What are the abnormal psychological states

Abnormal psychology usually refers to psychological processes and behaviors that deviate significantly from the norm, mainly including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and material related disorders. These conditions may be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, socio psychological, and biological factors, and individuals often experience significant pain or impaired social functioning.

1. Mood disorders

Mood disorders are characterized by significant and persistent emotional or mood changes. Common types include depression and bipolar disorder. The core symptoms of depression are sustained low mood, loss of interest, and decreased energy, which may be accompanied by sleep disorders, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or self blame, and in severe cases, suicidal ideation or behavior. Bipolar disorder is characterized by alternating emotions between depressive episodes and manic or hypomanic episodes. During the manic phase, there may be heightened emotions, runaway thinking, increased activity, reckless behavior, and reduced sleep demand. These disorders may be related to dysfunction of the neurotransmitter system, genetic susceptibility, and major life event stimuli.

II. Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are centered around excessive fear and anxiety, accompanied by related behavioral disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive worry and tension about daily affairs that are difficult to control. The characteristic of panic disorder is the repeated occurrence of unpredictable panic attacks, accompanied by strong palpitations, sweating, trembling, suffocation, or a feeling of impending death. Social anxiety disorder is a significant and persistent fear of one or more social situations, worrying about being scrutinized by others or exhibiting awkward behavior. Specific phobia is the excessive and irrational fear of specific objects or situations. These disorders are often associated with genetic predisposition, overactivity of brain regions such as the amygdala, long-term stress, and traumatic experiences.

III. Personality Disorders

Personality disorders refer to individuals' long-term, persistent, and rigid internal experiences and behavioral patterns that deviate significantly from their cultural background expectations, usually beginning in adolescence or early adulthood, leading to personal pain or functional impairment. For example, borderline personality disorder manifests as instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions, as well as significant impulsive behavior. The characteristics of antisocial personality disorder are indifference and infringement of others' rights, lack of empathy and remorse. Compulsive personality disorder is characterized by an excessive sense of order, perfectionism, and a desire for control. The formation of personality disorders is closely related to early growth environment, parenting style, traumatic experiences, and genetic factors.

Fourth, Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder

Schizophrenia spectrum disorder is a group of severe mental disorders characterized by severe disturbances in thinking, perception, emotion, and behavior. The core symptoms include positive symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and mental disorders, as well as negative symptoms such as emotional apathy, decreased willpower, social withdrawal, and poor speech. Cognitive impairment is also common. Its etiology is complex, involving polygenic inheritance, neurodevelopmental abnormalities, dysfunction of the neurotransmitter dopamine system, and environmental factors such as prenatal infections and childhood trauma. This spectrum also includes dissociative affective disorder, delusional disorder, etc.

V. Substance related disorders

Substance related disorders involve improper use of alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, or other psychoactive substances, resulting in functional impairment or distress in clinical significance. Including substance use disorders and substance induced disorders. Substance use disorders manifest as cravings for substances, decreased ability to control use, continued use regardless of harm, increased tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Substance induced disorders refer to poisoning, withdrawal states directly caused by substances, or induced/aggravated mental disorders such as psychotic disorders and mood disorders. These types of disorders are related to the pharmacological effects of substances, individual genetic susceptibility, psychosocial factors, and environmental availability. Understanding the diversity of abnormal psychology is the first step in seeking appropriate help. If you or someone around you exhibits the above-mentioned symptoms, it is recommended to seek professional evaluation from a psychiatrist or psychotherapist in a timely manner. Diagnosis should be based on comprehensive clinical interviews and evaluations, and self labeling should be avoided. The treatment usually adopts an individualized comprehensive plan, which may include psychological therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy, medication therapy such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, as well as social skills training, family support, etc. At the same time, maintaining a regular schedule, balanced nutrition, moderate exercise, and establishing a stable social support network are crucial for maintaining and recovering mental health. The understanding and acceptance of mental and psychological issues by society can also create a more friendly environment for rehabilitation.