Key+Findings+within+this+branch+of+Psychology

Psychopathology has one of the most interesting historical developments of all time. Dating all the way back to the eighteenth century individuals who had mental disorders were made a mockery of and treated inhumanely (Heffner, 2004) ; even today much has not changed, most mental health facilities do not provide humane care (Zimbardo, 2009).
 * The Beginning: **

One of the most common misconceptions of Psychopathology is that the term relates to serial killers; on the contraire Psychopathology is the science of mental and behavioral disorders, including but not limited to psychiatry and abnormal psychology (Psychopathology, 2006).
 * Myth: **

Throughout history the knowledge of disorders were apparent; the exact causes were unknown. Many Greek philosophers, like Hippocrates, believed that “madness” was a generational curse or demon possession could be a result of natural causes as well as physical (Mental disorders and their treatment, 1995). As time went on various medical professionals began to classify the disorders and finding the various causes of development.
 * Causes: **

Today we know that the causes of mental disorders are not clear and defined; rather, they are multi-factorial. Scientists have found links in human genes that can lead to disorders, like schizophrenia (Brulotte, 2007). Other biological factors to take into consideration are hormone imbalances, which affect the brain and its’ functioning (Zimbardo, 2009). Research is still being conducted as to whether or not drugs, such as LSD, can contribute to the development of disorders because of the brain damage and side effects caused by the drugs (Zimbardo, 2009). The early development of an individual also plays a part in the development of a mental disorder. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors (i.e. SES status, family environment, etc…) can lead to the development of a disorder and under the right amount of stress, such as abuse, can lead to the manifestation of a disorder.



In the biblical era there was not enough information about disorders; any kind of mental illness was seen as a demonic spirit and was then treated with prayer and exorcisms. (Guiley & Shepard, 1991). As time went on Hippocrates found that it was not a spiritual force that was living in the person rather an imbalance in the humors which lead the person to become “mad” or “ill” (Pillai, 2010).
 * Classification/Diagnosis: **

The key elements that are crucial to the classification of mental disorders is the impairment of perception, thinking patterns, mood and daily functioning in the individual’s life ( Zimbardo, 2009).

Another commonly overlooked element to consider in the diagnosing of mental disorders is culture. Many patients display recurrent symptoms that may be linked to a DSM-IV category, but are only influenced by cultural factors and have local names (i.e Ataque de nervios) this phenomena is known as culture-bound syndrome (Ng, Lin, Singh, 2008).

Some of the most prevalent disorders are specific phobias (8.7%), Social Phobia (6.8%), Depression (6.7%), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (3.5%), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (3.1%) (Grohol, 2009).
 * Prevalence: **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">In the early 1900’s the first Psychosurgeon, Egas Moniz, invented the Lobotomy procedure to cure people of chronic pain, psychiatric disorders and headaches (Johnson, 2009). Many medical professionals knew the dangers and impairment of the procedure, but no measures to stop the medical procedures were made until over fifty thousand procedures had already been performed (Johnson, 2009). Meanwhile, neurologist, Ugo Cerletti, discovered shock therapy was a safer form of curing disorders, like epilepsy. Other doctors found that it even cured many affective disorders, especially depression (Sabbatini, n.d). After the 1970’s, movements against institutionalization, both psychosurgery and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), became obsolete and medical drugs and psychotherapy have took over. Only in rare occasions are Lobotomies and shock therapy used today (Johnson, 2009).
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Treatment: **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">In present day when it comes to treatment for disorders it all depends on the disorder. For example, many anxiety disorders are treated through Exposure Therapy or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Whereas other disorders that are more severe, like schizophrenia, are treated with Antipsychotics. With the ethical standards set today, there are very few surgeries performed in patients because of the dangers and impairment it can cause.