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What Does an Abnormal Psychologist Do?

Debra Barnhart
Debra Barnhart

The abnormal psychologist studies extreme or unusual human behavior to explain its causes and find ways to change the behavior. Researchers in abnormal psychology or psychopathology, as it is also known, often study irregularities in behavior on both a statistical and qualitative basis. Abnormal psychologists describe mental abnormalities and categorize a wide range of disorders. Causes of abnormal behavior may be explained based on cognitive, behavioral or medical theories. Theories of abnormal psychology are used by clinicians to treat patients.

The abnormal psychologist often begins to define what is considered unhealthy behavior based on statistical analysis. He or she might use a bell curve to examine varying levels of deviation from what is considered normal. A bell curve is a statistical model that illustrates the distribution of data and can be used to study the range of behaviors within a population.

An abnormal psychologist may study cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and amnesia.
An abnormal psychologist may study cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and amnesia.

Assessments about abnormal behavior are not only made on a statistical basis. Notions of what is normal behavior need to be viewed within the context of culture, sex, age and other demographic factors. The impact of the behavior is an important consideration in deciding whether it is normal or abnormal. For instance, behavior that causes harm to others or to the patient would definitely be considered irregular by the abnormal psychologist. Other harmful behaviors would include those that prevent the patient from functioning on a day-to-day basis.

Abnormal psychology is often used to explain criminal behavior.
Abnormal psychology is often used to explain criminal behavior.

Mental disorders defined and studied by the abnormal psychologist are categorized. One category, anxiety disorders, includes illnesses such as panic disorder and post-traumatic stress syndrome. Alzheimer's disease and amnesia fall under the category of cognitive disorders. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism are considered to be developmental disorders.

Psychologists who treat patients in clinical settings rely on theories of abnormal psychology to understand patient disorders.
Psychologists who treat patients in clinical settings rely on theories of abnormal psychology to understand patient disorders.

Major theories used by abnormal psychologist to describe psychopathology include cognitive, behavioral and medical. Cognitive theories focus on unhealthy thought patterns, and perceptions about the world and how they contribute to mental illness. Behavioral theories look at ways to discourage disruptive behaviors and replace them with more positive ones. Chemical imbalances, genetic influence and other biological conditions are components of medical theories of abnormal psychology.

An abnormal psychologist may help treat patients who are suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder.
An abnormal psychologist may help treat patients who are suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Psychologists who treat patients in clinical settings, such as private practices, mental health facilities and hospitals rely on theories of abnormal psychology to understand and describe patient disorders. The American Psychiatric Association publishes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which provides information used by clinical psychologists. Among other facts, the manual contains statistical information on gender distribution and effective treatments for abnormal behavior.

Discussion Comments

stoneMason

I see an abnormal psychologist every week for cognitive behavioral therapy. I have chronic clinical depression and we are trying to change my thought patterns that give me depression.

ysmina

@alisha-- Abnormal psychology covers a wide spectrum of disorders. Some are what you might consider to be mild like attention deficiency disorder or depression and others are more serious conditions such as schizophrenia. An abnormal psychologist works with people with behavior and patterns of thought that are outside of the norm in a particular culture and group.

Of course, everyone can experience issues like anxiety and attention deficiency. Just because someone has experienced something like this once doesn't mean that he or she is "abnormal." To be abnormal psychologically, one must experience these issues repeatedly and at a greater intensity than other people.

Abnormal psychologists use different therapy methods and exercises to help without with abnormal behavior.

discographer

I can't believe that problems like attention deficiency and anxiety are considered abnormal and are treated by an abnormal psychologist. I thought that abnormal psychologists treat more serious issues like psychotic disorders.

I'm not sure I understand what makes an abnormal psychologist different than a regular psychologist.

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    • An abnormal psychologist may study cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and amnesia.
      By: chuugo
      An abnormal psychologist may study cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and amnesia.
    • Abnormal psychology is often used to explain criminal behavior.
      By: Vibe Images
      Abnormal psychology is often used to explain criminal behavior.
    • Psychologists who treat patients in clinical settings rely on theories of abnormal psychology to understand patient disorders.
      By: bertys30
      Psychologists who treat patients in clinical settings rely on theories of abnormal psychology to understand patient disorders.
    • An abnormal psychologist may help treat patients who are suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder.
      By: John Gomez
      An abnormal psychologist may help treat patients who are suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder.
    • Someone who constantly abuses others may be considered to be displaying abnormal behavior.
      By: godfer
      Someone who constantly abuses others may be considered to be displaying abnormal behavior.