ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY “PSYCHOPATHOLOGY”

1. ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY “PSYCHOPATHOLOGY”

2. SCIENTIFIC AND SYSTEMATIC STUDY THAT ATTEMPTS TO: * DESCRIBE, UNDERSTAND, PREDICT & CONTROL PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS

3. What are psychological disorders? Abnormal behavior patterns characterized by: disturbances in psychological functioning eccentricities or unusual actions socially unacceptable or violations of norms faulty perceptions of reality significant personal distress maladaptive or self-defeating danger to self or others

4. Evolution of the concept………………

5. Stone Age Demonological View is born.. Physical Phenomena have supernatural basis! Evidence of Trephining

6. “The Golden Age” Around 400BCE Hippocrates enters scene. Advocated naturalistic theory of human behavior. Pioneers the concept of 4 Humors. Formed basis of MEDICAL MODEL! PLATO

7. Medieval Period500 C.E. – 1450 C.E. • Covers 1000 years of European history • After Galen’s death, superstition and the idea of demonic possession dominate the cultural landscape. • Catholic church reinforces this myth. • Treatment of choice for those afflicted: exorcism—included prayer, cross waving, starvation, beating and flogging.

8. Renaissance – 1400’s – Beginning of intellectual revival– arts, music, literature. Ironic, why? Coincides with unprecedented fear of witches! 15th – late 17th centuries were especially frenzied Catholic church commissions Malleus Maleficarum Weird tests are applied to detect demonic possession or witchcraft—there was allegedly a difference Modern scholars argue that the mentally ill were misdiagnosed and/or forced to confess, and often killed.

9. Asylums late 15th and early 16th centuries • “Madhouses” or Asylums were created • Medieval England generally accepted a naturalistic explanation for odd behavior • These government sponsored institutions gave refuge to the poor as well as disturbed. • Conditions were usually terrible and residents were treated as criminals and exploited like animals at a zoo.

10. The Reform Movementlate 18th and early 19th centuries • Frenchmen Pussin and Pinel advocated moral treatment • Inmates were typically viewed as dangerous, not as sick and in need of treatment • The idea of moral treatment spread: • Rush and Dix in U.S. • Tuke in Europe

11. A Step Backwardmid-late 19th century • Moral therapy fell victim to apathy • Abnormal behaviors were considered incurable • Mental institutions in U.S. grew and gave little more than custodial care. • Condition deteriorated: straitjackets, handcuffs, cribs, straps, etc. were used. • By 1950, mental instit. Pop. Was ½ million.

12. Today • Fewer are in mental hospitals • We have great outpatient facilities • Public is more aware/educated • Great medications for psychosis • Government seems serious about support • Clinicians and experimentalists work together • We have a “scientific method”