Module Outline

Module 30: Introduction to Psychological Disorders

This module is the first of three dealing with psychological disorders. The term “disorder” is defined and then a short history of the various attitudes toward psychological disorders is presented.  A few contemporary perspectives are explained.

The module concludes with an explanation of how disorders are classified within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). The advantages and disadvantages of being labeled with a psychological disorder are discussed.

Defining Disorder
	Psychological disorder
	Maladaptive behavior
	Unjustifiable behavior
	Disturbing behavior
	Atypical behavior
	Norm
Understanding Disorders
	Philippe Pinel
	Dorothea Dix
	Medical model
	Bio-psycho-social model
	Predisposition
Classifying Disorders
	Describe
	Predict
	Treat
	Stimulate research
	Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR)
	Clinical syndromes
Labeling Disorders
	Un-DSM
	Electroconvulsive shock therapy (ECT)
	Stigma
	Disorder rates
	Risk and protective factors