Classification of Psychological Disorders - APA Criteria of Abnormal Behaviour

Abnormal behaviour disrupts daily life and causes suffering for the individual. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) defines it through two main criteria in the DSM. These criteria focus on clinical issues and cultural appropriateness for Class 12 Psychology.

• APA emphasises behaviours with clinical significance that impair normal functioning.
• The first criterion involves dysfunction, distress, and disability, known as the "3 D's."
• The second criterion requires that the behaviour is not culturally sanctioned or accepted.

• Dysfunction occurs when a person fails to perform expected roles, such as studying or working.
• Distress refers to intense personal emotional pain, like constant worry or fear.
• Disability limits daily activities, such as avoiding social interactions due to anxiety.

• Behaviours must not align with cultural norms to be considered abnormal.
• Culturally sanctioned actions, like religious rituals, are excluded from abnormality.
• Modern definitions prioritise culture to prevent mislabeling traditions as disorders.

• According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), abnormal behaviour must have clinical significance, causing distress, disability, or dysfunction in the individual.
• The behaviour should not be culturally accepted or culturally appropriate.
• Abnormal behaviour is maladaptive, meaning it creates problems for the person, family, or society.
• Culture plays an important role in deciding whether a behaviour is abnormal or not.
• The behaviour must be continuous, persistent, and serious, not temporary like normal emotional reactions.