Who defines normal?
‘Normal’can be defined as any behavior or condition which is usual, expected, typical, or conforms to a pre-existing standard. ‘Normal behaviour’ may be defined as any behaviour which conforms to social norms, which are the expected or typical patterns of human behaviour in any given society.
Is phobia a disorder?
A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. You may not experience any symptoms until you come into contact with the source of your phobia. But in some cases, even thinking about the source of a phobia can make a person feel anxious or panicky.
What is the old name for illness anxiety disorder?
Illness anxiety disorder (previously called hypochondriasis) is a psychiatric disorder defined by excessive worry about having or developing a serious undiagnosed medical condition.
Why is it difficult to define abnormality?
Limitations. The most obvious problem with defining abnormality using social norms is that there is no universal agreement over social norms. Social norms are culturally specific – they can differ significantly from one generation to the next and between different ethnic, regional and socio-economic groups.
Is a feeling of apprehension or tension in reaction to stressful situations?
Anxiety is a person’s specific reaction to stress; its origin is internal. Anxiety is typically characterized by a “persistent feeling of apprehension or dread” in situations that are not actually threatening. Unlike stress, anxiety persists even after a concern has passed.
Can you self medicate anxiety?
While self-medicating may offer some relief in the short-term, over time it only exacerbates your problems. Whether you turn to alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications (or even food or cigarettes), regular self-medication can lead to addiction, a worsening of mood disorders, and increased health problems.
How is abnormal psychology defined?
Abnormal psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with psychopathology and abnormal behavior, often in a clinical context. The term covers a broad range of disorders, from depression to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to personality disorders.
What is meant by the definition of abnormality as a sense of personal discomfort?
Abnormality as a sense of personal discomfort means behavior that causes anxiety or distress in the individual or causes harm to another. The cognitive perspective of abnormal behavior means that it is the thoughts and beliefs of a person that causes the behavior.
What is the main difference between generalized anxiety disorder and phobias?
While phobias are focused on a specific object or situation, generalized anxiety disorder is much more broadly based. Those with generalized anxiety disorder worry excessively over a variety of day to day situations.
What is a drawback of considering abnormality as a sense of personal discomfort?
What is a drawback of considering abnormality as a sense of personal discomfort? Some severe mental disturbances cause feelings of well-being in the individual, even though others would consider the behavior abnormal.