Abnormal Psychology is an Open Education Resource written by Alexis Bridley, Ph.D. and Lee W. Daffin Jr., Ph.D. through Washington State University. The book tackles the difficult topic of mental disorders in 15 modules. This journey starts by discussing what abnormal behavior is by attempting to understand what normal behavior is. Models of abnormal psychology and clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment are then discussed. With these three modules completed, the authors next explore several classes of mental disorders in 5 blocks. Block 1 covers mood, trauma and stressor related, and dissociative disorders. Block 2 covers anxiety, somatic symptom, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Block 3 covers eating and substance-related and addictive disorders. Block 4 tackles schizophrenia spectrum and personality disorders. Finally, Block 5 investigates neurocognitive disorders and then ends with a discussion of contemporary issues in psychopathology. Disorders are covered by discussing their clinical presentation and DSM Criteria, epidemiology, comorbidity, etiology, and treatment options.

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Describe the symptoms, potential causes, and treatment of several examples of nervous system disorders

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Recognize the essential nature of schizophrenia, avoiding the misconception that it involves a split personality
Categorize and describe the major symptoms of schizophrenia
Understand the interplay between genetic, biological, and environmental factors that are associated with the development of schizophrenia
Discuss the importance of research examining prodromal symptoms of schizophrenia