What Is Abnormal Psychology And Therapy

Abnormal Psychology and Therapy

Jessica Morton

Psy 300

3/31/2014

Abnormal Psychology and Therapy

Autisum

“Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. With the May 2013 publication of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, all autism disorders were merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD. Previously, they were recognized as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome. “ (Autism Speaks, 2014) Autism affects many children. My niece at 3 years old was diagnosed with autism. She funtions quite well. She can communicate fully, unlike others, some may never be able to fully communicate verbally. Like most with my niece she has a routine and if anything major alters her routine it can cause a meltdown. With the proper coping methods autism can be managed with Special Education teachers and school psychologists.

Avoidant Personalty Disorder

“Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by hypersensitivity to rejection and criticism, desire for uncritical acceptance by others, social withdrawal despite a desire for affection and acceptance, and low self-esteem. The behavior patterns associated with avoidant personality disorder are persistent and severe, impairing the ability to work with others or maintain social relationships.” (Laurie, Fundukian, & Wilson, 2008)

There are several types of avoidant diorders.

• Shy/Social avoidants :Shy Avoidants have diffculty forming relati...

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...abnormal , perhaps in twenty years will be classified as normal. This is the main reason what normal psychology and abnormal psychology differ.

Therapy

The main contemporary forms of psychodynamic treatment are psychoanalysis, which is intensive and long term and psychodynamic psychotherapy, which relies on the same principles but is more conversational. Researchers have found that all psychotherapies are relatively effective, although some treatments are superior for some disorders. According to Renner, Morrissey, Mae, Feldman and Majors (2011), there are four major approaches to therapy for psychological disorders. Psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive and humanistic approaches each have their own characteristics in relation to therapy. Psychodynamic therapists share the belief that a patient’s psychological disorder is the result of the person’s unconscious.