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Psychological Disorders and Psychotherapy — Syllabus

ICSE · Class 12 · Psychology

What Psychological Disorders and Psychotherapy covers in ICSE Class 12 Psychology: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session.

45 questions60 flashcards5 concepts

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An infographic illustrating the four criteria used to define psychological abnormality: Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, and Danger, with brief explanations and icons for each.
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4 Topics · ICSE Class 12 Psychology · 2026-27

Topics in Psychological Disorders and Psychotherapy

1

Meaning of Abnormal Behaviour

  • Abnormal behaviour is understood through the four Ds: deviant, dysfunctional, distressing, and dangerous.
  • Deviant behaviour differs from social norms and rules.
  • Dysfunctional behaviour interferes with daily functioning.
2

Modern Perspectives of Abnormal Behaviour

  • Biological or medical perspective explains abnormality through faulty genes, physical illness, brain malfunction, neurotransmitter imbalance, and hormonal imbalance.
  • Low levels of activity of neurotransmitter GABA may lead to anxiety disorders.
  • Psychological perspective includes psychoanalytic, behavioural, humanistic, and cognitive approaches.
3

Classification of Mental Disorders

  • Mental disorder classification helps in diagnosis, communication, research, record keeping, and insurance-related decisions.
  • ICD-10 is produced by WHO.
  • DSM is produced by APA.
4

Anxiety Disorders

  • Anxiety is a feeling of fear and apprehension about possible danger.
  • Mild anxiety can be adaptive, but chronic and severe anxiety is maladaptive.
  • Anxiety disorders include GAD, phobic disorders, OCD, panic disorder, and related conditions.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Psychological disorders are abnormal thoughts, behaviours, and feelings that cause distress or impairment, and psychotherapy helps in understanding, changing, and managing them.

AbnormalityModern perspectives of abnormal behaviourClassification of mental disordersAnxiety disordersMood disordersPersonality disordersBehavioural and developmental disordersSchizophrenia

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Psychological Disorders and Psychotherapy for ICSE Class 12 Psychology?
Key topics in Psychological Disorders and Psychotherapy include Meaning of Abnormal Behaviour, Modern Perspectives of Abnormal Behaviour, Classification of Mental Disorders, Anxiety Disorders. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the ICSE Class 12 board exam.
How should I revise Psychological Disorders and Psychotherapy for the ICSE Class 12 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 45 practice questions on Psychological Disorders and Psychotherapy. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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