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Psychological Disorders and Psychotherapy

ICSE · Class 12 · Psychology

Complete topic list for Psychological Disorders and Psychotherapy in ICSE Class 12 Psychology. Key concepts, sub-topics, and what to focus on for board exams.

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4 Topics · ICSE Class 12 Psychology

Topics in Psychological Disorders and Psychotherapy

1

5.1 Abnormality - Concept and Meaning

  • Normal behavior: optimum intellectual capacity, organized personality patterns, well-adjusted with social environment
  • Abnormal behavior: maladjustment with social environment and uncontrolled emotional expressions
  • Four Ds of Abnormality: Deviant (deviates from social norms), Dysfunctional (interferes with daily activities), Distressing (unpleasant and upsetting), Dangerous (causes harm to self or others)
2

5.1.1 Modern Perspectives of Abnormal Behavior

  • BIOLOGICAL/MEDICAL PERSPECTIVE: Explains abnormality through faulty genes, brain damage, neurotransmitter imbalances, hormonal imbalances, infections. Low GABA linked to anxiety disorders; dysfunction
  • PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE includes four approaches:
  • • Psychodynamic (Freud): Abnormality results from conflicts between unconscious desires and conscious motives; repressed primitive impulses manifest as symptoms
3

5.1.2 Classification of Mental Disorders

  • Classification systems essential for: communication between professionals, diagnosis, treatment planning, research standardization, insurance purposes
  • Two major classification systems: ICD-10 (WHO) and DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association)
  • DSM-IV is most widely used and user-friendly for clinicians
4

5.2 Anxiety Disorders

  • Anxiety: general feeling of fear and apprehension about possible danger; mild/moderate anxiety has adaptive value but chronic/severe is maladaptive
  • Common anxiety disorders: GAD, Phobic Disorder, OCD
  • GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD): excessive, chronic, unreasonable worry lasting >6 months about multiple events

Key Concepts

Behavior that deviates from social normsExplains abnormal behavior through physicalIncludes multiple psychological theories explaining abnor...Emphasizes that psychological disorders develop dueThe Diagnostic and Statistical Manual

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Psychological Disorders and Psychotherapy for ICSE Class 12 Psychology?
Psychological Disorders and Psychotherapy covers several key topics that are frequently asked in ICSE Class 12 board exams. Focus on the core concepts listed on this page and practise related questions to build confidence.
How to score full marks in Psychological Disorders and Psychotherapy — ICSE Class 12 Psychology?
Start by understanding all key concepts. Practise previous year questions from this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly. Use flashcards for quick revision 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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