Online Class: Introduction to Abnormal Psychology

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
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16Lessons
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29Exams &
Assignments -
3,780Students
have taken this course -
6Hours
average time -
0.6CEUs
Course Description
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that will not only deepen your understanding of the human mind but also equip you with the tools to make a real difference in people's lives? Our Abnormal Psychology course is designed to take you on an intellectual and emotional exploration of the mind's most complex, misunderstood, and sometimes hidden aspects. It's a powerful learning experience that goes beyond traditional education, connecting you with cutting-edge knowledge, impactful case studies, and the tools to bring about meaningful change, whether in your personal life or in your career.
Why This Course Stands Out
Imagine having the ability to understand, diagnose, and empathize with people facing the most challenging psychological disorders. Whether you're a future psychologist, a social worker, a counselor, or simply someone passionate about understanding human behavior, this course is your gateway. It opens the door to a deeper world of mental health, one that delves into the latest scientific discoveries, the rich history of mental health treatment, and the future of compassionate, effective therapy.
We recognize that psychology is not just an academic subject--it's a deeply personal field, full of human stories. Every lesson is designed to keep you engaged, and the content is meticulously curated so that, by the time you finish, you'll feel like you've gained an entirely new perspective on life itself. You'll see the world with clearer eyes, and more importantly, you'll be prepared to help others see it too.
The Curriculum: A Deep Dive into the Human Psyche
Our course offers 15 compelling lessons that are anything but your average textbook material. Each lesson is crafted with care, combining theory, real-life applications, and the latest research to provide you with a well-rounded understanding of abnormal psychology. You won't just read about these conditions; you'll walk through the experiences of people living with them. This course will not only educate you but inspire you to engage with the content on a deeper level.
From exploring the nuanced differences between anxiety and personality disorders to understanding the profound impact of schizophrenia on a person's worldview, you'll encounter topics that challenge your preconceived notions and broaden your empathy. Mental illness isn't black and white, and this course reflects that. It's not about labeling individuals--it's about truly understanding the diverse experiences of the human mind.
What You Will Learn
We start by laying the foundation with Introduction to Abnormal Psychology, where you'll explore what abnormal really means in the context of psychology, dispelling myths and misconceptions. You'll then journey through history with The Evolution of Mental Illness Treatment, gaining insight into how far we've come--from brutal treatments in the past to today's compassionate, evidence-based therapies.
By the time you dive into Anxiety Disorders, Eating Disorders, and Personality Disorders, you'll not only understand their symptoms and causes but also the human experience behind the diagnoses. For example, when you learn about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you won't just memorize definitions--you'll understand what it feels like for someone who has to wash their hands dozens of times a day, not out of cleanliness, but because their mind won't let them stop.
Hope and Healing
A crucial aspect of this course is our focus on Treatment Options and the future of mental health care. You'll explore the latest innovations, from traditional psychotherapy to cutting-edge genetic research that's opening new doors for treatment. More than just clinical approaches, we delve into holistic methods--yoga, diet, meditation--that are becoming an integral part of how we view mental wellness today.
As mental health awareness increases globally, this course doesn't just prepare you to understand disorders--it arms you with the knowledge to inspire hope, healing, and empathy. Whether it's in a therapy room or in a casual conversation with a friend, the impact of this course will resonate in the way you see mental illness: not as something foreign or 'other,' but as a natural part of the human experience.
A Personal and Professional Transformation
This is more than just a course--it's an invitation to become a part of something greater. The content is academically rigorous, but also deeply personal and accessible. It's crafted for students, professionals, and lifelong learners who are passionate about making a real difference in the world. When you take this course, you're not just signing up for lessons--you're embarking on a life-changing journey. You will learn not just for your own personal growth, but to be equipped to help others as well.
Our Abnormal Psychology course doesn't merely give you knowledge; it prepares you for action. It's a calling to become more empathetic, more informed, and more empowered. Whether you aim to become a mental health professional or simply enrich your understanding of the mind, this course provides you with the wisdom, skills, and perspective necessary to positively impact the world around you.
Your Future Awaits
By the end of this course, you'll have more than just facts and figures--you'll have a deep, nuanced understanding of the challenges people face with mental illness and the tools to make a difference. This course offers something unique: not just education, but transformation. You will walk away from this experience with an expanded mind and an open heart, ready to contribute meaningfully to the field of mental health, or simply to be a more compassionate human being.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson 1. The Intricacies of Abnormal Psychology: Delving Into Mental and Emotional Disorders
Abnormal psychology examines the full spectrum of psychological disorders, offering insights into conditions affecting thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It strives to distinguish between normal and disordered experiences while providing pathways for understanding and treatment.Lesson 2. Journeys in Mental Health: From Ancient Beliefs to Modern Science
The history of abnormal psychology reflects a shift from superstition to scientific understanding, with ancient beliefs attributing mental illness to supernatural forces giving way to medical insights. This evolution highlights humanity's progress in compassionately addressing mental health, though future advancements remain crucial.Lesson 3. The Complexity of Mental Illness and Its Impact on Daily Life
Days Inventory Outstanding, Days Payable Outstanding, and Days Sales Outstanding are key metrics in determining a company's operational efficiency and cash flow management. These metrics indicate how well a company manages its inventory, pays its invoices, and collects payments from customers, affecting its short-term liquidity.Lesson 4. Conquering Anxiety Disorders
OCD, phobias, and PTSD illustrate the diverse yet interconnected nature of anxiety disorders, all underpinned by irrational, excessive worry. Effective management involves untangling symptom webs and empowering individuals through therapy and medication.Lesson 5. Exploring the Depths of Eating Disorders and Their Impact
Anorexia nervosa involves extreme weight control due to a distorted self-image, often leading individuals to unhealthy behaviors despite significant weight loss, as illustrated by Adam's obsession with avoiding weight gain. While rooted in a desire for control, the disorder deteriorates physical and mental health, reinforcing fears and leading to dangerous behaviors.Lesson 6. Mood Disorders: Understanding the Emotional Spectrum
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects individuals during periods of reduced daylight, mimicking symptoms of depression. Light therapy is an effective treatment, helping to regulate mood by mimicking natural sunlight.Lesson 7. Exploring the Intricacies of Personality Disorders: Understanding Behavior and Healing
Marked by a preference for solitude and emotional detachment, schizoid personality disorder leads individuals to genuinely choose isolation, differing from social anxiety. Therapy can build communication skills, helping explore whether their detachment arises from defense rather than a genuine preference for being alone.Lesson 8. The Multifaceted Nature of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder marked by disruptions in thought and perception, distinct from media portrayals of 'split personalities.' Understanding its intricacies involves examining genetic, environmental, and neurological influences, as scientists continue to develop effective treatments to improve patients' lives.Lesson 9. Unseen Violations: The Hidden World of Frotteurism
Pedophilia, involving intense attraction to prepubescent children, poses serious harm to victims, affecting their emotional well-being and life. Treatment requires strict monitoring, cognitive restructuring, and sometimes medication to manage urges effectively.Lesson 10. Delusional Disorders: An Insight into Isolation and Misjudgment
Persecutory delusional disorder involves a persistent belief of being targeted for harm, leading to constant paranoia and social isolation. Treatment through cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to challenge and alter the irrational thoughts fueling the paranoia, helping individuals distinguish between real and imagined threats.Lesson 11. A Deeper Look into Substance Abuse Disorder Realities
Prescription drug addiction can begin with a legitimate medical prescription but escalate into misuse with detrimental effects. A combination of detox and therapy, sometimes with medication-assisted treatment, is crucial to manage withdrawal and reduce cravings.Lesson 12. Disconnection from Within: Exploring Dissociative Disorders
Dissociative amnesia fascinates due to its selective blocking of distressing memories, acting as a psychological defense rather than resulting from physical trauma. This condition leaves individuals with significant memory gaps, complicating their ability to piece together personal history and identity.Lesson 13. Breaking Stigma, Embracing Healing
Historically linked with creativity, mental illness has fueled artistic and scientific innovation while presenting personal challenges, as seen in figures like Van Gogh and Billie Eilish. Artistic expression offers therapeutic release and fosters empathy, bridging the gap between suffering and creativity.Lesson 14. Mental Health Solutions
Choosing between psychologists, who focus on therapy, and psychiatrists, who prescribe medication, can define the path to improved mental health. Ideally, an integrated approach involving both professionals allows for comprehensive care.Lesson 15. The Promise of Holistic Treatment in Mental Health
Personalized treatment based on genetic profiling and neurofeedback techniques is revolutionizing mental health care, enabling more precise and effective management of conditions. Technology is playing a crucial role, with innovations like virtual reality therapies and support apps providing new pathways for healing.Lesson 16. Support Systems: The Invisible Pillars of Recovery
Research highlights the biological underpinnings of mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, shifting treatment approaches from purely behavioral to include pharmacological interventions. With advancements in brain imaging, scientists can better understand brain activity and its impact on mental disorders.
Learning Outcomes
- Define and explain the key characteristics of mental disorders and how they deviate from typical patterns of behavior and thought, using examples such as depression and anxiety.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of different treatment approaches, including psychotherapy and medication, in addressing various mental disorders like bipolar disorder, by examining case studies and patient outcomes.
- Analyze the impact of societal attitudes on the treatment of mental disorders from the Middle Ages through the 21st century.
- Identify the key historical figures and events that contributed to the evolution of abnormal psychology from ancient to modern times.
- Define the characteristics and symptoms of at least three different types of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, using examples provided in the lesson material.
- Identify and describe the distinctive features and potential risks associated with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, incorporating the underlying emotional and psychological issues as discussed in the lesson material.
- Describe the key characteristics of various anxiety disorders, including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Phobias, PTSD, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
- Identify effective treatment strategies for anxiety disorders, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication, and explain how these strategies help manage symptoms.
- Recognize symptoms and behavioral shifts indicative of anorexia nervosa or bulimia, such as distorted body image and compensatory behaviors.
- Define the psychological and emotional roots of eating disorders, including factors like powerlessness and low self-esteem.
- Define mood disorders and describe their impact on daily functioning by identifying key characteristics such as emotional intensity, duration, and disruption in relationships.
- Differentiate between clinical depression and normal sadness by recognizing symptoms such as persistent hopelessness and lack of interest, using specific examples to illustrate these distinctions.
- Define the key characteristics of paranoid personality disorder by identifying its patterns of thought and interaction within a social context.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

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Time to complete | 6 months |
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Time to complete | 6 months |
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Time to complete | 12 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
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Time to complete | 24 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Student Testimonials
- "The course was very insightful on the breakdowns of mental illness and the progression it has came in the years!" -- Tasheana H.
- "I really appreciated how quickly he got back to me. This was something I had wanted to do but was a little scared trying but the positivity coming back on assignments was definitely helpful to want to keep going." -- Dani J.
- "This was a wonderful course and very helpful. Very well written and a good explanation about everything." -- Katelyn P.
- "I got a lot of valuable information from this course that will help me in life and in my classroom." -- Amy V.
- "I found the explanations so clearly presented and easy to understand; very simply stated." -- Laura G.
- "This was a great refresher course." -- Laverne A.
- "Thank you for this insightful course." -- Suzanne D.
- "I found the explanation and breakdown of the disorders to be very helpful. Although I had previously taken a Psychology class, I enjoyed learning further information about the abnormalities of the mind, how they work and ways to treat them. The most helpful part, however, was learning of these disorders, information about them and treatment. I have encountered people in my life with bipolar disorder, as well as clinical depression. I have never quite understood the disorders or what their treatment options. Now I can finally understand and carry a conversation with them regarding their condition." -- Marianna P.
- "A great instructor and would definitely like to do another course with him in the near future." -- Sarah P.
- "I enjoyed the whole course very much. I have no faults." -- Sarah P.
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