Abnormal Psychology, 10th Edition by Ronald J. Comer offers a comprehensive exploration of psychological disorders, covering a range of theoretical perspectives, diagnostic criteria, case studies, and treatment approaches. This edition integrates the latest research and developments in the field, emphasizing the biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors influencing mental health. Below is a detailed summary structured by the main parts and chapters of the book.
Part I: Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
Chapter 1: Abnormal Psychology: Past and Present
This introductory chapter defines abnormal psychology and explains how psychologists determine what constitutes abnormal behavior. Comer discusses the "four Ds" of psychological abnormality:
deviance, distress, dysfunction, and danger. Historical perspectives on mental illness are reviewed, including ancient views, medieval practices, and modern changes in treatment. This chapter also introduces major treatment approaches, such as the biological, psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic-existential models, and provides an overview of the contemporary landscape of mental health care.
Chapter 2: Research in Abnormal Psychology
This chapter explains research methods used to study abnormal psychology, including experimental, correlational, and epidemiological research. Comer emphasizes the importance of research in understanding mental disorders and evaluating treatments. He discusses ethical considerations, the use of control groups, random assignment, and double-blind procedures. Additionally, various research challenges, including issues of validity, reliability, and bias, are explored.
Part II: Theories and Treatment of Abnormality
Chapter 3: Models of Abnormality
Comer presents an in-depth look at the theoretical models used to understand abnormal behavior, such as the biological, psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic-existential, and sociocultural models. Each model’s basic assumptions, strengths, and limitations are examined, providing a foundation for understanding the complex factors that contribute to psychological disorders. The integrative or biopsychosocial model is introduced as a modern perspective that combines these approaches to provide a more holistic view.
Chapter 4: Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment
This chapter covers assessment techniques, including clinical interviews, psychological testing, behavioral observation, and neuroimaging. Comer explains how these methods contribute to accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. The chapter also covers the DSM5, describing its structure, diagnostic criteria, and controversies, such as the medicalization of certain
behaviors. Treatment options, including psychotherapy, medication, and alternative therapies, are also discussed.
Part III: Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, and Related Disorders
Chapter 5: Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, and Trauma-Related Disorders
This chapter examines anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and agoraphobia. Comer discusses the causes, symptoms, and treatments, focusing on cognitivebehavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and pharmacological options. Additionally, obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders (e.g., hoarding, body dysmorphic disorder) are covered, with an emphasis on biological and behavioral perspectives.
Chapter 6: Stress and Trauma-Related Disorders
Comer explores stress-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder. He discusses risk factors, including
genetics, trauma history, and social support, and describes common treatment approaches, including trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and medication. The effects of stress on physical health and coping mechanisms are also highlighted.
Part IV: Disorders of Mood
Chapter 7: Depressive and Bipolar Disorders
This chapter covers depressive disorders, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar disorders. Comer explores biological, psychological, and sociocultural theories of mood disorders, discussing neurotransmitter imbalances, cognitive distortions, and life stressors. Treatment options include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and various forms of psychotherapy, such as cognitivebehavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Chapter 8: Suicide and Self-Harm
Comer discusses the epidemiology, risk factors, and warning signs of suicide and self-harming behaviors. This chapter examines psychological, biological, and social factors contributing to suicide, including mood disorders, substance abuse, and cultural influences. Prevention strategies, crisis intervention, and therapeutic approaches for at-risk individuals are discussed in depth.
Part V: Somatic and Dissociative Disorders
Chapter 9: Disorders Featuring Somatic Symptoms
This chapter introduces somatic symptom disorders, such as illness anxiety disorder, conversion disorder, and factitious disorder. Comer explains how these disorders manifest as physical symptoms without a medical cause, often linked to psychological stress. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and stress management techniques are discussed as treatment methods.
Chapter 10: Dissociative Disorders
Dissociative disorders, including dissociative identity disorder (DID), dissociative amnesia, and depersonalization-derealization disorder, are discussed here. Comer explores theories related to trauma, memory, and identity, examining how these disorders may develop as coping mechanisms for extreme stress. Therapeutic approaches such as psychotherapy, cognitive restructuring, and integration therapy are highlighted.
Part VI: Eating, Sleep, and Substance Use Disorders
Chapter 11: Eating Disorders
Comer covers anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, focusing on their psychological and physical effects. Biological, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives are discussed, including the impact of media, self-esteem, and family dynamics. Treatment options include nutritional rehabilitation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and family therapy.
Chapter 12: Substance Use and Addictive Disorders
Substance-related disorders, including alcohol, stimulant, opioid, and cannabis use disorders, are examined here. Comer explains the factors contributing to addiction, including genetic predispositions, social influences, and the impact on the brain’s reward system. Treatment methods such as detoxification, behavioral therapies, support groups, and pharmacotherapy are discussed.
Chapter
13: Sleep Disorders
This chapter examines various sleep disorders, including insomnia, narcolepsy, and sleep apnea. Comer explores biological, behavioral, and environmental factors affecting sleep and describes treatment approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), lifestyle changes, and medication.
Part VII: Disorders of Personality
Chapter 14: Personality Disorders
Comer covers personality disorders categorized into clusters: A (odd/eccentric), B (dramatic/emotional), and C (anxious/fearful). Disorders such as borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder are discussed in terms of symptoms, etiology, and challenges in treatment. Treatment methods, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and psychodynamic therapy, are explored.
Part VIII: Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence
Chapter 15: Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence
Comer examines common disorders among children and adolescents, such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and oppositional defiant disorder. Theories regarding biological and environmental causes are discussed, alongside treatment approaches including behavioral therapy, medication, and educational interventions.
Part IX: Disorders of Aging and Cognition
Chapter 16: Disorders of Aging and Cognition
This chapter discusses mental health challenges among the elderly, including neurocognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Comer covers symptoms, risk factors, and the biological basis of these disorders. Treatment approaches focus on memory support, behavioral interventions, and family support.
Abnormal Psychology, 10th Edition by Ronald J. Comer provides a thorough exploration of mental disorders, from their symptoms and causes to treatment strategies. Through a blend of research insights, case studies, and theoretical perspectives, Comer encourages readers to develop a nuanced understanding of mental health, reducing stigma and promoting compassionate care. This edition is
designed to meet the needs of students, professionals, and anyone interested in the science of psychological disorders.
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