Author Profile

Dr. Adams L. Preston is Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), in Educational Psychology. Dr. Preston is an Associate Professor and the System-wide Program Director for the online Psy.D. Educational Psychology program. Dr. Preston has worked in community mental health settings, private practice and in public schools in California. Furthermore, Dr. Preston is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Additionally, he is a Diplomate in School Neuropsychology from the American Board of School Neuropsychology. He holds two Clear Pupil Personnel Services Credentials - School Psychology and School Counseling in the State of California. He also has a clear credential in a school administration in the State of California. Dr. Preston received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from UC San Diego in Sociology. He also earned an additional Master's degree in School Psychology from SF State University. He received his doctorate from Alliant International University. Dr. Preston's professional interests include International School Psychology, Mental Health in Educational Settings, Mindfulness Training and School Neuropsychology. He is passionate to create gender sensitive and inclusive environments for all children, teens, and adults (LGBTQIA+).

About The Book

Abnormal psychology is a field of study that focuses on understanding, diagnosing, and treating mental disorders. It is a subfield of psychology that deals with abnormal thoughts, behaviors, and emotions that deviate from typical social norms. Mental disorders are prevalent and can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life. Understanding the nature of abnormal psychology is essential in order to develop effective treatment plans and support individuals who struggle with mental health. One of the core principles of abnormal psychology is the concept of abnormality. This refers to a deviation from typical or average thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. However, what is considered abnormal is subjective and varies across cultures and time periods. For example, depression was once considered a personal weakness, but is now widely recognized as a serious medical condition. Treatment for mental illness typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a form of treatment that involves talking with a mental health professional about thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Medication can help regulate brain chemistry and alleviate symptoms. Lifestyle changes, such as exercise and healthy eating, can also have a positive impact on mental health. It is important to seek help if you are experiencing symptoms of mental illness. Mental health is an integral part of overall health, and seeking treatment can lead to significant improvements in quality of life. It is also important to support and advocate for individuals were living with mental illness and to work towards reducing the stigma surrounding this condition. In conclusion, mental illness is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Addressing mental illness requires a multi-faceted approach that includes reducing stigma, increasing access to care, and providing evidence-based treatment. With continued efforts to understand and support individuals living with mental illness, we can work towards improving their quality of life and overall well-being. Exploration of Abnormal Psychology and Mental Illness is a comprehensive book that delves into the world of mental illness. This book provides a detailed exploration of different types of mental disorders, their causes, and treatments. The book provides an overview of abnormal psychology, including the history of mental illness and the different approaches to understanding and treating it. It delves into specific types of mental disorders, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and psychotic disorders. Each disorder is described in detail, with information on its symptoms, causes, and treatments.

Table of Contents

Preface
1. ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR IN HISTORICAL CONTEXT
2. AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
3. CLINICAL ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS
4. RESEARCH METHODS
5. ANXIETY, TRAUMA, STRESSOR-RELATED, AND OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE & RELATED DISORDERS
6. SOMATIC SYMPTOM AND RELATED DISORDERS AND DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS
7. MOOD DISORDERS AND SUICIDE
Bibliography
Index