Abnormal Behavior Program Notes
1. Looking at Abnormal Behavior
The program visits the Jackson Memorial Hospital Crisis Center in Miami, where suicidal, depressed, and
schizophrenic patients meet with psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers to assess the nature and
seriousness of their problems. It also introduces the various theories used to explain and treat abnormal behavior.
2. The Nature of Stress
We see that stress affects many people — from the overworked and out-of-work, to survivors of suicide and
homicide, to Vietnam War veterans who continually re-experience the stress of the battlefield. The program explores
the long-term effects of stress and what is known about how to reduce them.
3. The Anxiety Disorders
Even in the best of times, we all experience some anxiety. But millions of Americans suffer from major anxiety
disorders. This program examines two of the most common, panic with agoraphobia and generalized anxiety
disorder, and shows how psychologists are making headway in treating them.
4. Psychological Factors and Physical Illness
This program examines the relationship between emotions and health to explore how psychological treatment can
improve well-being. It focuses on a teenager with migraine headaches, a dentist trying to decrease his risk for
developing heart disease, and a woman with breast cancer, along with those who are treating them.
5. Personality Disorders
One in ten Americans has a personality disorder. Some are mildly annoying; others are exceedingly dangerous.
Viewers will meet individuals with narcissistic, anti-social, borderline, and obsessive-compulsive personality
disorders, including a murderer and a group of women who mutilate themselves, and will learn about the challenges
involved in both diagnosis and treatment.
6. Substance Abuse Disorders
Millions of Americans abuse alcohol, cigarettes, and cocaine. Health professionals know a great deal about these
dangerous and costly disorders, including how to treat them. This program examines how the concept of treatment
matching is used to help individuals overcome a variety of addictions.
7. Sexual Disorders
A man exhibits himself in public. A woman feels guilty about not desiring sex. An otherwise happy couple finds
themselves at odds over sex. These people share their private problems and demonstrate how the assessment and
treatment of sexual disorders has advanced in the past 25 years.
8. Mood Disorders
Depression is one of the most common psychological problems. In this program, psychologists and biologists look at
the causes and treatment of both depression and bipolar disorder and show the progress that has been made in
helping people return to productive and satisfying lives.
9. The Schizophrenias
In emotionally moving interviews, this program visits people who suffer from the hallucinations, paranoia, and
psychological disarray of these disabling illnesses. In addition to examining symptoms and treatments, the program
helps debunk some of the myths associated with the disorder and shows its human side and the strength of those
who fight to overcome it.
