What Is Abnormal Psychology? What Is Normal Psychology?

What is Psychology? In my research of Psychology and its meaning I have come up with many definitions. To sum all of the definitions into one it’s the study ones feelings, thoughts, and their way of thinking and using all of there senses rather its cognitive, physical, or mental. Some other questions that came to mind during my research are what is normal psychology and what is abnormal psychology?

What is normal psychology? Most people consider one to be normal if they seem

to have no problems physically or mentally. Are you O.K. the way you are? Should you

be different? Most of us tend to roles that are acceptable behavior in society. Society

expects us all to play certain roles. Health and science guide says that normality is only

questioned when there is a conflict between roles. Why do we conform to these roles?

We do it because in most societies, including ours, there are rewards for conformity.

People tend to treat us with respect when we play roles that others are comfortable with.

What is abnormal psychology? I think it could be the study of mental illness as

some journals stated. Overall it’s the study of mental illnesses and of how people with mental illnesses can be treated. Stated in Health and Science guide mental illness is a much-debated topic in the world of psychology to which a lot of research is still needed. Problems usually come up when people try to define what is normal. Sigmund Freud was considered to be the father of Psychoanalysis, said there was no such thing as a normal person.

Mental illness is considered to be an illness of the mind, which makes it difficult for people to carry out a normal, productive lifestyle. Mental illnesses range from depression to schizophrenia (a very serious mind disorder). It is important to remember that people with such disorders ate stricken with an illness. They have no more control over their illness than when a person gets flu or a cold. When I am sick with a fever or flu I would either try or treat with an over the counter product or go to a doctor. A person with a mental disorder may go to a medical doctor, or to a psychiatrist (a medical doctor who specializes in treating mental problems through therapy and medication) or to a psychologist (who is not a...

... middle of paper ...

...cts the other. Thatcher stated that “we often manifest emotional disturbances through out bodies.” He says that 20 to 40 percent of patients seen by a typical family practitioner involve mental illness. Its important that we try to destigmatize mental illness and get people the help we now have available.

Treatment options for those with emotional, behavioral and mental difficulties include psychotherapy, drug therapy, and a combination of drugs and psychotherapy. Some patients require more supportive psychotherapy, in which the therapist makes suggestions and offers direction, educating the patient about his illness and how it affects his everyday interpersonal interactions, relationships and job.

In my research of what is normal and abnormal psychology, I have learned that behavior affects the way society perceives you rather you think your normal or abnormal. That everyone suffers from some type of mental illness whether it’s a problem you are dealing with or how you feel. It may not be long term but when you are suffering with that problem there is a slight chance that you can be considered mentally ill at that time.