Page 1 - psychological disorders

Class - XII

Psychology

Chapter 4: Psychological Disorders

MODULE - 2

(Topics: Classification of psychological disorders, factors underlying abnormal
behaviour)

Short Note

CLASSIFICATION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS

 Classifications are useful because they enable users like psychologists, psychiatrists
and social workers to communicate with each other about the disorder and help in
understanding the causes of psychological disorders and the processes involved in
their development and maintenance.
 The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has published the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), presents discrete clinical
criteria which indicate the presence or absence of disorders.
 The classification scheme officially used in India and elsewhere is the tenth revision
of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), which is known as the ICD-10
Classification of Behavioural and Mental Disorders. It was prepared by the World
Health Organisation (WHO).

FACTORS UNDERLYING ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR

 Some of the approaches which are currently being used to explain abnormal
behaviour are –
1. Biological factors:
 These factors influence all aspects of behaviour. Faulty genes, endocrine
imbalances, malnutrition, injuries and other conditions may interfere with
normal development and functioning of human body.
 Psychological disorders are often related to problems in transmission of
messages from one neuron to other.
 When an electric impulse reaches neuron’s ending, the nerve ending is
stimulated to release a chemical called neurotransmitter.