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Unit 4:Clinical Psychology
, Define clinical psychology
Clinical psychology is about diagnosing, explaining and treating mental illness. It seeks to
define what makes behaviour abnormal, and then to diagnose what the problem is so that it
can be treated. Clinical psychologists note of any symptoms their patient is suffering from
and how long they have had them. From this they can decide what disorder the person is
suffering from and give them appropriate treatment.
Defining abnormality
1. Statistical definition of abnormality
Researchers and governments collect statistics. These statistics can be used to define the
‘norm’ for any group of people. A ‘norm’ is something that is usual or typical. When
behaviour is rare (statistically infrequent) it is regarded as abnormal. Characteristics within
the population can then be presented on a normal distribution curve. This shows that any
normal characteristic occurs in 95% of the population. Therefore any abnormal
characteristic occurs in 5% of the population.
Evaluation of statistical infrequency
A problem with the definition is that it fails to take account desirable behaviour. The term
‘abnormal’ is usually used in a negative sense. However, there is behaviour that is
statistically rare but desirable and healthy. E.g.: singing.
A problem with the definition is that what appears rare in some cultures is common in
others. This definition relies on people being diagnosed with mental illness but people may
not seek help in some cultures.
Some behaviours would be classed as within the normal range because so many people have them,
such as anxiety. However this is seen as abnormal in a clinical sense.
A positive aspect of the definition is that it is useful for some abnormal behavior. The
definition has helped form the basis for diagnosing severe learning disability. People with an
IQ of 70 or below need support in their daily lives, therefore the diagnosis is essential.
2. Deviation from social norms
Every society sets standards according to which it expects its members to behave. These
standards are called social norms. There are:
Explicit rules - clearly written e.g. the law
Implicit rules - being suggested but not actually expressed in a formal manner for
appropriate conduct.
, Anyone who goes against these rules of is seen as abnormal. The behaviour cannot be
considered abnormal as long as society accepts it.
Evaluation of deviation from social norms
This definition is not always useful because breaking social norms can be worthwhile.
Societies can use this definition to gain social control; anybody who does not agree with the
government can be diagnosed as abnormal.
Another problem is that norms change over time. Standards within society change from era
to era which shows that the definition is not universal.
A problem is that definitions of abnormality can vary between the wider cultures and sub-
groups.
It enables individuals in need to acquire help. If behaviour drastically deviates from what
society expects, appropriate help can be found for the individual who displays such
behaviour. This may be vital, as some people with a mental disorder are unable to motivate
themselves to seek assistance.
Classifying and diagnosing mental disorders
Classification of mental disorders involves taking sets of symptoms and putting them into
categories. Once we have sets of abnormal symptoms classified into categories, we can
diagnose individuals according to their symptoms. Psychologists use the DSM to diagnose
mental illness. It contains lists of symptoms that the patient’s symptoms are matched to,
with the best match being the diagnosis. Typically a diagnosis requires that a certain number
of symptoms are present for a particular period of time. Once the patient has been
diagnosed with a disorder, appropriate treatment can be offered.
Example of a Classification system (DSM)
The DSM looks at the pattern of symptoms. DSM is a multi-axial system which means it is
based on five axes. To diagnose, the clinician considers all five axes.
Axis 1 includes clinical disorders and major mental disorders
Axis 2 looks at underlying personality conditions
Evaluation of the DSM
Reliability - A diagnosis can be considered reliable if more than one clinicians’ diagnosis
of disorders is consistent with each other. Brown et al (1996) found that there was a
67% agreement rate for major depression which is classed as good reliability.
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