Foundations of Abnormal Psychology and Psychological Disorders

Understanding the complexities of human behavior and mental health is one of the most fascinating areas of modern science. This course provides a clear, structured introduction to the foundational concepts of abnormal psychology, helping you make sense of how psychological disorders are defined, classified, and understood. By the end of this course, you will transition from having a general curiosity about mental health to possessing a solid academic understanding of psychological criteria, diagnostic frameworks, and modern therapeutic approaches. What you'll learn: - Define abnormal behavior using established clinical criteria and historical perspectives - Explore the biological, psychological, and socio-cultural models of mental health - Identify the key characteristics of major psychological disorders, including anxiety, mood, somatic, and dissociative disorders - Understand the modern diagnostic frameworks and the role of updated classification systems - Analyze the primary risk factors and modern perspectives on mental health destigmatization - Learn about the foundational approaches to psychological intervention and support The course begins with essential terminology and historical views of abnormal behavior before guiding you through theoretical models and specific categories of disorders. You will read structured explanations and analyze foundational concepts to build a comprehensive baseline in introductory psychology. This text-based course is designed for beginners, students preparing for introductory psychology exams, and anyone curious about mental health science, with no prior psychology background required. Start reading today to deepen your understanding of human behavior and the science of mental health.