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Abnormal
Psychology
Understand the full spectrum of psychological disorders from diagnosis to treatment, through a lens that is clinical, compassionate, and deeply human.
What You'll Learn
A full semester of abnormal psychology — completed at your own pace, with no deadlines or fixed class times.
What You'll Be Able to Do
- Define and delineate the scope of abnormal psychology
- Identify and articulate the symptoms and diagnostic criteria of common psychological disorders
- Analyze the contributions of biological, cognitive, behavioral, sociocultural, and developmental factors to abnormal behavior
- Evaluate the effectiveness of diverse treatment modalities for psychological disorders and assess associated ethical considerations
- Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios by engaging in case studies and practical exercises
Major Course Topics
Course chapters and lessons
Abnormal Psychology has 25 chapters across 64.5 instructional hours, as listed in the course syllabus. Expand any chapter to see the lessons inside it.
- Chapters
- 25
- Lessons
- 97
- Instructional hours
- 64.5 hrs
- Semester hours
- 3
Chapter 1
Foundations of Abnormal Psychology
- 1.1 What Is Abnormal Psychology? Scope, Key Disorders, and Defining Deviant Behavior
- 1.2 The Role of Biology and Historical Evolution: From Superstition to Compassionate Care
- 1.3 The DSM Explained: Purpose and Structure
- 1.4 Pitfalls in Mental Health Classification: Accuracy, Consistency, and Social Harm
- 1.5 Mind-Body Connections: How Psychology Shapes Physical Conditions
Chapter 2
Investigating Mental Health: Research Foundations
- 2.1 The Science Behind Clinical Research and Correlational Methods in Mental Health
- 2.2 The Purpose and Function of Control Groups
- 2.3 Boundaries and Shortcomings of Clinical Studies
Chapter 3
Biological Underpinnings of Psychological Disorders
- 3.1 A Primer on Biological Psychology and How Physical Factors Contribute to Mental Illness
- 3.2 Neurotransmitters, Brain Architecture, and Their Role in Mental Health
- 3.3 The Brain's Ability to Rewire: Plasticity and Adaptation
- 3.4 How Genetics and Evolution Shape Psychological Vulnerability
- 3.5 Medically-Based Interventions and Weighing the Biological Approach: Merits and Gaps
Chapter 4
Psychodynamic Theories and Therapeutic Practice
- 4.1 Core Concepts of the Psychodynamic Framework and Freud's Model of Drives and Personality
- 4.2 Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Growth and His Divergence from Freud
- 4.3 Jungian Psychology: The Psyche, Symbolic Dreams, and Archetypes
- 4.4 Key Psychodynamic Techniques: Free Association, Interpretation, and Emotional Release
- 4.5 A Critical Review of the Psychodynamic Model
Chapter 5
Behavioral and Learning Models of Abnormality
- 5.1 Core Principles of the Behavioral Approach and Classical vs. Operant Conditioning
- 5.2 Biological Factors That Limit Conditioned Learning
- 5.3 Learning Through Observation: Modeling and Perceived Self-Capability
- 5.4 Behavioral Therapy in Action: Desensitization and Graduated Exposure
- 5.5 Strengths and Weaknesses of the Behavioral Framework
Chapter 6
Cognitive Theories in Abnormal Psychology
- 6.1 How the Mind Works and the Cognitive Framework Applied to Psychological Disorders
- 6.2 Practical CBT Strategies: Thought Restructuring and Behavioral Activation
- 6.3 Evaluating the Cognitive Model: What It Gets Right and Where It Falls Short
Chapter 7
Humanistic and Existential Perspectives
- 7.1 Core Ideas and Contrasting Viewpoints of the Humanistic-Existential Approach
- 7.2 Assessing the Strengths and Limitations of the Humanistic-Existential Framework
Chapter 8
Sociocultural Influences on Mental Health
- 8.1 Overview of the Sociocultural Approach and Social Labels and Role Expectations
- 8.2 Community Networks and the Role of Social Support
- 8.3 How Gender, Sexuality, and Cultural Norms Influence Psychological Functioning
- 8.4 Critiquing the Sociocultural Model: Advantages and Blind Spots
Chapter 9
Vulnerability, Stress, and the Development of Disorders
- 9.1 Defining Vulnerability, Environmental Stress, and Resilience Factors
- 9.2 Developmental Stages, the Accumulation of Risk, and Limitations of the Vulnerability-Stress Framework
Chapter 10
Psychological Assessment: Tools and Techniques
- 10.1 What Is Clinical Assessment and Why Does It Matter?
- 10.2 The Clinical Interview and Behavioral Observation: Structure, Purpose, and Pitfalls
- 10.3 Cognitive, Physiological, and Brain-Based Assessment Approaches
- 10.4 Standards and Challenges in Psychological Measurement: Consistency, Accuracy, and Fairness
Chapter 11
Anxiety-Based Disorders: Origins and Therapeutic Approaches
- 11.1 Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Core Features and Treatment Options
- 11.2 Panic Disorder and Fear of Open Spaces: Causes and Clinical Approaches
- 11.3 Phobias — Specific and Social: Recognition and Intervention
- 11.4 OCD and Trauma-Related Conditions: Patterns, Stress Reactions, and Therapeutic Approaches
Chapter 12
Mood Disorders: Types, Origins, and Recovery
- 12.1 The Landscape of Mood Disorders: Scope, Impact, and Forms of Depression
- 12.2 Persistent and Cyclical Mood Conditions: Features and Management
- 12.3 Bipolar Spectrum Disorders: Episodes, Patterns, and Treatment
- 12.4 Suicide: Warning Signs, Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategies
Chapter 13
Stress-Related Disorders and Emotional Resilience
- 13.1 Conceptualizing Stress Disorders and the Physiology and Purpose of Emotions
- 13.2 Classifying Emotions, Their Neurological Foundations, and Major Theories of Stress Response
- 13.3 Acute Stress Reactions and Psychosomatic Conditions
- 13.4 Strength-Based Psychology and Developing Personal Resilience
Chapter 14
Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders
- 14.1 Understanding Somatic Symptom Disorders and Functional Neurological Presentations
- 14.2 Persistent Physical Complaints Without Medical Cause: Features and Care
- 14.3 Health Anxiety and Body Image Disturbance: Understanding and Therapeutic Approaches
- 14.4 Additional Somatic Presentations and Chronic Pain Conditions
Chapter 15
Dissociative Disorders: Fragmentation of Identity and Memory
- 15.1 Memory Loss Without Organic Cause and Dissociative Wandering States: Features and Intervention
- 15.2 Fragmented Identity Disorder: Multiple Self-States and Their Origins
- 15.3 Feeling Detached from Oneself: Symptoms and Therapeutic Interventions
Chapter 16
Eating Disorders: Psychological and Physical Dimensions
- 16.1 Restrictive Eating Disorder: Symptom Profile and Long-Term Outlook
- 16.2 Purging and Bingeing Cycles and Recurrent Overeating Disorder: Signs, Characteristics, and Recovery
Chapter 17
Sexual Health, Gender Identity, and Atypical Sexual Behaviors
- 17.1 Classifying Sexual Dysfunctions, Their Root Causes, and Historical Evolution
- 17.2 Low Sexual Desire and Difficulties with Arousal: Origins and Interventions
- 17.3 Orgasm-Related Difficulties and Pain Associated with Sexual Activity: Management and Therapy
- 17.4 Sex Therapy in Practice and Defining Paraphilias: Core Methods and Applications
- 17.5 Voyeuristic, Frotteuristic, Pedophilic, and Sadomasochistic Behaviors: Clinical Overview
- 17.6 Gender Incongruence Disorder: Diagnosis, Support, and Affirming Care
Chapter 18
Substance-Related Disorders: Understanding Addiction and Treatment
- 18.1 Defining the Continuum from Substance Use to Dependence
- 18.2 Central Nervous System Depressants and Stimulants: Effects and Clinical Concerns
- 18.3 Hallucinogens and Marijuana Use: Effects, Myths, and Realities
- 18.4 Polydrug Use and Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches for Substance-Related Conditions
Chapter 19
Psychotic Disorders and Disruptions to Reality
- 19.1 Schizophrenia: Core Symptoms, Clinical Subtypes, and Active vs. Deficit Symptoms
- 19.2 Theoretical Models and Brain-Based Mechanisms Underlying Schizophrenia
- 19.3 The Progression of Schizophrenia: Onset, Genetic Susceptibility, and Environmental Triggers
- 19.4 Fixed False Beliefs, Schizoaffective Presentations, and Sudden-Onset Psychosis: Features and Causes
- 19.5 Managing Schizophrenia and Related Psychotic Conditions
Chapter 20
Cognitive Impairments: Disorders of Thinking and Memory
- 20.1 What Are Cognitive Disorders? A Foundational Overview and Acute Confusional States
- 20.2 Isolated Memory Impairment Disorders: Causes and Intervention
- 20.3 Progressive Memory Loss and Alzheimer's Disease: Features and Stages
- 20.4 Cognitive Decline Related to Substance Use, Aging, and Associated Emotional Challenges
Chapter 21
Developmental Disorders Across the Lifespan
- 21.1 Overview of Developmental Psychopathology and Psychological Growth in Children and Adolescents
- 21.2 Divergent Developmental Pathways, High-Functioning Autism Features, and Learning Considerations
- 21.3 ADHD: Diagnostic Criteria, Behavioral Management, and Giftedness in Education
- 21.4 Defiant and Conduct-Related Behavior Disorders: Behavioral Strategies
- 21.5 Specific Learning Difficulties and Intellectual Disabilities: Identification, Support, and Prevention
Chapter 22
Personality Disorders: Rigid Patterns That Impair Functioning
- 22.1 What Are Personality Disorders? A Broad Introduction
- 22.2 Cluster A — Eccentric Personality Patterns: Suspicious, Withdrawn, and Odd Types
- 22.3 Cluster B — Dramatic Personality Patterns: Impulsive, Unstable, Theatrical, and Grandiose Types
- 22.4 Cluster C — Anxious Personality Patterns and Why Diagnosing Personality Disorders Remains Complex
Chapter 23
Factitious Disorders: Intentional Illness and Deception
- 23.1 Factitious Disorders Defined: What They Are, How They Present, and Their Varieties
- 23.2 Origins, Identification Methods, and Treatment Pathways
Chapter 24
Therapeutic Approaches in Mental Health Practice
- 24.1 One-on-One Therapy: Psychodynamic, Cognitive, and Behavioral Methods
- 24.2 Group Therapy and Social Learning Principles: Purpose, Process, and Applications
- 24.3 Psychopharmacology and Biologically-Based Interventions: Medications and Related Approaches
- 24.4 Community-Based Mental Health Programs and Evaluating Therapeutic Effectiveness
- 24.5 Ethics in Mental Health Practice: Guiding Principles and Professional Responsibilities
Chapter 25
Legal Frameworks and Ethical Considerations in Mental Health
- 25.1 Psychological Evaluations in Legal Settings and Mental Health Law: Institutionalization and Duty to Protect
- 25.2 Ethical Dilemmas in Practice: Informed Consent, Confidentiality, and Equity of Access
- 25.3 Advancing Mental Health Globally: International Initiatives and Progress
These chapters come straight from the official course syllabus, which also sets out the graded assignment and the proctored final exam.
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