Introdução aos Transtornos Psicológicos

Abnormal behavior is a mental illness rooted in the brain, affecting how an individual thinks, behaves, and interacts with others.

A behavior can be classified as abnormal when it persists over an extended period of time and is deviant, maladaptive, or personally distressful.

Firstly, deviant behavior is atypical or statistically unusual and often violates cultural norms. For example, someone checking the locks on their door every few minutes throughout the day deviates from typical social behavior.

Similarly, maladaptive behavior, such as a person who feels compelled to avoid stepping on cracks in the pavement and, as a result, takes roundabout paths, can cause delays, resulting in stress.

This behavior can interfere with their ability to reach work or social events on time,  disrupting daily functioning and reducing overall quality of life.

Lastly, personally distressful behavior causes prolonged emotional distress. For instance, a person who excessively restricts their food intake due to extreme body image concerns may experience persistent anxiety and self-criticism.