What does abnormal psychology primarily focus on?

Abnormal psychology primarily focuses on the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders. This branch of psychology seeks to understand the complexities of various psychological conditions, including their symptoms, causes, and effects on individuals' lives. It covers a wide range of mental health issues, enabling professionals to identify disorders, develop appropriate interventions, and improve treatment outcomes for those affected.

This field is distinct from others, as it specifically targets the maladaptive behaviors and mental health challenges that deviate from typical psychological functioning. By utilizing established diagnostic criteria, such as those found in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), abnormal psychology provides a structured approach to understanding and categorizing different mental health issues.

Other areas mentioned, like diagnosis and treatment of physical illnesses, developmental psychology, and social behavior in groups, do not encompass the core focus of abnormal psychology. These areas address different aspects of human behavior and health, but they do not center on mental disorders in the way that abnormal psychology does.