CBSE Class 12 Psychology (2026–27)
Chapter 4: Psychological Disorders
20 Important Questions and Answers
1. What is meant by psychological disorder?
Answer:
A psychological disorder is a condition characterized by abnormal thoughts, emotions, or behaviors that cause significant distress and impair an individual’s ability to function effectively in daily life. Psychologists use several criteria to identify psychological disorders, including deviation from social norms, distress, dysfunction, and danger to self or others. These disorders may affect a person’s thinking, mood, perception, or behavior. Psychological disorders arise due to a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Early identification and appropriate treatment can help individuals manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Understanding psychological disorders also helps reduce stigma and promotes mental health awareness.
2. Explain the concept of abnormality.
Answer:
Abnormality refers to behavior, thoughts, or emotions that differ significantly from accepted social and cultural norms. Psychologists do not define abnormality based on a single criterion. Instead, they consider factors such as deviation from social expectations, personal distress, maladaptive behavior, and unpredictability. A person may be considered abnormal if their behavior interferes with daily functioning or causes harm to themselves or others. However, cultural context is important because behavior considered abnormal in one society may be acceptable in another. Understanding abnormality helps mental health professionals diagnose and treat psychological disorders effectively while respecting individual and cultural differences.
3. What are the main features of anxiety disorders?
Answer:
Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive fear, worry, nervousness, and apprehension that interfere with normal functioning. Individuals often experience physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and difficulty breathing. Common anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. These conditions may arise from genetic predisposition, stressful life events, or cognitive factors. Anxiety disorders can affect academic performance, social relationships, and occupational functioning. Treatment usually involves psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and sometimes medication. Early intervention helps individuals develop coping strategies and reduce the intensity of symptoms.
4. What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Answer:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a psychological disorder characterized by excessive and persistent worry about everyday events and activities. Individuals with GAD often find it difficult to control their anxiety, even when there is little or no reason for concern. Symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. The anxiety is usually long-lasting and affects social, academic, and occupational functioning. Biological factors, personality traits, and stressful experiences may contribute to GAD. Treatment commonly includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and medication when necessary. Proper treatment can significantly improve the person’s quality of life.
5. What are phobias? Give examples.
Answer:
Phobias are intense, irrational, and persistent fears of specific objects, situations, or activities. The fear experienced is much greater than the actual danger posed by the object or situation. Individuals often avoid the feared stimulus, which may interfere with their daily activities. Common examples include acrophobia (fear of heights), claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces), and social phobia (fear of social situations). Phobias may develop through traumatic experiences, observational learning, or biological predispositions. Symptoms include anxiety, sweating, trembling, and panic when confronted with the feared object. Behavioral therapies and cognitive techniques are effective treatments for phobias.
6. Describe panic disorder.
Answer:
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear accompanied by symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath. Individuals may feel as though they are losing control or having a heart attack. After repeated attacks, people often develop fear of experiencing another attack, leading to avoidance behaviors. The exact causes include genetic, biological, and psychological factors. Treatment usually involves cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. With proper treatment, most individuals can effectively manage their symptoms and lead normal lives.
7. What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Answer:
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychological disorder involving obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are repetitive, unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses that create anxiety. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce this anxiety. For example, a person may repeatedly wash hands due to fear of contamination. These behaviors consume significant time and interfere with daily functioning. OCD may result from biological factors, cognitive processes, and environmental influences. Individuals usually recognize that their thoughts and actions are irrational but find them difficult to control. Treatment includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, particularly exposure and response prevention, and medication.
8. What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Answer:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as war, accidents, natural disasters, or violence. Individuals with PTSD may repeatedly relive the traumatic event through flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories. They often avoid reminders of the trauma and may experience emotional numbness, anxiety, irritability, and sleep disturbances. PTSD can significantly affect personal, social, and occupational functioning. Biological vulnerability, severity of trauma, and lack of social support may increase risk. Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, trauma-focused counseling, and medication. Early intervention and emotional support play an important role in recovery.
9. What are somatic symptom and related disorders?
Answer:
Somatic symptom and related disorders involve physical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by medical conditions. Individuals experience genuine distress and excessive concern about their health. Common symptoms include pain, fatigue, weakness, or neurological complaints. These symptoms are often linked to psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or emotional conflicts. People may frequently seek medical attention despite limited physical findings. The disorder can interfere with social and occupational functioning. Treatment focuses on addressing psychological causes through counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, stress management, and supportive care. Understanding the mind-body connection is essential for effective treatment.
10. What is conversion disorder?
Answer:
Conversion disorder is a type of somatic symptom disorder in which psychological conflicts are expressed through physical symptoms affecting motor or sensory functions. Individuals may experience paralysis, blindness, loss of speech, or seizures without any identifiable medical cause. The symptoms are not intentionally produced and can cause significant distress. Conversion disorder often occurs after stressful or traumatic experiences. Psychologists believe that emotional conflicts are unconsciously converted into physical symptoms. Diagnosis requires careful medical evaluation to rule out physical illness. Treatment includes psychotherapy, stress management, and emotional support. Recovery is possible when underlying psychological issues are addressed.
11. What are dissociative disorders?
Answer:
Dissociative disorders involve disruptions in consciousness, memory, identity, or perception. Individuals may experience a separation from their thoughts, feelings, or sense of self. These disorders often develop as a response to severe stress or trauma. Common types include dissociative amnesia, dissociative fugue, and dissociative identity disorder. Symptoms may include memory loss, confusion about identity, and feelings of detachment from reality. Dissociative disorders can interfere with personal relationships and daily functioning. Treatment generally involves psychotherapy aimed at helping individuals process traumatic experiences, improve coping skills, and integrate fragmented aspects of identity and memory.
12. Explain dissociative amnesia.
Answer:
Dissociative amnesia is a disorder characterized by an inability to recall important personal information, usually following a traumatic or stressful event. The memory loss cannot be explained by ordinary forgetfulness or brain injury. Individuals may forget specific events, periods of time, or personal details. The memory loss is often selective and related to emotionally disturbing experiences. Dissociative amnesia serves as a psychological defense mechanism that protects individuals from overwhelming emotions. The condition may be temporary or long-lasting. Treatment includes psychotherapy, supportive counseling, and techniques that help recover memories and address underlying emotional conflicts.
13. What is dissociative identity disorder?
Answer:
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly called multiple personality disorder, is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states within the same individual. Each identity may have unique behaviors, memories, and ways of interacting with the environment. The disorder is often associated with severe childhood trauma or abuse. Individuals may experience memory gaps and confusion about personal identity. DID can significantly affect relationships, work, and daily functioning. Treatment focuses on psychotherapy, trauma processing, and integration of different identity states. Long-term therapeutic support is usually required for effective management and recovery.
14. What are depressive disorders?
Answer:
Depressive disorders are mood disorders characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. Individuals may experience fatigue, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness. Depression affects emotional, social, and occupational functioning. Biological factors such as genetic predisposition, neurotransmitter imbalance, and psychological stress contribute to its development. Severe depression may include thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Treatment includes psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle modifications, and social support. Early diagnosis and intervention are important because depression is highly treatable, and timely care can significantly improve mental health and overall well-being.
15. What is bipolar mood disorder?
Answer:
Bipolar mood disorder is a psychological disorder characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania. During depressive episodes, individuals experience sadness, low energy, and loss of interest. During manic episodes, they may feel excessively energetic, euphoric, overconfident, and impulsive. These mood changes can affect relationships, decision-making, and daily functioning. The disorder has strong biological and genetic components, though environmental stress may also play a role. Treatment usually involves mood-stabilizing medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle management. With proper treatment and support, individuals with bipolar disorder can successfully manage symptoms and lead productive lives.
16. What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?
Answer:
Schizophrenia is a severe psychological disorder involving disturbances in thought, perception, emotion, and behavior. Symptoms are classified into positive, negative, and psychomotor categories. Positive symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Negative symptoms involve reduced emotional expression, lack of motivation, and social withdrawal. Psychomotor symptoms may include unusual movements or rigid postures. Individuals often have difficulty distinguishing reality from imagination. The disorder typically affects social and occupational functioning. Causes include genetic factors, brain abnormalities, and environmental influences. Treatment involves antipsychotic medication, psychotherapy, family support, and rehabilitation programs.
17. Differentiate between hallucinations and delusions.
Answer:
Hallucinations and delusions are common symptoms of psychotic disorders, especially schizophrenia. Hallucinations are false sensory experiences that occur without any external stimulus. For example, a person may hear voices or see things that are not actually present. Delusions, on the other hand, are false beliefs that remain fixed despite evidence proving them wrong. Examples include believing that one is being followed or possesses special powers. Hallucinations involve perception, whereas delusions involve thinking and belief systems. Both symptoms can significantly impair functioning and reality testing. Appropriate psychiatric treatment and psychological support help reduce these symptoms.
18. What are the major causes of psychological disorders?
Answer:
Psychological disorders arise from the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. Biological causes include genetic inheritance, brain abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, and neurotransmitter dysfunction. Psychological factors involve maladaptive thinking patterns, emotional conflicts, personality traits, and stress. Social factors include family problems, poverty, trauma, discrimination, and lack of social support. The biopsychosocial model explains that no single factor is responsible for most disorders. Instead, multiple influences interact to increase vulnerability. Understanding these causes helps mental health professionals develop effective treatment plans that address all aspects of an individual’s well-being and promote recovery.
19. Explain the biopsychosocial model of psychological disorders.
Answer:
The biopsychosocial model states that psychological disorders result from the combined influence of biological, psychological, and social factors. Biological factors include genetics, brain chemistry, and physical health conditions. Psychological factors involve thoughts, emotions, personality traits, and coping skills. Social factors include family relationships, cultural influences, socioeconomic conditions, and life stressors. This model emphasizes that mental disorders cannot be explained by a single cause. Instead, different factors interact and influence one another. The biopsychosocial approach is widely used in diagnosis and treatment because it provides a comprehensive understanding of mental health and supports holistic care.
20. Why is early diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders important?
Answer:
Early diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders are essential because they prevent symptoms from becoming more severe and improve recovery outcomes. Timely intervention helps individuals develop coping skills, maintain relationships, and continue educational or occupational activities. Early treatment may reduce the risk of complications such as substance abuse, social isolation, and self-harm. It also decreases the burden on families and society. Mental health professionals use assessment, counseling, psychotherapy, and medication to provide effective care. Increased awareness and reduced stigma encourage people to seek help early. As a result, individuals can achieve better mental health and improved quality of life.