| Chapter 13: Psychopathology Social misconceptions about mental disorders: Abnormal behaviors are always bizarre There is a clear distinction between normal and abnormal behaviors Most disorders are not curable In reality: Many disorders do not include bizarre behaviors Normality and abnormality are only two extremes of the same dimension 70 to 80% of hospitalized patients recover Guiding principles to decide whether a behavior is abnormal: Not acceptable by society's standards Causes distress and suffering to the person and others Impairs daily life abilities Mental disorders are diseases; we should bring help to patients, not reject them |
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