A comprehensive guide to abnormal psychology definitions and criteria changes... Show more
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117
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Updated Mar 19, 2026
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A comprehensive guide to abnormal psychology definitions and criteria changes... Show more








This page delves into detailed descriptions of various psychological disorders, their symptoms, and theoretical causes. The content focuses particularly on symptoms and causes of mood disorders and schizophrenia types and dopamine hypothesis.
Definition: Mood disorders involve extreme or inappropriate emotions, including major depression and bipolar disorder.
Highlight: The dopamine hypothesis suggests that elevated dopamine levels are associated with schizophrenia symptoms.
Example: Parkinson's disease patients treated with dopamine sometimes experience schizophrenia-like thought distortions.
Vocabulary: Neologisms are newly created words or expressions often observed in disorganized schizophrenia.

This page covers additional psychological disorders and presents the influential Rosenhan study, which examined the reliability of psychiatric diagnoses.
Definition: Dissociative disorders involve disruptions in conscious processes, including psychogenic amnesia and dissociative identity disorder.
Highlight: The Rosenhan study demonstrated significant flaws in psychiatric diagnosis systems when pseudo-patients were admitted to mental hospitals.
Example: Personality disorders include antisocial, dependent, narcissistic, and histrionic types, affecting daily functioning.

This page examines the historical evolution of mental illness treatment approaches, from ancient practices to more modern, humane methods.
Highlight: Early societies often attributed mental illness to evil spirits, using practices like trephining (drilling holes in skulls).
Example: Ancient Greeks took a more progressive approach, recognizing biological factors in mental illness.
Quote: "Greece believed illnesses influenced by biological factors and could be treated."

This section covers the historical evolution of mental health treatment and modern preventative approaches.
Highlight: Dorthea Dix's contribution to creating mental hospitals marked a significant shift from treating patients as criminals to providing more humane care.
Definition: Deinstitutionalization refers to the release of mental health patients from institutions, often driven by economic factors.

The page focuses on cognitive therapy techniques and psychoanalytic approaches to treatment.
Quote: "Cognitive Triad by Aaron Beck aims to alleviate depression by identifying and challenging irrational ideas about self, world, and future."
Vocabulary: Symptom substitution occurs when a successfully treated disorder is replaced by a new psychological disorder.

This section explores various therapeutic approaches and medication-based treatments.
Highlight: Antipsychotic medications like Thorazine and Haldol work by blocking dopamine receptor sites in treating schizophrenia.
Example: Gestalt therapy emphasizes the importance of integrating actions, feelings, and thoughts into a total experience.

This page introduces the fundamental concepts of abnormal psychology and its classification criteria. The text explores the complexities of defining abnormal behavior and the evolution of diagnostic approaches in mental health.
Definition: Abnormal psychology is the study of psychological disorders, characterized by behaviors that are harmful, disturbing, unusual, or irrational.
Highlight: The criteria for classifying psychological disorders underwent significant changes post-1980, shifting focus from presumed causes to observable symptoms.
Example: Grief can be considered normal when experiencing loss of a loved one but may be deemed abnormal when triggered by minor events like getting a pimple.
Vocabulary: DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition) serves as the primary classification system for psychological disorders.
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
A comprehensive guide to abnormal psychology definitions and criteria changes, psychological disorders, and their treatments, focusing on diagnostic approaches and therapeutic interventions.

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
This page delves into detailed descriptions of various psychological disorders, their symptoms, and theoretical causes. The content focuses particularly on symptoms and causes of mood disorders and schizophrenia types and dopamine hypothesis.
Definition: Mood disorders involve extreme or inappropriate emotions, including major depression and bipolar disorder.
Highlight: The dopamine hypothesis suggests that elevated dopamine levels are associated with schizophrenia symptoms.
Example: Parkinson's disease patients treated with dopamine sometimes experience schizophrenia-like thought distortions.
Vocabulary: Neologisms are newly created words or expressions often observed in disorganized schizophrenia.

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
This page covers additional psychological disorders and presents the influential Rosenhan study, which examined the reliability of psychiatric diagnoses.
Definition: Dissociative disorders involve disruptions in conscious processes, including psychogenic amnesia and dissociative identity disorder.
Highlight: The Rosenhan study demonstrated significant flaws in psychiatric diagnosis systems when pseudo-patients were admitted to mental hospitals.
Example: Personality disorders include antisocial, dependent, narcissistic, and histrionic types, affecting daily functioning.

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
This page examines the historical evolution of mental illness treatment approaches, from ancient practices to more modern, humane methods.
Highlight: Early societies often attributed mental illness to evil spirits, using practices like trephining (drilling holes in skulls).
Example: Ancient Greeks took a more progressive approach, recognizing biological factors in mental illness.
Quote: "Greece believed illnesses influenced by biological factors and could be treated."

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
This section covers the historical evolution of mental health treatment and modern preventative approaches.
Highlight: Dorthea Dix's contribution to creating mental hospitals marked a significant shift from treating patients as criminals to providing more humane care.
Definition: Deinstitutionalization refers to the release of mental health patients from institutions, often driven by economic factors.

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
The page focuses on cognitive therapy techniques and psychoanalytic approaches to treatment.
Quote: "Cognitive Triad by Aaron Beck aims to alleviate depression by identifying and challenging irrational ideas about self, world, and future."
Vocabulary: Symptom substitution occurs when a successfully treated disorder is replaced by a new psychological disorder.

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
This section explores various therapeutic approaches and medication-based treatments.
Highlight: Antipsychotic medications like Thorazine and Haldol work by blocking dopamine receptor sites in treating schizophrenia.
Example: Gestalt therapy emphasizes the importance of integrating actions, feelings, and thoughts into a total experience.

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
This page introduces the fundamental concepts of abnormal psychology and its classification criteria. The text explores the complexities of defining abnormal behavior and the evolution of diagnostic approaches in mental health.
Definition: Abnormal psychology is the study of psychological disorders, characterized by behaviors that are harmful, disturbing, unusual, or irrational.
Highlight: The criteria for classifying psychological disorders underwent significant changes post-1980, shifting focus from presumed causes to observable symptoms.
Example: Grief can be considered normal when experiencing loss of a loved one but may be deemed abnormal when triggered by minor events like getting a pimple.
Vocabulary: DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition) serves as the primary classification system for psychological disorders.
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
12
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Practice Test ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the idiographic and nomothetic approaches in psychology, focusing on their strengths, limitations, and applications. This summary highlights the debate over individual case studies versus general laws of behavior, emphasizing the importance of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Ideal for psychology students seeking to understand these foundational concepts.
Explore the effectiveness and limitations of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) in treating depression. This summary covers relapse rates, client preferences, and the suitability of CBT for diverse clients, including insights from key studies. Understand the cognitive techniques used to challenge negative thoughts and the role of behavioural activation in improving mood. Ideal for psychology students and professionals seeking a comprehensive overview of CBT.
Explore the biological and cognitive explanations of OCD and depression, including treatment approaches like SSRIs and CBT. This comprehensive overview covers key characteristics, evaluation points, and the effectiveness of various therapies, making it essential for understanding psychopathology. Ideal for students preparing for exams in psychology.
adult psychopathology lecture notes
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user