Essays and Research Papers on Abnormal Psychology

This 5 page paper presents a diagnostic summary of DSM IV Axis classification for the anxiety disorder, panic disorder with agoraphobia, based on the character of Helen in the 1995 movie, Copycat. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

6 pages in length. Although much has been written and many theories brought forth on identifying the criminal mind, it is still evident that there is no foolproof way to know in advance whether a person is prone to criminal activity. Some personality traits have been shown to be more prevalent in the makeup of serial or mass murderers, ...

A 6 page paper. What are the effects of maternal depression on child development? This is the question explored in this essay. Maternal depression has broad and long-lasting effects on the infant and child. Different factors are discussed including the development of attachment patterns, behavior and social problems, and cognitive delays. The effects of unipolar ...

This 6 page paper provides an overview of the three primary eating disorders, anorexia, bulimia and compulsive eating disorder. This paper provides an overview of each of these disorders and then considers both the cause and effect. This paper outlines the role that society plays in defining gender expectations and the best approach ...

This 6 page report discusses three high profile serial murderers -- Angel Maturino Resendez, John Wayne Gacy, Andrew Cunanan -- based on articles about them in Time and Newsweek. For the most part, people are fascinated by the stories of serial killers because it is so difficult to believe that such murderers could live undetected in a community for ...

(5pp). Today we toss psychiatric disorders at each other like we are throwing confetti on New Year's Eve. The phrase will be, I flew into 'manic,' or don't be 'obsessive,' or how'compulsive.' We think we know what all the terms mean. However for some it is not so easy to be ...

A 6 page paper. Dual diagnosis presents a challenge to the therapist or counselor. There are few treatment approaches that address both conditions simultaneously despite the fact that substance abuse is prevalent among the mentally ill. This essay discusses the incidence of dual diagnosis and treatment programs. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 18 page report discusses Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in children and adolescents. An overview of the DSM-IV diagnosis is presented, literature related to the disorder discussed, and two case studies outlined and compared in terms of the Global Assessment of Rational Functioning or “GAF scale.” Bibliography lists 13 sources.

A 7 page paper discussing three themes: the origins of behavior; historical changes in diagnosis and treatment; and the current state of phobia research. One researcher stresses that the absence of symptoms does not mean that the treated disorder is no longer present, but the absence of symptoms does allow phobia sufferers to lead functional lives. ...

A 5 page paper which discusses the cultural influences which are felt by those who develop eating disorders. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

An 8 page paper. There are far fewer studies of PTSD in children and adolescents than there are for adults. The literature that is available suggests that post traumatic stress disorder may be more prevalent than previously believed. This essay provides a general overview of this disorder, incidence, traumatic events that may lead to ...

This 5 page report discusses Freud’s “Five Lectures on Psycho-Analysis” presented at Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, in September of 1909 and the 1910 publication of those lectures. In the lectures, Freud discussed his various discoveries regarding psychoanalysis. This report pays special attention to the fifth lecture and discusses whether or not his statement -- “A certain portion of the repressed libidinal ...

5 pages in length. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is primarily caused by a defect in early development and attachment. This disorder causes the individual to search for some type of protective, nurturing relationship that they feel ultimately makes up for what they did not receive during their formative years; however, this search most ...

A five page paper which looks at the problems faced by police officers in dealing with mentally ill suspects, and the ways in which training programmes designed to redress the problem might be managed and assessed. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

ADHD is neither a rare or new disorder. This 5 page paper provides an overview of the disorder, its symptoms, prevalence and treatment. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 5 page paper which discusses how culturally sanctioned beliefs can effect psychological disorders. The paper discusses how some subtle cultural beliefs, such as concerns with beauty and body image, influence unstable and vulnerable individuals. In addition, other cultures and their apparent disorders, in context of the culture they live within, can often be seen as psychological disorders. Bibliography lists ...

A 4 page definition of the psychiatric condition known as panic disorder. Distinguishes this condition from typical bouts with anxiety by the fact that other anxiety disorders are characterized by an ongoing feeling of impending zoom verses the sudden manifestation of attacks of intense terror which characterize panic disorder. Enumerates the symptoms of ...

An 8 page paper which discusses the psychological effects of post abortion syndrome. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 5 page discussion of the origin and premises of the religious movement referred to a the New Age. Dispels myths about this movement being associated with bell bottoms and sandals. No additional sources listed.

6 pages in length. The writer discusses the following issues as they relate to developmental disabilities: federal definition; standardized testing; classification; historical trends and treatments; normalization and social role valorization; social services; supplemental benefits; and guardianship. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

This 6 page report briefly discusses the concepts related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. The disorder has been closely tied to wartime experiences by psychological experts and social scientists now understand that it can be related to virtually any traumatic event in a person’s life. For example, childhood assault (rape, aggravated assault, or both) can result in the disorder ...

7 pages in length. Pasadena, Texas resident Dean Corll was the last person anyone would expect to be a serial killer, especially when it came to children. The Texan, who was born on Christmas Eve 1939, was considered a most likable guy with a particular penchant toward making candy and planning parties for ...

This 5 page report discusses the 1971movie “Play Misty for Me” directed by and starring Clint Eastwood and how it portrays obsession. In the movie, Eastwood plays a late-night, radio disk jockey who has a casual sexual relationship with one of his female fans, Evelyn Draper, played by Jessica Walter. The character of Evelyn Draper would now be described as a ...

A 6 page paper that provides a general overview of overview of obsessive-compulsive disorder. The writer distinguishes between normal "obsessions" and those that are within the diagnosis of OCD. Examples are given. Causes, incidence and treatments are discussed. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

A 5 page paper. The theories that are discussed include: the three aspects of the psyche and how they conflict with each other; the unconscious and its role in repression; the meaning of different neuroses, according to how Freud defined neurosis; the meaning of psychosis; a definition of psychoanalysis; and more. Bibliography lists 7 sources. ...