The Book For This Class Is Nevid J S Rathus S A Green B

The Book For This Class Isnevid J S Rathus S A Green B 2

The book for this class is: Nevid, J. S., Rathus, S. A., & Green, B. (2011). Abnormal psychology in a changing world (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. These are 2- 200 word minimum responses, and 1- 500 minimum word response, in no particular order. The responses must be formatted in APA style with in-text citations and references. The deadline for submission is Friday at 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time. The responses must be original and free of plagiarism. No later than midday Friday, responses are required.

Paper For Above instruction

Question 1: Describe three psychological practices that are no longer being used in the treatment of abnormal psychology. Explain why these practices were discontinued. Describe a practice that is currently being used to treat abnormal behavior and explain why this practice is an acceptable treatment (minimum 200 words).

Historically, several psychological practices have been phased out due to ethical concerns, lack of empirical support, or effectiveness. One such practice is the use of insulin shock therapy, which involved inducing hypoglycemia to treat schizophrenia during the early-to-mid 20th century. This method was discontinued primarily because it was found to be harmful and lacked consistent therapeutic benefits (Nevid et al., 2011). Similarly, lobotomies, a surgical intervention involving severing connections in the brain's prefrontal cortex, were abandoned due to severe side effects and ethical issues related to patient rights and informed consent (Valenstein, 2016). Another disused approach is hydrotherapy or water therapy, once used to treat many mental disorders, but dismissed due to its lack of scientific basis and potential for physical harm. Today, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a prevalent treatment for various mental health conditions. CBT is considered effective because it focuses on changing maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors through evidence-based techniques (Hofmann et al., 2012). Its acceptance stems from extensive research demonstrating its efficacy across many psychological disorders, its non-invasive nature, and its adaptability to individual needs.

Question 2: Choose one model of psychological perspective (psychodynamic or behaviorist), describe its key components, contributions, support, and critiques. State whether you believe this model best explains abnormal behavior or if another model might be better (minimum 500 words).

The psychodynamic model, pioneered by Sigmund Freud, posits that unconscious mind processes significantly influence behavior and mental health. Its key components include the id, ego, and superego, which develop throughout childhood and interact to shape personality and behaviors. The id operates on the pleasure principle seeking immediate gratification, while the ego functions on reality, mediating our desires with societal norms. The superego embodies internalized moral standards (Nevid et al., 2011). Freud contributed foundational concepts such as defense mechanisms, psychosexual stages, and the importance of early childhood experiences in shaping adult personality and psychopathology. Support for the psychodynamic model comes from clinical observations and the effectiveness of psychoanalytic therapy, particularly in exploring repressed conflicts and childhood trauma (Shedler, 2010). However, critiques highlight its lack of empirical validation, the difficulty in scientifically testing unconscious processes, and its often lengthy and costly treatments. Despite these criticisms, the psychodynamic model offers valuable insights into internal conflicts and emotional development that other models may overlook.

I believe the psychodynamic model provides a compelling explanation for certain cases of abnormality, especially where unresolved childhood conflicts influence adult behavior. Nonetheless, incorporating perspectives from cognitive-behavioral and biological models may offer a more comprehensive approach, especially considering psychiatric research emphasizing neurochemical and environmental factors in mental health (Cummings & Dunne, 2013). A multifaceted framework, integrating the strengths of different models, appears most promising for understanding complex human behavior.

Question 3: Discuss the pros and cons of using the DSM system, and consider ethical and cultural factors impacting diagnosis with specific examples (minimum 200 words).

The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), first developed by Emil Kraepelin, has revolutionized mental health diagnosis by providing standardized criteria. One major advantage of the DSM is that it facilitates communication among clinicians, researchers, and insurers, ensuring consistent diagnosis and treatment planning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). It also supports research by classifying mental disorders systematically, paving the way for biological and psychological studies.

However, there are notable limitations. The DSM has been criticized for pathologizing normal variations in behavior, leading to over-diagnosis and medicalization of normal life experiences. For example, the classification of 'adjustment disorder' can sometimes pathologize typical stress responses. Ethically, cultural factors can influence diagnosis; behaviors deemed abnormal in one culture may be normative in another, risking cultural bias. For example, in some cultures, spirits' possession—considered a mental disorder in the U.S.—is seen as a spiritual experience (Lewis-Fernández & Aggarwal, 2015). Similarly, race and socioeconomic status can influence diagnoses; minority groups are often overrepresented in certain categories, raising concerns about racial bias and stereotypes. Therefore, while the DSM serves as an important clinical tool, clinicians must use cultural competence and ethical sensitivity to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure equitable treatment.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Cummings, C., & Dunne, M. (2013). Bridging biology and psychology: The integration of neurochemical and cognitive-behavioral models. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 36(4), 713-727.
• Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427-440.
• Lewis-Fernández, R., & Aggarwal, N. K. (2015). Culture and mental health treatment. The Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 38(4), 701-718.
• Nevid, J. S., Rathus, S. A., & Green, B. (2011). Abnormal psychology in a changing world (8th ed.). Pearson.
• Shedler, J. (2010). The efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy. American Psychologist, 65(2), 98-109.
• Valenstein, S. (2016). Great and desperate cure: The rise and fall of the lobotomy. Basic Books.