Module 38Psychological Disorders in PerspectiveChapter 12Essentials of Understanding Psychology- Sixth Edition

PSY110 Psychology

© Richard Goldman

November 21, 2006

How common are Psychological Disorders? 48% of Americans will experience a

psychological disorder in their lifetime. 30% of Americans will experience a

psychological disorder in each year Most Common:

1. Depression (17% Lifetime – 10% Year)2. Alcohol Dependence (7% Year)3. Drug Dependency4. Panic Disorders5. Post Traumatic Stress

Cross-Cultural Differences

Likelihood of Depression in Lifetime: 1.5% Taiwan 2.9% Korea 11.6% New Zealand 16.4% France

Normal verses Abnormal

PMS (Premenstrual syndrome) or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Characterized by:

Severe mood changes Depression

Normal female behavior Included in DSM-IV-TR (should it be?)

Cross-Cultural Differences Do you have a psychological problems if:

You hear voices of the dead? God speaks to you?

Do diseases such a schizophrenia manifest in the same manner in all cultures? India – 80% of schizophrenic patients are cationic

Are diseases such anorexia nervosa found in all societies? India – anorexia nervosa does not exist

Have you ever heard of Koro (intense fear of the testicles being drawn into the abdomen) in America? Normally only found in Southwest Asian males

Medical Student’s Disease

Feeling that you suffer from the same sorts of problems that you are studying. Easy to jump to conclusions The line between normal and abnormal is very

fuzzy Everyone experience a wide range of emotions

from time to time – This is normal Persistent or extremely severe swings may not

normal

When Should You Seek Help Long-term feelings of distress that interferes with

your sense of well-being Occasions of overwhelming high stress Prolonged depression – sense of helplessness Withdrawal from other people Chronic physical symptoms without a physical

problem Phobias that interfere with normal activities Fear that people are out to get you Inability to effectively interact with others