Psychological Disorders

Learning Resources

Please read and view (where applicable) the following Learning Resources before you complete this week's assignments.

Readings
Comer, R. J. (2015). Abnormal psychology (9th ed.). New York, NY: Worth.
Chapter 14, "Schizophrenia"
Chapter 16, "Personality Disorders"
Optional Resources
MedlinePlus. (2013). Schizophrenia. Retrieved fromhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/schizophrenia.html

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative information from NLM, NIH, and other government agencies and health-related organizations.
Schizophrenia.com. (2009). Retrieved fromhttp://www.schizophrenia.com/

This site is described as as a community-oriented website providing in-depth information, support, and education related to schizophrenia and related disorders.

Schizophrenia.com. (2009). Street drugs and schizophrenia. Retrieved fromhttp://www.schizophrenia.com/prevention/streetdrugs.html

This is a summary of recent research into use of street drugs (including LSD, methamphetamine, and marijuana/hash/cannabis) and alcohol as a possible risk factor in the development of psychosis and schizophrenia.
With these Learning Resources in mind, please proceed to the Discussion.
Discussion - Week 5COLLAPSE
Who's Delusional?

As defined in Abnormal Psychology, delusions are "ideas that [individuals] believe wholeheartedly but have no basis in fact" (Comer, 2015, p. 469). Delusions, along with disorganized thinking and speech, hallucinations, and inappropriate affect, are considered to be positive symptoms of schizophrenia-"'pathological excesses,' or bizarre additions to a person's behavior" (p. 469). In this week's Discussion, you will examine delusions more closely and weigh in on the debate about who is and who is not delusional.

To prepare for this Discussion:

- Review the section entitled "The Clinical Picture of Schizophrenia," in Chapter 14 of Abnormal Psychology

- Think about some examples of delusions that you may have encountered or witnessed in your recent experiences or that have been depicted in literature, plays, and film.

- Think about members of groups who, by contemporary diagnostic standards are considered to be delusional, such as the following: cults, quasi-religious groups, antigovernment militia members, believers in aliens and UFOs, and practitioners of fringe health techniques.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 your analysis of the symptoms of a member of the aforementioned groups above versus those of schizophrenic patients who suffer from delusions. Include in your analysis your thoughts about what makes the groups different and whether or not you consider the first group delusional and in need of treatment. Justify your responses.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.