PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS – Detailed Notes (Point-Wise)

1. Introduction

• Psychological disorders are patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that cause significant distress, dysfunction, or deviance from social norms.
• They interfere with a person’s ability to function in daily life—work, relationships, academics, self-care, and emotional stability.
• The study of disorders helps psychologists diagnose, treat, and prevent mental illness.
• Modern understanding considers psychological disorders as:
  • Multifactorial (biological + psychological + social + cultural causes)
  • Treatable conditions rather than moral weaknesses
• The field uses scientific classifications such as ICD-11 and DSM-5 for diagnosis and terminology.
• Awareness about mental disorders reduces stigma and encourages early help-seeking.

2. Concepts of Abnormality and Psychological Disorders

A. Meaning of Abnormality

Abnormality is defined using the following criteria:

1. Statistical Infrequency

• Behaviour that is rare or uncommon in the population is considered abnormal.
• Example: Extremely high or low intelligence, rare phobias.

2. Violation of Social Norms

• Breaking societal rules, expectations, and cultural norms.
• Example: Violent aggression, inappropriate emotional expression.

3. Maladaptive Behaviour

• Behaviour that prevents a person from effective functioning.
• Example: Avoiding school due to anxiety.

4. Personal Distress

• Significant emotional suffering such as severe sadness, panic, fear.
• Example: Persistent panic attacks causing distress.

5. Impairment in Daily Functioning

• Problems in work, relationships, or self-care.

6. Cultural Relativity

• What is “normal” varies across cultures; hence all abnormality must be culturally contextual.

B. Meaning of Psychological Disorder

• A psychological disorder (or mental disorder) is: A clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotion regulation, or behaviour associated with distress and impairment.
• It includes:
  • Disturbed thinking
  • Emotional imbalance
  • Maladaptive behaviour
  • Social withdrawal
  • Cognitive dysfunction
• Disorders are diagnosed scientifically using:
  • ICD-11 (WHO)
  • DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association)

3. Classification of Psychological Disorders

Modern classification systems help psychologists identify symptoms, explain causes, and plan treatments.

A. ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases – WHO)

• Global classification system used in India.
• Groups disorders into categories like:
  • Emotional disorders
  • Stress-related disorders
  • Dissociative disorders
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Schizophrenia spectrum
  • Personality disorders
  • Addictive behaviours
  • Sleep-wake disorders

B. DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual)

• Used widely for research and clinical practice.
• Categorises disorders based on symptoms and behaviour patterns.

4. Factors Underlying Abnormal Behaviour

Abnormal behaviour results from multiple interacting causes:

A. Biological Factors

1. Genetic predisposition – inherited vulnerabilities
2. Biochemical imbalances – neurotransmitter problems (serotonin, dopamine)
3. Brain abnormalities – structural or functional issues
4. Hormonal disturbances
5. Chronic physical illnesses

B. Psychological Factors

1. Emotional conflicts
2. Faulty thinking patterns – negative thoughts, irrational beliefs
3. Traumatic childhood experiences
4. Poor coping skills
5. Fear conditioning and learned helplessness

C. Social & Environmental Factors

1. Stressful life events (loss, job stress, breakup)
2. Family conflict or dysfunctional parenting
3. Lack of social support
4. Poverty, discrimination, isolation
5. Urban stress and academic pressure

D. Cultural Factors

1. Cultural beliefs influence how disorders are expressed.
2. Some disorders differ across cultures (culture-bound syndromes).
3. Stigma affects diagnosis and help-seeking.

5. Major Psychological Disorders (In Detail)

Below is an extensive list with point-wise explanations as per CBSE syllabus.

A. Anxiety Disorders

1. Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

• Persistent, uncontrollable worry about everyday situations.
• Physical symptoms: headache, restlessness, muscle tension, sleep problems.

2. Panic Disorder

• Sudden, intense episodes of fear or terror called panic attacks.
• Symptoms: palpitations, sweating, trembling, fear of dying.

3. Phobias

Irrational fears about specific objects or situations.

• Specific phobias – animals, heights, flying
• Social phobia – fear of social judgement
• Agoraphobia – fear of open/public places

B. Obsessive–Compulsive and Related Disorders

1. Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Obsessions: intrusive thoughts
• Compulsions: repetitive behaviours (checking, washing)

2. Body Dysmorphic Disorder

• Preoccupation with minor or imagined flaws in appearance.

C. Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Occurs after experiencing extreme trauma.
• Symptoms: flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, hypervigilance.

D. Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders

Somatic Symptom Disorder

• Excessive worry about physical symptoms without medical cause.

Conversion Disorder

• Loss of physical functioning (blindness, paralysis) without neurological damage.

E. Dissociative Disorders

1. Dissociative Amnesia

• Memory loss regarding important personal information.

2. Dissociative Fugue

• Sudden travel away from home + identity confusion.

3. Dissociative Identity Disorder

• Two or more distinct identities within one person.

F. Mood (Affective) Disorders

1. Major Depressive Disorder

• Persistent sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest, low energy, suicidal thoughts.

2. Bipolar Disorder

• Alternating episodes of:
  • Mania – high energy, impulsivity
  • Depression – low mood, withdrawal

G. Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

A severe disorder affecting thinking and perception.

Symptoms:

Positive symptoms:

• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Disorganised speech
• Bizarre behaviour

Negative symptoms:

• Emotional flatness
• Lack of motivation
• Social withdrawal

Cognitive symptoms:

• Poor attention
• Memory problems

H. Substance Use Disorders

• Dependence on alcohol, drugs, sedatives, stimulants.
• Symptoms: tolerance, withdrawal, craving, impaired functioning.

I. Neurodevelopmental Disorders

1. Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Deficits in social interaction, communication difficulties, repetitive behaviours.

2. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

• Inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity.

J. Personality Disorders

Long-term maladaptive behaviour patterns.

• Paranoid Personality – mistrust, suspicion
• Borderline Personality – unstable emotions and relationships
• Antisocial Personality – disregard for others’ rights
• Avoidant Personality – social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy

6. Conclusion

• Psychological disorders are real, scientifically recognised conditions that affect thoughts, emotions, and behaviour.
• They arise from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors.
• Modern classification (ICD-11, DSM-5) helps accurate diagnosis.
• Disorders are treatable through counselling, psychotherapy, medication, and support systems.
• Early identification, awareness, and reduction of stigma are essential for mental health.
• Understanding disorders builds empathy, prevents misconceptions, and promotes psychological well-being.