Abnormal Psychology

This book presents the latest ideas and concepts in abnormal psychology. The book is divided into two parts: Part I deals with foundational ground work of mental disorders, whereas Part II deals with specific mental disorders. In foundational groundwork, there is general discussion on definition of abnormal psychology, historical perspectives in mental disorders, research methods used in abnormal psychology, classification of mental disorders, clinical assessment of mental disorders and general discussion on etiology and treatment of mental disorders (chapters 1–7). Chapter 8 is devoted to discussion on Indian perspectives in various aspects of mental disorders. All the chapters provide the latest concepts of abnormal psychology. For example, in chapter on research methods in psychology, besides traditional tools of research in psychology (interviews, case studies etc.), psychophysiological research methods for capturing the mind–body interactions have been described. These methods include electromyography, electrodermal activity, electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In chapter on theories of causation of mental disorders, there is discussion on (A). biological explanations (genetics, biochemical abnormalities, neuropathological processes and role of neurotransmitters), and (B). Psychological models : (i) psychoanalytic model (ii) behavioural model (iii) cognitive model, (iv) socio-cultural model (v) biopsychosocial model and (vi) diathesis-stress model. In the chapter on the treatment of mental disorders, besides the traditional psychotherapy tools such as exposure therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), latest techniques such as mindfulness therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) have been discussed. In part II (Specific Mental Disorders), Chapters 9–24 are devoted to discussion on clinical presentation, epidemiology, etiology and treatment of various mental disorders. The text has been presented in a clear, concise, yet comprehensive and student-friendly manner; undue verbosity has been avoided. In view of the fact that the book is meant for students of psychology (not medicine), the symptoms of various mental disorders have been described in a simple language. Bombastic medical jargon has been avoided. Explanation of modern concepts in the etiology and treatment of each mental disorder is the highlight of the part II of the book. A large number of illustrations help to explain the text with greater clarity. A number of relevant references, given at the end of each chapter, would be useful to those wishing to pursue the topic in greater depth. Index given at the end of the book would help the reader to easily find topic of interest. This book is likely to act as a solid base for those interested in pursuing postgraduate course in clinical psychology.