The contrast between a psychiatrist and a psychologist

TEXT 19

Abnormal psychology

TEXT 18

1. Read the text and explain the meaning of the term “abnormal psychology”.

Abnormal psychology is the study of abnormal behavior in order to describe, predict, explain, and change abnormal patterns of functioning. Abnormal psychology studies the nature of psychopathology and its causes, and this knowledge is applied in clinical psychology to treat a patient with psychological disorders. In the study of abnormal behavior, it can be difficult to define the line between which behaviors are considered normal and which are not. In general, abnormal behaviors must be maladaptive and cause an individual subjective discomfort (signs of emotional distress). Generally, abnormal behaviors are classified as:

- abnormal as in "infrequent" in relation to the overall population;

- abnormal as in "maladaptive". The behavior fails to promote well being, growth, and fulfillment of a person;

- abnormal as in "deviant". The behavior is not socially acceptable;

- abnormal as in "unjustifiable". The behavior that cannot be rationalized.

1. Answer the following questions:

1. What is abnormal psychology?

2. What does abnormal psychology study?

3. It can be difficult to define the line between which behaviors are considered normal and which are not, can not it?

4. I wonder if abnormal behaviors must be maladaptive and cause an individual subjective discomfort?

5. How are abnormal behaviors classified?

1. Read the following text and explain the difference between apsychologist and a psychiatrist:

A psychologist is an expert in psychology, the systematic investigation of the mind, including behavior, cognition, and affect. The two major categories of psychologists are those who conduct scientific research and those who work in an applied psychology area. Applied psychologists are further subdivided into a number of mental health and other professions, the most well-recognized being clinical and counseling psychologists. Doctoral level trained psychologists are also the experts in the provision/administration and interpretation of psychological tests and assessment. In most western countries, including the U.S., licensed/registered psychologists hold a doctorate in their field, while licensed psychiatrists hold a medical degree with a specialty in psychiatry. Psychiatrists generally spend shorter periods of contact time with clients/patients, and the principal method of treatment is psychopharmacology. Conversely, clinical and counseling psychologists generally rely upon psychological assessment and the use of psychotherapy to relieve psychological distress. It is not uncommon for people suffering from mental illness to combine these services to maximize their impact. Psychologists in the U.S. military and two states (New Mexico and Louisiana) have prescription privileges, combining psychosocial and psychopharmacological interventions. Many psychologists conduct research-based, standardized cognitive and projective testing to guide the diagnosis of intellectual disabilities, behavioral/mood disorders, and personality disorders; these test results also inform treatment approaches. Administration and interpretation of the majority of these standardized test instruments require specialized Doctoral level training in psychology.

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