Abnormal Psychology and Psychotherapy

Author: (American) Susan Nolen-Hoeksema
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-10-01
Features: Why do some people have self-harm tendencies? Why are some people more difficult to face life than others? What makes people detach from reality? Many people, either personally or through family or friends, have experienced this. Abnormal psychology and abnormal behavior are not far from us; they occur right around us. The author of this book, Dr. Susan Nolen-Hoeksema, a senior professor of psychology and psychiatry at the University of Michigan, describes various difficult-to-understand abnormal psychological phenomena in vivid and accessible language, and introduces the theories, research findings, diagnostic criteria, and treatment methods in this field. As a scientific and rigorous academic work, this book has the engaging characteristics of a novel, allowing readers to experience the real feelings of patients with mental disorders. By studying this book, readers will gain a clearer and deeper understanding of how to distinguish between normal and abnormal behavior, and what practical treatment methods are available for patients with mental disorders. This book is not only an excellent reference and learning material for professionals but also a very good scientific reading for ordinary people to understand this field. — Professor Zheng Richang, Department of Psychology, Beijing Normal University
From the content of the book, it can be divided into four parts. Part 1 is a general introduction to abnormal behavior, including Chapters 1 to 5. In Chapter 1, A Glimpse at Abnormal Behavior, the author first discusses what constitutes abnormal behavior. Cultural relativists argue that social norms must be used to determine whether a behavior is normal. Some scholars believe that rare behavior or behavior that causes subjective discomfort to the individual qualifies as abnormal behavior. Others argue that only behavior caused by psychological disorders is abnormal behavior. In Chapter 2, Modern Theories of Abnormal Behavior, the biological theory holds that psychological disorders are caused by three factors: structural variations in the brain, dysfunction of the brain's neurotransmitter systems, and defective genes. In psychological research, the psychodynamic theory suggests that the underlying cause of psychological disorders is unconscious psychological struggles. The behaviorist theory posits that individual behavior is reinforced or punished, leading to disorders because people cannot pursue their own thoughts but instead must comply with others' wishes. In Chapter 3, Advances in Research on Abnormal Behavior, the author first introduces the challenges researchers face when studying abnormal behavior, then explains what scientific research methods are and their characteristics, and provides detailed descriptions of various research methods, including case studies, correlational studies, continuous variable studies, cross-sectional studies, longitudinal studies, experimental studies, and treatment outcome studies. In Chapter 4, Assessment and Diagnosis of Abnormal Behavior, the author first emphasizes the importance of collecting information for accurate assessment and introduces the content of information collection, including current symptoms, recent experiences and physical condition, medication and alcohol use, personal and family history of psychological disorders, and cognitive function.
Part 2 provides specific introductions to various common abnormal behaviors, covering Chapters 6 to 17, describing them from multiple perspectives such as clinical symptoms, underlying mechanisms, diagnostic criteria, psychological treatment, and pharmacological treatment. The author first introduces the clinically common anxiety disorders: panic disorder, phobia, generalized anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), as well as the closely related dissociative and somatic disorders. In Chapter 11, Schizophrenia, the author focuses on introducing the biological causes of schizophrenia from a biological perspective and provides a detailed explanation of the use of medication as the primary treatment for schizophrenia. In Chapter 12, Personality Disorders, the author refers to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV) and categorizes personality disorders into three types based on different symptoms: paranoid personality disorder, dramatic emotional disorder, and anxious-terror personality disorder, introducing each type separately. In Chapter 13, Childhood Disorders, the author introduces common psychological disorders in childhood, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder, separation anxiety disorder, enuresis, and learning disorders. In Chapter 14, Cognitive Disorders and Life Span, the author discusses the relationship between cognitive disorders caused by dementia, amnesia, and delirium and aging.
Part 3 is Chapter 18, The Relationship Between Psychology and Physical Health. From the perspective of health psychology, this chapter argues that the body, consciousness, and environment are closely interconnected and attempts to explain the characteristics and importance of these influences. Health psychologists believe that personality factors, problem-solving styles, stress-inducing events, and health-related behaviors play important roles in the onset and progression of diseases.
Part 4 is Chapter 19, Mental Health and Related Social Policies and Laws. The basic concept of the insanity defense system is that a person should not be held responsible for crimes committed when they are mentally unfit. In discussing unconscious behavior and human rights, it is pointed out that from a psychological perspective, people are considered blameless when they are psychologically disordered or pose a potential danger to themselves or others.
In summary, this book is an outstanding work in psychology. It was a privilege for me to read it first, and I would like to recommend it to my colleagues in the fields of psychological counseling and therapy in China, as well as to teachers and students in psychology at higher education institutions. I believe everyone will benefit greatly from it.