All in the Mind, 3rd Edition

6A Guide Into Abnormal Psychology

6.1 Introduction

Most psychology students go through a clinical phase where they contemplate becoming a certified, licensed clinician. It is difficult to get onto courses as there is great competition. There is also a surprising number of clinicians who leave the profession for a variety of reasons.

Yet for most people psychology is really all about mental illness (and health). Traditionally this area is called abnormal psychology, though many now call it clinical psychology. Abnormal psychology is the study of abnormal beliefs and behaviors. It looks at the origins, manifestations, and treatments of disordered habits, thoughts or drives that are classified or categorized under various headings. Indeed, there is a great deal of debate within both psychiatry and psychology as to how to categorize, define, and name abnormal/clinical conditions.

These may be caused by environmental, cognitive, genetic or neurological factors. The question of cause is all important for treatment.

Whilst it is relatively easy to spot people who are distressed or acting bizarrely, it is much more difficult to define abnormality. Abnormal usually means departure from the accepted, cultural norm. For psychologists, the real issue is whether the behavior is maladaptive, causing a person distress and social impairment. If a person’s behavior seems irrational or potentially harmful to themselves and others, we tend to think of that as abnormal. For the psychologist it is ...