals identify these conditions based on diagnostic criteria that consider the presence of unusual patterns of anxiety and fear.  They can offer a range of medical treatments and therapeutic interventions aimed at working through trauma and learning effective coping strategies. 

Though post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is considered by many to be an anxiety disorder, it is not classified as such in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). Instead, the DSM-V lists post-traumatic stress disorder under the “Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders” section, which also includes conditions like acute stress disorder, adjustment disorders, and prolonged grief disorder. 

Mood disorders

Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, involve significant disturbances in a person's emotional state, often leading to extreme shifts in mood. These mental health conditions are defined by the presence of extremely high or extremely low moods. Effective treatments for mood disorders may include medication, psychotherapy, and support networks to help individuals regain emotional balance.

Psychotic disorders

Psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia, entail a disruption in a person's thinking and perception of reality. People with psychotic disorders may experience hallucinations and delusions. Psychology plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating these conditions. Treatment often involves medical and therapeutic interventions to reduce the frequency and severity of psychotic episodes and restore life balance and everyday functionality.

Personality disorders

Personality disorders, including borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder, encompass enduring patterns of behavior and cognition that deviate from social norms. These disorders often lead to difficulties in relationships and personal distress. While personality disorders can be difficult to treat, mental health professionals often use a combination of therapeutic approaches to address the unique social and emotional challenges that often accompany them.

Behavioral disorders

Behavioral disorders, such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Conduct Disorder (CD), involve persistent patterns of disruptive and inappropriate behaviors. Psychologists and clinicians use specific diagnostic criteria to define these disorders. As they typically arise in childhood and adolescence, mental health professionals often work closely with families and educators to improve social, academic, and executive functioning.

Eating disorders

Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder fall under the category of eating disorders. These mental health conditions are characterized by issues surrounding food, dieting, and body image. The treatment of eating disorders often involves a combination of medical and psychological approaches, with a focus on addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of these disorders.

Addiction

Addiction is an area of interest within abnormal psychology, as it studies the development of compulsive behaviors and dependence on substances or activities. Substance use disorders, such as drug addiction and alcoholism, as well as behavioral addictions like gambling addiction, are common examples. Treatment often involves a combination of medical, behavioral, and social interventions aimed at addressing both the physiological and psychological aspects of addiction. 

Developmental disorders

Developmental disorders encompass a range of conditions that affect an individual's development, including autism spectrum disorder, learning and communication disorders, and intellectual developmental disorder, among others. Psychologists and clinicians play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating these disorders, often using standardized assessments and clinical observations to identify specific challenges in an individual's development. Interventions often include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, special education services, and behavioral interventions.

Treatment for psychological disorders and mental illness symptoms

Treatment and rehabilitation for psychological disorders typically involves working with professionals who specialize in the specific disorder in question. Psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, therapists, and counselors may all play a role in treating psychiatric disorders. Psychiatrists may focus more on a medical approach, while other mental health professionals prioritize a psychoanalytic, behavioral, or cognitive approach. 

There is an array of therapeutic modalities that may be used to address different forms of mental illness. For example, an individual living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may participate in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This approach can help them better understand how unhelpful beliefs might contribute to their post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. A person living with a specific phobia, however, may participate in exposure therapy, which can help them gradually develop less severe responses to their fears. 

If you believe that you may have a psychological disorder, it may be worth reaching out to a mental health professional for consultation. Clinicians must undergo years of education and training to accurately assess and diagnose psychological disorders. They possess the expertise and experience needed to evaluate your symptoms, provide a proper diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment options. 

How online therapy can help

More and more people are gravitating toward online therapy, especially in areas where availability to in-person therapy services is limited. In many instances, online therapy is a more cost-effective option than face-to-face therapy. Additionally, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp enable the user to schedule appointments at convenient times and from preferred locations. All you need is a reliable internet connection. 

Online mental health care for the treatment of symptoms related to mental illness: Anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and more

Many studies have been conducted regarding the efficacy of online therapy in treating a variety of mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, depression, PTSD, and anxiety. In one study involving nearly 100 patients experiencing post-traumatic stress reactions, researchers determined that internet-based therapy was effective in reducing PTSD severity along with co-morbid depression and anxiety. Participants, in general, reported high ratings of the therapeutic alliance with their therapists. In a separate literature review of studies using guided internet-based CBT as an intervention for anxiety disorders, researchers affirmed that iCBT is efficacious either as a complement or a replacement for face-to-face CBT.