What are the four criteria for psychological disorders?

The “Four D’s” consisting of deviance, dysfunction, distress, and danger can be a valuable tool to all practitioners when assessing reported traits, symptoms, or conditions in order to illuminate the point of at which these factors might represent a DSM IV-TR disorder.

What is a psychological condition?

Psychological disorders are conditions characterized by abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Although challenging, it is essential for psychologists and mental health professionals to agree on what kinds of inner experiences and behaviors constitute the presence of a psychological disorder.

What are the key elements of a psychological disorder?

It is generally accepted that a psychological disorder is defined by significant disturbances in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; these disturbances must reflect some kind of dysfunction (biological, psychological, or developmental), must cause significant impairment in one’s life, and must not reflect culturally …

What are types of personality disorders?

Types of Personality Disorders

• Borderline Personality Disorder.
• Antisocial Personality Disorder.
• Histrionic Personality Disorder.
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
• Avoidant Personality Disorder.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder.
• Schizoid Personality Disorder.
• Schizotypal Personality Disorder.

What are major psychological disorders?

Five major mental illnesses — autism, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and schizophrenia — appear to share some common genetic risk factors, according to an examination of genetic data from more than 60,000 people worldwide (The Lancet, online Feb.

What is the nature of psychological disorders?

Like medical problems, psychological disorders have both biological (nature) as well as environmental (nurture) influences. These causal influences are reflected in the bio-psycho-social model of illness (Engel, 1977).

Why is it so hard to diagnose psychological disorders?

For one, diagnosis of psychological disorders can be more difficult. Although a medical doctor can see cancer in the lungs using an MRI scan or see blocked arteries in the heart using cardiac catheterization, there is no corresponding test for psychological disorder.

What behaviors are associated with disorder?

The behaviours that are associated with disorder are in many cases the same behaviours that we engage in during our normal everyday life. Washing one’s hands is a normal healthy activity, but it can be overdone by those with an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

What are the symptoms of a person with personality disorder?

Personality Disorders. Such feelings of insecurity lead to significant problems with the individual’s daily life and functioning. Borderline personality disorder is associated with symptoms including emotional instability, unstable and intense interpersonal relationships, unstable self-image, and impulsive behaviors.