Free Printable Worksheets for learning Abnormal Psychology at the College level

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Abnormal Psychology

Overview

Abnormal psychology is a branch of psychology that is concerned with the study of abnormal behavior, thoughts and feelings that may be indicative of mental illness or pathology.

Mental Disorders

Mental disorder refers to a wide range of mental health conditions; the most common diagnosable mental health conditions include:

Anxiety disorders
Mood and affective disorders
Eating disorders
Dissociative disorders
Psychotic disorders
Personality disorders

Diagnosing Mental Disorders

To diagnose mental disorders, clinicians use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The DSM is a manual that outlines the diagnostic criteria for mental disorders.

Symptoms of Mental Disorders

Behavioral symptoms (e.g., engaging in unsafe behaviors)
Cognitive symptoms (e.g., disordered thinking)
Physical symptoms (e.g., fatigue, changes in appetite)
Emotional symptoms (e.g., excessive worry or fear)

Causes of Mental Disorders

Biological factors (e.g., genetics, brain chemistry)
Environmental factors (e.g., stress, trauma, living conditions)

Treatment

Psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, humanistic, psychodynamic therapy)
Medication (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers)
Combination of psychotherapy and medication

Takeaways

Abnormal psychology is concerned with mental health conditions.
Mental disorders can be diagnosed using the DSM.
Symptoms of mental disorders can be physical, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional.
Treatment for mental disorders includes psychotherapy and medication.

Here's some sample Abnormal Psychology vocabulary lists Sign in to generate your own vocabulary list worksheet.

Word	Definition
Abnormal	Deviating from the norm or unusual
Behavior	Observable actions or reactions of a person or animal
Psychopathology	The scientific study of mental disorders
Psychosis	A severe mental disorder where the person loses touch with reality
Schizophrenia	A mental disorder characterized by delusions and hallucinations
Dissociative Identity Disorder	A mental disorder where a person has at least two distinct personality states
Depression	A mental disorder characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest
Anxiety	A mental disorder characterized by excessive worry or fear
Phobia	An intense and irrational fear of a specific object or situation
Obsession	A recurring and often irrational thought or idea that dominates a person's mind
Compulsion	An irresistible urge to behave in a specific way or complete a certain action
Bipolar Disorder	A mental disorder characterized by extreme mood swings ranging from depression to mania
Personality Disorder	A mental disorder characterized by long-term patterns of thoughts and behaviors that are inflexible and cause problems in personal relationships or work obligations
Psychotherapy	A form of mental health treatment that involves talking about one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with a trained professional
Medication	A substance used for medical treatment of mental or physical conditions
Stigma	Negative attitudes or beliefs about individuals with mental health conditions
Self-harm	Deliberate and intentional injury inflicted on oneself, often as a manifestation of mental health challenges
Trauma	An event that causes physical, emotional, or psychological harm, often leading to long-term mental health challenges
Coping mechanism	A strategy or behavior used to manage stress or emotions in a healthy way
Resilience	The ability to adapt and recover from stressful or traumatic situations

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Study Guide for Abnormal Psychology

Abnormal Psychology is a fascinating and important field of study that focuses on the identification, classification, and treatment of mental disorders. In this study guide, we will cover the key topics that are typically covered in a college-level Abnormal Psychology course.

Overview

Understand the historical context and development of abnormal psychology as a field
Familiarize yourself with the different models and theoretical perspectives in abnormal psychology
Know the various diagnostic systems used, including the DSM and ICD

Biological Factors

Identify the biological factors (e.g. genetics, neurotransmitters, brain structure) that contribute to mental disorders
Understand how drugs and other medical treatments are used to treat mental disorders
Recognize the ethical considerations related to the use of psychotropic drugs

Psychological and Environmental Factors

Describe the role of early experiences and environmental factors in the development of mental disorders
Analyze the impact of cultural and social contexts on the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders
Compare and contrast the major psychological approaches to understanding mental disorders

Specific Disorders

Understand the symptoms and diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and psychotic disorders
Analyze the causes and treatments for specific disorders such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and borderline personality disorder
Identify the key issues related to suicide prevention and crisis intervention

Treatment and Prevention

Compare and contrast the major treatment modalities for mental disorders, including psychotherapy, medication, and alternative approaches
Examine the role of prevention in mental health, including primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies
Understand the issues surrounding psychotherapy and ethical considerations related to the practice

Conclusion

Abnormal Psychology is a key field in the study of mental health and well-being. This study guide provides an overview of the main topics that are typically covered in a college-level Abnormal Psychology course. By understanding the historical, biological, and psychological aspects of mental disorders, as well as the different treatment and prevention modalities, you will be well equipped to explore this fascinating and important subject.

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Practice Sheet: Abnormal Psychology

Instructions: Read the following case scenarios and answer the questions that follow.

Case Scenario 1:

John is a 25-year-old man who has been experiencing feelings of intense sadness and hopelessness for the past 2 months. He has lost interest in activities he previously enjoyed and has trouble sleeping. John has also been experiencing a lack of appetite and has lost over 10 pounds in the past month. He reports having recurring thoughts of death and has avoided social interactions with friends and family.

Which disorder is John experiencing?
What are the potential causes of this disorder?
What are some treatment options for this disorder?
How might John's functioning be impacted by this disorder?

Case Scenario 2:

Sarah is a 30-year-old woman who recently lost her job. She has been feeling anxious and restless for the past few weeks and has trouble sleeping at night. Sarah reports feeling on edge and easily startled. She has also been experiencing an increased heart rate and sweating. She feels as though her life is spiraling out of control and she can't seem to calm down.

Which disorder might Sarah be experiencing?
What are the potential causes of this disorder?
What are some treatment options for this disorder?
How might Sarah's functioning be impacted by this disorder?

Case Scenario 3:

Mark is a 45-year-old man who has been experiencing extreme highs and lows in his mood. He'll go several days feeling extremely happy and energized, but then he'll crash and feel extremely sad and tired for the next few days. Mark reports feeling like his moods are completely out of his control, and he has trouble functioning in his day-to-day life.

Which disorder is Mark experiencing?
What are the potential causes of this disorder?
What are some treatment options for this disorder?
How might Mark's functioning be impacted by this disorder?

Case Scenario 4:

Emily is a 20-year-old woman who has been experiencing severe panic attacks for the past year. Whenever she is in a situation that makes her feel uncomfortable, such as attending a party or public speaking, she experiences a sudden onset of intense fear. Emily's heart rate increases and she feels as though she can't breathe. Emily has been avoiding these situations altogether in order to prevent the panic attacks from happening.

Which disorder is Emily experiencing?
What are the potential causes of this disorder?
What are some treatment options for this disorder?
How might Emily's functioning be impacted by this disorder?

Case Scenario 5:

David is a 55-year-old man who has been hearing voices and experiencing visual hallucinations for the past year. David reports feeling as though he has lost touch with reality and can't tell what is real and what is not. He has been isolating himself from loved ones and has trouble holding down a job.

Which disorder might David be experiencing?
What are the potential causes of this disorder?
What are some treatment options for this disorder?
How might David's functioning be impacted by this disorder?

Abnormal Psychology Practice Sheet

Sample Problem

Q: What is the difference between a psychotic disorder and a neurotic disorder?

A: Psychotic disorders are characterized by a loss of contact with reality, while neurotic disorders are characterized by anxiety and emotional distress. Psychotic disorders involve delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thoughts and behavior, while neurotic disorders involve anxiety, depression, and other forms of emotional distress. Psychotic disorders are more severe than neurotic disorders and require more intensive treatment.

Q: What is the DSM-5?

A: The DSM-5 is the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association. The DSM-5 is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the United States. It is used to diagnose and classify mental health disorders, as well as provide treatment guidelines. The DSM-5 is updated periodically to reflect changes in the field of mental health.

Abnormal Psychology Practice Sheet

What is the primary focus of Abnormal Psychology?
What are the three criteria for diagnosing a mental disorder according to the DSM-5?
What is the difference between a mental disorder and a psychological disorder?
What is the difference between a mental illness and a mental health condition?
What is the biopsychosocial model of mental health?
What is the difference between a psychotic disorder and a mood disorder?
What are the two main categories of anxiety disorders?
What is the difference between a somatic symptom disorder and a dissociative disorder?
What is the difference between a personality disorder and a substance-related disorder?
What is the difference between a cognitive disorder and a behavioral disorder?

Here's some sample Abnormal Psychology quizzes Sign in to generate your own quiz worksheet.

Problem	Answer
What is the difference between normal and abnormal behavior in Abnormal Psychology?	Normal behavior is behavior that is considered acceptable by society, whereas abnormal behavior is behavior that deviates from social norms and causes distress or dysfunction in an individual's life.
What is the DSM-5?	The DSM-5 is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, which is a classification system used by mental health professionals to diagnose and describe different mental disorders.
What is the prevalence of mental disorders in the United States?	Approximately one in five adults in the United States experience some form of mental illness each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
What is the difference between mood disorders and personality disorders?	Mood disorders involve changes in a person’s mood or emotional state, such as depression or bipolar disorder, whereas personality disorders are characterized by patterns of thought, feelings, and behavior that are inflexible and maladaptive, such as borderline personality disorder or narcissistic personality disorder.
What are the three clusters of personality disorders?	Cluster A: Odd and eccentric behavior; Cluster B: Dramatic, emotional, and erratic behavior; Cluster C: Anxious and fearful behavior.
What is the diathesis-stress model?	The diathesis-stress model suggests that a person may have an underlying vulnerability (diathesis) to a particular mental disorder, but the disorder will only manifest if the person experiences a significant stressor.
What is the difference between obsessions and compulsions?	Obsessions are recurring, intrusive thoughts or impulses that cause significant distress or anxiety, whereas compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels compelled to do in response to an obsession.
What is the difference between delusions and hallucinations?	Delusions are persistent false beliefs that are not based in reality, whereas hallucinations are sensory experiences that are not based in reality, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there.
What is the difference between positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia?	Positive symptoms are behaviors or experiences that are present in someone with schizophrenia but not present in someone without the disorder, such as hallucinations or delusions. Negative symptoms are behaviors or experiences that are absent in people with schizophrenia but are normally present in people without the disorder, such as apathy or a lack of emotional expressiveness.
What is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?	Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that emphasizes changing negative or dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors in order to improve mental health.
What is the process of systematic desensitization used for in treating anxiety disorders?	Systematic desensitization is a technique used in behavior therapy to treat anxiety by gradually exposing a person to the object or situation that causes the anxiety while providing relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety.
What are the different types of bipolar disorder?	Bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, and other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders.
What are the three different clusters of symptoms for ADHD?	Inattention symptoms, hyperactivity symptoms, and impulsivity symptoms.
What is the difference between dissociative identity disorder (DID) and schizophrenia?	DID is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states, whereas schizophrenia is characterized by a break from reality, such as hallucinations or delusions.
What is the difference between classical and operant conditioning?	Classical conditioning is learning through association, where a neutral stimulus is paired with a specific response to eventually create a conditioned response. Operant conditioning is learning through the consequences of behavior, such that behavior that is rewarded is more likely to be repeated, whereas behavior that is punished is less likely to be repeated.
What is the difference between a panic attack and a generalized anxiety disorder?	A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or anxiety that is accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, and trembling. Generalized anxiety disorder is a chronic state of excessive worry and anxiety about a variety of situations or events.

Quiz: Abnormal Psychology

Problem	Answer
What is the definition of abnormal psychology?	Abnormal psychology is the scientific study of mental disorders, their causes, and treatments. It is a branch of psychology that focuses on the study of abnormal behavior and psychopathology.
What are the five major approaches to abnormal psychology?	The five major approaches to abnormal psychology are the biological, psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic approaches.
What is the DSM-5?	The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition) is a manual published by the American Psychiatric Association that provides a comprehensive list of mental disorders and their diagnostic criteria.
What is the difference between a mental disorder and mental illness?	A mental disorder is an abnormal pattern of thought, emotion, or behavior that is considered to be clinically significant and is associated with distress or impairment in functioning. Mental illness is a broad term that encompasses all mental disorders.
What are the four major categories of mental disorders?	The four major categories of mental disorders are anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and personality disorders.
What is the difference between a mental disorder and a mental health disorder?	A mental disorder is an abnormal pattern of thought, emotion, or behavior that is considered to be clinically significant and is associated with distress or impairment in functioning. A mental health disorder is a mental disorder that has been diagnosed as having a significant impact on an individual's functioning.
What is the difference between a mental disorder and a psychological disorder?	A mental disorder is an abnormal pattern of thought, emotion, or behavior that is considered to be clinically significant and is associated with distress or impairment in functioning. A psychological disorder is a mental disorder that is characterized by psychological symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
What is the difference between a mental disorder and a psychiatric disorder?	A mental disorder is an abnormal pattern of thought, emotion, or behavior that is considered to be clinically significant and is associated with distress or impairment in functioning. A psychiatric disorder is a mental disorder that is diagnosed and treated by a psychiatrist.
What is the difference between a mental disorder and a psychological disorder?	A mental disorder is an abnormal pattern of thought, emotion, or behavior that is considered to be clinically significant and is associated with distress or impairment in functioning. A psychological disorder is a mental disorder that is characterized by psychological symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
What are the three major components of the biopsychosocial model of abnormal psychology?	The three major components of the biopsychosocial model of abnormal psychology are biological factors, psychological factors, and social factors.
What is the difference between a mental disorder and a personality disorder?	A mental disorder is an abnormal pattern of thought, emotion, or behavior that is considered to be clinically significant and is associated with distress or impairment in functioning. A personality disorder is a mental disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of maladaptive behavior, cognition, and inner experience.
What is the difference between a mental disorder and a learning disorder?	A mental disorder is an abnormal pattern of thought, emotion, or behavior that is considered to be clinically significant and is associated with distress or impairment in functioning. A learning disorder is a mental disorder characterized by significant difficulty in acquiring and using academic skills.
What is the difference between a mental disorder and an adjustment disorder?	A mental disorder is an abnormal pattern of thought, emotion, or behavior that is considered to be clinically significant and is associated with distress or impairment in functioning. An adjustment disorder is a mental disorder characterized by difficulty in adjusting to a particular life event or stressor.
What are the three major goals of treatment for mental disorders?	The three major goals of treatment for mental disorders are to reduce symptoms, improve functioning, and prevent relapse.

Quiz on Abnormal Psychology

Questions	Answers
What is the definition of abnormal psychology?	Abnormal psychology is the branch of psychology that studies unusual patterns of behavior, emotion, and thought, which may or may not be understood as precipitating a mental disorder.
What is the difference between abnormal and normal behavior?	Normal behavior is behavior that is considered socially and culturally acceptable, while abnormal behavior is behavior that is outside of the range of normal behavior and may be considered socially and culturally unacceptable.
What is the difference between mental illness and mental disorder?	Mental illness is a broad term that is used to describe a range of mental health conditions, while mental disorder is a specific diagnosis that is given to an individual who is exhibiting signs and symptoms of a mental health condition.
What is the difference between a psychological disorder and a psychiatric disorder?	A psychological disorder is a condition that is caused by psychological or emotional factors, while a psychiatric disorder is a condition that is caused by biological or physical factors.
What are the four main categories of psychological disorders?	The four main categories of psychological disorders are anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and psychotic disorders.
What is the difference between anxiety and depression?	Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, and unease, while depression is a feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and despair.
What is the difference between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia?	Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by extreme mood swings, while schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder characterized by disturbances in thought, perception, and behavior.
What is the difference between a phobia and an obsession?	A phobia is an irrational fear or aversion to a specific object, situation, or activity, while an obsession is an intrusive, persistent thought or idea that causes distress or anxiety.
What is the difference between anorexia and bulimia?	Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by an extreme fear of gaining weight, while bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by cycles of binge eating and purging.
What is the difference between substance abuse and addiction?	Substance abuse is the misuse of drugs or alcohol, while addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences.