Class 12 Psychology - ISC
Psychological Disorders and Psychotherapy
This chapter explores the nature of psychological disorders, criteria for abnormality, and major classification systems like the DSM and ICD. It delves into specific disorders such as anxiety, mood, somatoform, and dissociative disorders, examining their biological, psychological, and sociocultural causes. Additionally, the chapter covers various psychotherapeutic approaches—including psychodynamic, humanistic-existential, behavioral, and cognitive therapies—used to treat these conditions. Understanding this chapter is crucial for ISC Class 12 board exams as it carries high-weightage subjective questions, clinical case studies, and fundamental concepts required for practical applications and the board board theory paper.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Abnormal Behavior Criteria
Abnormality is typically judged using the '4 Ds': Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, and Danger.
Diress-Stress Model
A psychological theory that explains how a biological or genetic predisposition (diathesis) interacts with environmental stress to cause psychological disorders.
Anxiety Disorders
A group of disorders characterized by chronic, excessive fear and anxiety, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, panic disorders, and phobias.
Cognitive Therapy
A type of psychotherapy focusing on identifying and changing dysfunctional thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes to reduce psychological distress.
Biomedical Therapy
Treatments involving medical interventions, such as psychotropic medications and electroconvulsive therapy, to alter brain functioning.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the ISC Class 12 Psychology board exam, this chapter typically carries around 12 to 15 marks. Questions frequently include short-answer questions defining specific disorders, distinguishing between therapeutic approaches, and long-answer or case-study-based questions requiring the diagnosis of symptoms and suggestion of suitable therapies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between DSM and ICD?
The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is published by the American Psychiatric Association mainly for US clinical use, whereas the ICD (International Classification of Diseases) is published by the World Health Organization and is used globally for a wider range of diseases, including mental disorders.
How do we distinguish between normal sadness and clinical depression?
Normal sadness is a temporary reaction to a life loss, whereas clinical depression involves persistent, intense feelings of worthlessness, loss of interest in activities (anhedonia), and disruption in daily functioning lasting for at least two weeks.
Are psychotherapies more effective than biomedical therapies?
Neither is universally better; effectiveness depends on the disorder. Often, an eclectic approach combining both psychotherapy and medication yields the best long-term results.
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