Abnormal psychology is defined as the interpretive and scientific study of abnormal thoughts and behaviors in order to interpret, describe, predict, explain, and modify abnormal patterns of functioning. It is the branch of psychology concerned with research into the classification, causality, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of psychological disorders or psychopathology” (Lazarus, 1995, p108). Abnormal psychology provides us with sources including medications, appropriate treatments, classification of mental disorders, and means of prevention of certain associated diseases, which are some of the many uses of this field. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get an original essay Studying the causes of a disorder can help us prevent mental illness as well as other related illnesses (McEwen, 2004 ). For example, post-traumatic disorder is caused by a prolonged stressful experience (Butcher, Mineka & Hooley, 2007). Everyone is stressed in their life. Stress is a natural coping mechanism of the body when faced with a threatening situation, but we must react before stress damages our brain and body and causes us mental illness in addition to many other illnesses. Stress begins to benefit us, by increasing our heart rate to supply more blood, energy and fuel to our muscles. It also expands our lungs to take in more oxygen so the brain becomes more alert, called a fight-or-flight response. But very quickly, stress can become an enemy of the body. By changing our lifestyle, we can prevent damage to the brain and throughout the body. Research in the journal Abnormal Psychology showed us that prolonged stress increases abdominal fat, which is the most unhealthy fat in the body. Exercising regularly reduces abdominal fat. Getting enough sleep also helps combat stress. An important aspect of abnormal psychology is also the classification of disorders. This provides us with a nomenclature and allows us to structure information in a more useful way. This helps us see a person's symptoms and understand what disorder they have. However, this has some drawbacks, such as the problem of labeling a person with a disorder, so that even when the person makes a full recovery, the diagnostic label can be difficult to shake (Butcher, Mineka & Hooley, 2007). An example of disorder classification could be. Abnormal psychology helps in the treatment of the mentally ill. Proper medication management is of great importance. The popularity of psychotropic medications in the treatment of recovery dates back to the 1950s, when their effects were first observed. At first, medication was thought to be a complete cure for mental illness, but it soon became clear that medication was not enough for a complete recovery. Good care can make a huge difference in the patient's life (Weaver, 1992). An example of why treatment is important in this area of ​​psychology is that the research that has been done on many life-threatening disorders is aimed at finding good medications for them. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.Get a custom essayOverall, people who are deeply fascinated by abnormal psychology usually decide to follow a career path to become a counselor in.