CHAPTER- 4

PSYCHOLOGICAL
Abnormal- “away from normal”
Abnormal- deviation from ideal mental health
-deviation from clearly defined norms and
standards
Psychological disorders- mental disorders that
result in certain behavioural patterns leading to
unhappiness, discomfort, anxiety etc. and failure to
adapt to life challenges.
Maladaptive behaviour- when behaviour cannot be
changed according to the needs of the situation.
Abnormal psychology- branch of psychology that
deals with maladaptive behaviour- its causes,
consequences and treatment.
COMMON FEATURES OF
ABNORMALITY- 3 D’S

Deviant/ deviance- different,

extreme, unusual or even bizarre

Distress – unpleasant or
upsetting to the person and to
others.
Dysfunctional- interfering with
the person’s ability carry out
daily activities in a constructive
way
Dangerous- may cause danger
to the person or to others.
2 BASIC AND CONFLICTING VIEWS EMERGED FROM
VARIOUS APPROACHES USED IN DISTINGUISHING
BETWEEN NORMAL AND ABNORMAL BEHAVIOUR:
1. Deviation from social norms
Norms- stated and unstated rules for proper conduct in a society . Society’s
norms grow from its culture. Societal values may change overtime.
Abnormality- Behaviours, thoughts and emotions that break societal norms.
Normality- conforming to social norms.
- socially accepted behaviours.
2. Maladaptive
Conforming behaviour can be seen a s maladaptive if it interferes with optimal
functioning, growth and survival of the person.
Maladaptive- vulnerability or inability to cope with exceptional stress.
There is stigma attached to mental illness. People are hesitant to consult a
doctor or a psychologist as they are ashamed of it. Psychological disorders
should be viewed as any other illness.
 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
OF ABNORMALITY
Abnormality, according to Ancient theory- due to
operation of supernatural and magical forces such as
evil spirits or the devil.
Exorcism- removing the evil that is in the individual
through counter magic and prayer.
Shaman / Ojha (medicine man)- person who is
believed to have contact with the supernatural forces
and is the medium through which spirits
communicate with the human beings. Through
shaman, the affected person can know which spirit is
 APPROACHES OF ABNORMALITY-
1. Biological or Organic approach-
Body and brain processes are linked to many types of maladaptive behaviours.
Individuals have psychological problems because their bodies and brains are not
working properly. Correcting these defective biological processes can result in
improved functioning of the individual.
2. Psychological approach-
Psychological problems are caused due to the inadequacies in the way an
individual thinks, feels or perceives the world.
3. Organismic approach-
Physicians of ancient Greece ( Hippocrates, Socrates and Plato) viewed
Psychological behaviour as arising out of conflicts between emotion and reason.
Galen elaborated on the role of four humours/ four body fluids- in personality and
temperament- blood, black bile, yellow bile and phlegm ( formed by combination
of four elements such as earth, air, fire and water). Each fluid is responsible for
different types of temperament. Imbalance among these fluids causes
psychological disturbances.
4. Demonology and superstitions-
Belief that people with mental issues were evil.
Abnormal behaviour was explained through demonology and superstition.
Early Middle ages- St. Augustine- wrote about feelings, mental anguish and conflicts
( modern Psycho-dynamic theory has developed from this).
Renaissance period- increased humanism and curiosity about behaviours. Johann
Weyer- psychological conflict and disturbed interpersonal relationships as causes of
psychological disorders.
Seventeenth and eighteenth centuries- Age of Reason and Enlightenment- scientific
methods replaced faith and dogma to explain abnormal behaviours.
Growth of scientific attitude towards psychological disorders lead to Reform
movement (increased compassion to people with Psychological disorders).
Reforms of asylums happened in America and Europe.
Emphasis on Deinstitutionalisation- providing community care for recovered
mentally ill individuals.
5. Bio-psycho-social approach-
 CLASSIFICATION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS-
Consists of a list of categories of disorders on the basis of some shared
characteristics
Enables mental health professionals to communicate with each other about
the disorder.
Helps in understanding the causes, processes involved in development and
maintenance of psychological disorders.
American Psychiatric Association (APA)- published an official manual
describing and classifying various Psychological disorders- Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual (DSM). The current version of it – DSM 5- evaluates a
person on five dimensions rather than on just one broad aspect of mental
disorder. These dimensions relate to biological, social, psychological and other
aspects.
World health organisation (WHO)- prepared a classification scheme
officially used in India (currently the tenth revision)- International
Classification of Disorders – ICD 10- Classification of behavioural and
mental disorders. It is a description of the main clinical features or symptoms
 FACTORS UNDERLYING ABNORMAL
BEHAVIOUR
Biological factors Genetic factors
Abnormal behaviour has a biochemical No single gene is responsible for a
or physiological basis. particular behaviour or psychological
Psychological behaviours are related to
disorder.
faulty genes, endocrine imbalances, Many genes combine to bring about
malnutrition, injuries and problems in our various behaviours and emotional
the transmission of messages from one reactions, both functional and
neuron to another. dysfunctional.
When an electrical impulse reaches a Genetic and bio-chemical factors, both
neuron’s ending , the nerve ending is are involved in many mental disorders.
stimulated and releases a chemical
called neurotransmitter. Abnormal
activity of certain neuro-transmitters
can lead to specific psychological
disorders.
Anxiety disorder- low activity of GABA
Schizophrenia- excess activity of
dopamine
 PSYCHOLOGICA
L MODELS
Psychological and interpersonal factors have an important role to play in abnormal
behaviour.
Maternal deprivation (separation from the mother or lack of warmth and stimulation
from early years of life)
Faulty parent-child relationships( rejection, over-protection, over permissiveness,
faulty discipline etc.)
Maladaptive family structures (inadequate or disturbed family) and severe stress.
Various psychological models that provides a psychological explanation for mental
disorders are:
1. Psychodynamic model
2. Behavioural model
3. Cognitive model
4. Humanistic-existential model
5. Socio-cultural model
6. Diathesis-stress model
1. PSYCHODYNAMIC MODEL
oOldest and the most famous of psychological models
oThese theorists believe that normal or abnormal behaviour is
determined by psychological forces within the person of which one is
not consciously aware of.
oThey are dynamic internal forces ie; they interact with one another
and this interaction gives shape to behaviour, emotions and thoughts.
oAbnormal behaviour is the result of conflicts between these internal
forces.
oFreud believed that the three central forces that shape personality
are:
-- ID (instinctual needs, drives and impulses)
-- EGO (rational thinking)
2.
BEHAVIOURAL
MODEL
Both normal and abnormal behaviours are learnt (mostly
through conditioning)
Psychological disorders are a result of learning maladaptive
ways of behaving.
What has been learnt can also be unlearnt.
Learning through conditioning explains both adaptive and
maladaptive behaviour.
Classical conditioning– temporal association in which two
events repeatedly occur close together in time)
Operant conditioning – behaviour is followed by a reward
Social learning -- learning by imitating others behaviour
3.
COGNITIVE
MODEL
Abnormal behaviours can result from cognitive problems like holding
assumptions and attitudes about themselves that are irrational and
inaccurate, repeatedly thinking in illogical ways, making
overgeneralisations, drawing broad negative conclusions on the basis of
a single insignificant event.

4. HUMANISTIC-EXISTENTIAL
MODEL
 Humanists believe that human beings are born with a natural
tendency to be friendly, cooperative and constructive. They are
driven to self-actualise ie; fulfil this potential for goodness and
growth
 Existentialists believe that from birth we have total freedom to
give meaning to our existence or to avoid that responsibility.
Those who avoid the responsibility would live empty, in
authentic and dysfunctional lives.
5. SOCIO-
CULTURAL
MODEL
Sociocultural factors such as war and violence, group prejudice and discrimination ,
economic and employment problems and rapid social change put stress in most of us and
can also lead to psychological problems in some individuals.
According to social cultural model ,abnormal behaviour is best understood in light of the
social and cultural forces that influence an individual.
Factors such as family structure and communication, social networks ,societal labels and
roles become more important as societal forces shape behaviour.
It has been found that certain family systems are likely to produce abnormal functioning
individual members. In some families, the members are over involved in each others
activities thoughts and feelings. Children from this type of family may have difficulty in
becoming independent in life.
The broader social networks in which people operate include their societal and professional
relationships. People who are isolated and lack social support strong and fulfilling
interpersonal relationships in their lives are likely to become more depressed and remain
depressed longer than those who have good friendships.
 Social cultural theorists also believe that abnormal functioning is influenced by the society
labels and roles assigned to troubled people. When people break the norms of society they
are regarded as “mentally ill” and are encouraged to act sick. Gradually the person starts to
believe that he is really sick and begins to act in a disturbed manner.
6. DIATHESIS
STRESS MODEL
This model states that psychological disorders develop when a
diathesis (a tendency to suffer from a particular medical condition) is
set off by a stressful situation.
This model has 3 components :
1. The first component is the diathesis or the presence of some
biological disorder which may be inherited
2. The second component is that the diathesis may carry a
vulnerability to develop a psychological disorder. This means that
the person is at risk or predisposed to develop the disorder
3. The third component is a presence of pathogenic stresses ie;
factors or stressors that may lead to psychopathology.
This model has been applied to several disorders including anxiety,
depression and schizophrenia
 ANXIETY DISORDERS
The term anxiety is usually defined as a diffuse ,vague
(unclear) , very unpleasant feeling of fear and apprehension.
The anxious individual shows combinations of the following
symptoms :
Rapid heartbeat
diarrhoea
fainting
sweating
frequent urination
shortness of breath
loss of appetite
dizziness sleeplessness
tremors
 MAJOR ANXIETY
DISORDERS
Generalised
anxiety
disorder

Post
traumatic Panic
stress disorder
disorder

Obsessive
compulsiv Phobia
e disorder
 GENERALIZED PANIC DISORDER SEPARATION ANXIETY
ANXIETY
 It consists of recurrent
DISORDER
It consists of continued anxiety attacks in which
DISORDER (SAD)
vague (unclear),  individuals with this type of
the person experiences
unexplained and intense disorder are fearful and anxious
intense terror
fears that are not about separation from
 a panic attack denotes
attached to any particular attachment figures to such an
object. an abrupt rise of intense
extent which is developmentally
anxiety rising to a peak
 the symptoms include not appropriate.
when thoughts of a  The ways in which children
worry and apprehensive particular stimuli are
feelings about the future express and experience
present. Such thoughts
depression are related to their
 hyper vigilance which occur in an unpredictable
level of physical, emotional and
involves constantly manner.
scanning the environment  The clinical features cognitive development.
for dangers  Infants may show sadness by
include shortness of
being passive and unresponsive.
it is marked by motor breath, dizziness,
A pre-schooler may appear
tension as a result of trembling, palpitations,
withdrawn and inhibited . A
which the person is unable choking, nausea, chest
school age child may be
to relax, is restless and pain or discomfort, fear
visibly shaky and tense. argumentative and combative
of going crazy, losing
and a teenager may express
control or dying
feelings of guilt and
 PHOBIA
People who have phobias have irrational fears related to specific
objects , people or situations. They are grouped into 3 main types :
1. Specific phobias-
 most common type of phobia
Intense fear of a certain type of animal or of being in a closed space
etc.
2. Social Phobia-
Intense fear and embarrassment when dealing with others
3. Agoraphobia-
Fear of entering unfamiliar situations
Afraid of leaving their homes
Ability to carry out normal life activities is severely limited.
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER
People affected by obsessive compulsive TRAUMA AND
STRESS
disorder are unable to control their
preoccupation with specific ideas or are
unable to prevent themselves from
People who have been caught
repeatedly carrying out a particular act
or series of acts that affects their ability
to carry out normal activities.
RELATED
in natural disasters, bomb
blasts or have been in serious
Obsessive behaviour is the inability to
stop thinking about a particular idea or
DISORDER
accidents or in a war situation,
experience post traumatic
topic. stress disorder (PTSD).
Compulsive behaviour is the need to
Symptoms : recurrent dreams,
perform certain behaviours over and over
again. flashbacks, impaired
 Many compulsions deal with counting,
concentration and emotional
ordering, checking, touching and
numbing.
washing. Adjustment disorder and acute
 Other disorders in this category include Other stress disorder
disorders in thisare included
category in
are
hoarding disorder, trichotillomania (hair thismutism
selective category,
pulling disorder), excoriation (skin
picking disorder) etc. substance/medication induced
 S O M AT I C S Y M P T O M A N D R E L AT E D D I S O R D E R-
T h e s e a re c o n d i t i o n s i n w h i c h t h e r e a r e p h y s i c a l s y m p t o m s i n t h e a b s e n c e o f a p h y s i c a l d i s e a s e .
T h e i n d i v i d u a l h a s p s y c h o l o g i c a l d i ffi c u l t i e s a n d c o m p l a i n t s o f p h y s i c a l s y m p t o m s f o r w h i c h t h e r e i s n o b i o l o g i c a l c a u s e .

Somatic
symptom
and related
disorder

Somatic Illness
Conversion
symptom anxiety
disorder
disorder disorder
1. Somatic symptom disorder —
• Persistent body related symptoms which may or may not be related to any serious medical
condition.
• People with this disorder tend to be overly preoccupied with their symptoms and they
continually worry about their health and make frequent visits to doctors.
• As a result they experienced significant stress and disturbances in their daily life.
2. Illness anxiety disorder —
• It involves persistent preoccupation about developing a serious illness and constantly
worrying about this possibility.
• This is accompanied by anxiety about ones health.
• Individuals with illness anxiety are overly concerned about undiagnosed disease, negative
diagnostic results, never convinced by assurance from doctors and are easily alarmed about
illnesses such as hearing about someone else’s sickness or some such news.
• In the case of somatic symptom disorder this expression is in terms of physical complaints
while in case of illness anxiety disorder it is the anxiety which is the main concern.
3. Conversion disorders —
• Reported loss of a body part or some basic bodily functions. For example paralysis,
 DISSOCIATIVE DISORDER
Dissociation involves feelings of unreality, estrangement,
depersonalization and sometimes a loss or shift of identity.
Sudden temporary alterations of consciousness that mark out
painful experiences are a defining characteristic of dissociative
disorders. 4 conditions are included in this disorder:

Dissociative amnesia
Dissociat Dissociative fugue
ive Dissociative identity

disorder disorder

Depersonalisation
Dissociative amnesia it is characterised by extensive but selective memory loss that has no
organic cause (eg; head injury) but can be associated with an overwhelming stress. Some people
cannot remember anything about their past while others can no longer recall specific events,
people, places or objects while their memory for other events remains intact. Dissociative
amnesia is a condition where the individual fails to remember important personal information this
is usually related to a traumatic experience where the person represses certain information

Dissociative fugue refers to a condition where the individual loses his identity temporarily
and travels away from home. It is a part of dissociative amnesia. The individual assumes a
new identity and is unable to recall the previous identity. It involves wandering or
unplanned travel in which the person may establish a new identity in a new location very
different from their old life. The fugue usually ends when the person suddenly wakes up
with no memory of the events that occurred during the fugue. Generally, dissociative
fugue involves a history of significant or repeated trauma like child sexual abuse, violence,
Dissociative
accidents, identity
natural disorderetc.
disasters also known as multiple personality disorder or split
personality. People with this disorder have 2 or more distinct, separate identities or
personalities. The thoughts ,actions and behaviours of each identity may be completely
different from each other. The shift between these identities or personalities tend to occur
when a person faces a certain stressor or trigger. A person assumes alternate
personalities that may or may not be aware of each other and it is often associated with
Depersonalization involves
traumatic experiences an imaginary state in which the person has a sense of being
in childhood.
separated both from self and from reality. In depersonalization, there is a change of self
perception and the person’s sense of reality is temporarily lost or changed. The person
experiences changes in the sense of reality and perception of self.
 DEPRESSIVE
DISORDERS
Disturbances in mood or continued emotional state.
Most common mood disorder is depression (which covers a variety
of negative moods and behavioural changes)
Major depressive disorder- a period of depressed mood or loss of interest
or pleasure in most activities. Other symptoms are change in body weight, constant
sleep problems, tiredness, inability to think clearly, agitation, slowness in behaviour,
thoughts of death and suicide, excessive guilt and feelings of worthlessness and
helplessness. Factors predisposing towards depression are genetic makeup or
heredity, age, gender negative life events and lack of social support.
Mania- people suffering from mania become euphoric or high, extremely active,
excessively talkative and easily distractible.
Bipolar mood disorder- mood disorder in which both mania and depression
are alternatively present and sometimes interrupted by periods of normal mood.
Earlier referred to as maniac-depressive disorders. It includes Bipolar-I disorder,
Bipolar-II disorder and Cyclothymic disorder. Risk of a suicide attempt is high in case
 SUICI
Every suicide is a misfortune. DES
 Suicidal behaviour indicates difficulties in problem solving, stress management and emotional
expression.
 It may aggravate under acute emotional stress.
 Many people prone to suicide do not take medical help.
 It is a result of complex interface of biological ,genetic, psychological, sociological, cultural and
environmental factors.
 Suicides are the strongest risk factor for mental disorder.
Suicides are preventable.
 Some measures suggested by WHO:
-- limiting access to the means of suicide
-- reporting of suicide by media in a responsible way
-- bringing in alcohol related policies
-- early identification, treatment and care of people at risk
-- training health workers in assessing and managing for suicide
Common factors found in students who are in
distress are declining grades, decreasing efforts,
misbehaviour in classroom, lack of interest in
common activities and studies, mysterious or
repeated absence, smoking, drinking or drug
misuse etc.
 Some factors which can enhance self esteem of
students are
--positive life experiences to increase confidence in
self
-- opportunities are given to develop physical social
and vocational skills
-- establish a trustful communication
 SCHIZOPHRENIA SPECTRUM
AND OTHER PSYCHOTIC
DISORDERS
Group of psychotic disorders with personal, social and
occupational functioning deteriorate as a result of
disturbed thought processes , strange perceptions,
unusual emotional states and motor abnormalities. It is a
debilitating disorder.
Symptoms of schizophrenia
1. Positive symptoms – delusions, hallucinations and
formal thought disorders
2. Negative symptoms
3. Psychomotor symptoms.
 POSITIVE SYMPTOMS: pathological
excesses, bizarre strange excesses to a
person’s behaviour.
Delusions : false belief. Delusions are defined as fixed, false beliefs that conflict
with reality. Despite contrary evidence, a person in a delusional state can’t let go of
these convictions. People with this delusion believe that they are being plotted
against, slandered, threatened, attacked or deliberately victimised. Mainly there are
3 types of delusions:
Delusions of reference-- schizophrenic people attach special and personal meaning to
the actions of others or to objects and events.
Delusion of grandeur-- schizophrenic people believe themselves to be specially
empowered persons.
Delusions of control-- feeling thoughts and actions are controlled by others.
Formal thought disorders : People with schizophrenia may not be able to
think logically and may speak in strange ways. These formal thought disorders can
make communication extremely difficult. These include rapidly shifting from one topic
to another so that normal structure of thinking becomes illogical (loosening of
associations , derailment) inventing new words or phrases (neologisms) , persistent
and inappropriate repetition of the same thoughts (perseveration).
Hallucinations:
It is false perception that occurs in the absence of external stimuli.
 Auditory hallucinations- most common in schizophrenia patients.
They hear sounds or voices that speak words, phrases and
sentences directly to the patient (second person hallucinations) or
talk to one another referring to the patient (third person
hallucinations).
 Tactile hallucinations- forms of tingling, burning
 Somatic hallucinations -something happening inside the body
such as a snake crawling inside ones stomach etc.
 Visual hallucinations - unclear perceptions of colour or distinct
visions of people or objects
 Gustatory hallucinations - food or drink taste becomes strange
 Olfactory hallucinations - smell of poison or smoke etc.
People with schizophrenia also show inappropriate affect that is
emotions that are unsuited to the situation.
NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS
These are ‘pathological deficits’ and include poverty of
speech, blunted and flat affect, loss of volition (self
determination) and social withdrawal.
 Alogia or poverty of speech that is reduction in speech
and speech content.
 Many people with schizophrenia show less anger,
sadness, joy and other feelings than most of the people
which is called blunted affect.
Some show no emotions at all which is a condition
known as flat affect
Patients with schizophrenia also experience avolition or
apathy (unconcern)
 An inability to start or complete the course of action.
 People with this disorder may withdraw socially and
PSYCHO MOTOR SYMPTOMS
People with schizophrenia show psycho motor
symptoms i.e. they move less spontaneously or make
odd grimaces (ugly expression with face) and
gestures. These symptoms may take extreme forms
such as catatonia.
People in a catatonic stupor (unconsciousness)remain
motionless and silent for long stretches of time
Some show catatonic rigidity i.e. maintaining a rigid
upright posture for hours
Some others exhibit catatonic posturing assuming
awkward strange positions for long periods of time
 NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
Appears in the early stage of childhood or
during the early stage of schooling. It
results in diffi culties in the personal,
social, academic and occupational
functioning of a child

1)Attention deficit hyperactivity

disorder
2)Autism spectrum disorder
3)Intellectual disability
4)Specific learning disorder
 ATTENTION DEFICIT
HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
3 main features of ADHD inattention hyperactivity and impulsivity
1. Inattention: Children who are inattentive find it difficult to sustain
mental effort during work or play. Some common complaints are that the
child does not listen, cannot concentrate, does not follow instructions, is
disorganised, easily distracted, forgetful, does not finish assignments and
is quick to lose interest in boring activities.
2. Impulsivity : Children who are impulsive seem unable to control their
immediate reactions or to think before they act. They find it difficult to
wait or take turns, have difficulty in resisting immediate temptations or
delaying gratification.
3. Hyperactivity : Children who are hyperactive seem unable to control
their motion. It is impossible for them to sit stable and quiet. The child
may fidget, squirm, jiggle, climb and run around the room aimlessly. Boys
are four times more likely to be given this diagnosis than girls.
 AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
•They have marked difficulties in social interaction and communication
• strong desire for routine and repetition
• they have profound difficulties in relating to other people ,they are unable to
initiate social behaviour and seem unresponsive to other people’s feelings
• they are unable to share experiences or emotions with others
• they show serious abnormalities in communication and language that persist
overtime
• many autistic children never develop speech and those who do have, show
repetitive and deviant speech patterns
• they show narrow patterns of interest and repeat behaviours such as lining
up objects or stereotyped body movements such as rocking
• their motor movements may be self stimulatory such as hand flapping or self
injurious such as banging their head against the wall
• people without autism tend to experience difficulties in starting, maintaining
 SPECIFIC
INTELLECTUAL
DISABILITY LEARNING
Intellectual disability DISORDER
In case of SLD, the
refers to below average individual experiences
intellectual functioning difficulty in perceiving or
( IQ approximately 70 or processing information
below) and deficits in correctly during early
adaptive behaviour ( i.e. school years. Students
in the area of face problems in basic
communication, self skills of reading, writing
care, home living, social and mathematics. They
or interpersonal skills, perform poorly but with
functional and academics additional remediation and
skills, work etc.) which intervention can do better.
are manifested before
the age of 18 years.
 DISRUPTIVE, IMPULSE-CONTROL
AND CONDUCT
Oppositional defiant disorder
DISORDERS
Conduct disorder (CD) and Anti-
(ODD) social behaviour
• Children with ODD are irritable, •Age inappropriate actions and attitudes that are
defiant, disobedient and behave in against family expectations, societal norms and
the personal or property rights of others.
a hostile manner.
•This disorder includes aggressive actions that
• Individuals with ODD do not see cause or threaten harm to people or animals.
themselves as angry, oppositional •There are non aggressive conduct that causes
or defiant and often justify their property damage, major deceitfulness or theft
behaviour as reaction to and serious rule violations.
circumstances or demands. •Some types of aggressive behaviour are
• Thus the symptoms of the disorder -- verbal aggression (name calling, swearing)
becomes worse with a problematic -- physical aggression (hitting, fighting)
interactions of others.
-- hostile aggression (directed at inflicting injury
• Unlike ADHD the rates of ODD in to others)
boys and girls are not very -- proactive aggression (dominating and bullying
different. others without provocation)
 FEEDING AND
EATING DISORDERS
1. Anorexia nervosa- The individual has a disfigured body
image that leads her or him to see herself or himself as
overweight. By refusing to eat, exercising compulsively, and
developing unusual habits such as refusing to eat in front of
others- the anorexic may lose large amounts of weight and
even starve herself or himself to death.
2. Bulimia nervosa- the individual may eat excessive amount
of food, then clear her or his body of food by using medicines
such as laxatives or diuretics, or by vomiting. The person often
feels disgusted and ashamed when she or he binges and is
relieved of tension and negative emotions after purging.
3. Binge eating- In this, there are frequent episodes of out-
of-control eating. Individual eats, large amount of food even
when he’s not feeling hungry. He tends to eat at higher speed
than normal and continues eating till he feels uncomfortably
full.
 SUBSTANCE RELATED AND
ADDICTIVE DISORDERS
An addiction is a disorder characterized by the compulsive use of a rewarding
substance or activity despite experiencing adverse consequences.
This complex condition is influenced by a person’s genes and their environment and
is often considered a brain disease.
In the past, addiction was thought to only include substance abuse, but the
definition has been expanded to include activities like gambling as well as gaming
and shopping.
Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is a disease that affects a
person's brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or
illegal drug or medication.
Substances such as alcohol, marijuana and nicotine also are considered drugs.
When you're addicted, you may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes.
Disorders relating to maladaptive behaviours resulting from regular and consistent
use of substances are included under substance related and addictive disorders.
These disorders include problems associated with using and abusing drugs such as
THERE ARE 2 SUBGROUPS OF
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS.
Substance dependence Substance abuse
There is intense need for the There are recurrent and
substance to which the person is significant adverse
addicted and the person shows consequences related to the
tolerance, withdrawal symptoms use of substances.
and compulsive drug taking. People who regularly ingest
Tolerance means that the person drugs, damage their family
has to use more and more of a and social relationships
substance to get the same perform poorly at work and
effect. create physical hazards.
Withdrawal refers to physical
symptoms that occur when a
person stops or cuts down on
the use of a psychoactive
substance.
 Alcohol abuse and Heroin use and Cocaine abuse and
dependence dependence dependence
People who use • Regular use of cocaine
alcohol ,drink large may lead to a pattern of
Heroin intake significantly abuse in which the
amount of alcohol
interferes social and person may be
regularly and rely on it
occupational functioning. intoxicated throughout
to help them face
difficult situations. Most abusers further the day and have
develop a dependence on dangerous effects on
The drinking interferes psychological
heroin and experience
with social behaviour functioning, physical
withdrawal reaction when
and in ability to think well being , social
they stop taking it.
and work. relationships and
The most direct danger of network.
For many people, the
heroin abuse is an • It may also cause
pattern of alcohol abuse
overdose, which slows problems of short term
extends to dependence.
down the respiratory memory and attention.
That is, their bodies
centres in the brain, • In case of dependency,
build up a tolerance for
almost paralysing
alcohol, and they need more drug is needed to
breathing and in many
to drink even in greater get the desired effects.
 SOME FACTS ABOUT
oALCOHOL….
All alcohol beverages contain Ethyl alcohol.
o This chemical is absorbed into the blood and carried into the
Central Nervous System where it depresses or slows down
functioning.
o Ethyl alcohol depresses those brain areas that control judgment
and inhibition. Therefore, people become more talkative and
friendly and they feel more confident and happy.
o As alcohol is absorbed, it affects other areas of the brain which
makes drinkers unable to make sound judgments. Speech becomes
less careful and less clear, and memory falters. Many people
become emotional, loud and aggressive.
o Motor difficulties may increase due to alcohol intake. People
become unsteady when they walk and clumsy in performing simple
activities, vision becomes blurred and they have trouble in hearing.
They have difficulty in driving or in solving simple problems.
SOME EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL
ABUSE….
Alcoholism destroys many families, social
relationships and careers.
Intoxicated drivers are responsible for many road
accidents.
It also has serious effects on the children of people
with this disorder.
These children have higher rates of psychological
problems, particularly anxiety, depression, phobias
and substance related disorders.
Excessive drinking can seriously damage physical
health.