Compare and contrast normal and abnormal psychology?

It is very difficult to differentiate between normality
and abnormality. That's one of the major problems psychologists have in diagnosis and
that's also one of the reasons there are so many editions of diagnostic manuals, like
the DSM. What's 'normal' in one culture or situation, may be completely 'abnormal' in
another.

There are 7 basic criteria for defining
abnormality. Disorders don't have to match every single one of them, but should match
two or three.

1. Statistical infrequency (if it's uncommon
- however, depression is quite common)

2. Maladaptiveness
(the disorder doesn't allow you to function in terms of 'play, work and
relationships')

3. Social norms (doesn't fit into social
norms)

4. Irrationality (there's no rational
explanation)

5. Suffering (psychological suffering -
however, if no other category is matched as well, then the condition is not
abnormal)

6. Unpredictability and loss of control (ordinary
pattern of behaviour is broken + cause for action can't be
identified)

7. Observer discomfort (those watching are
uncomfortable)

Abnormal Psychology then deals with
diagnosis and therapy of those who are abnormal, while normal psychology is
understanding the cognition and behaviour of those who are not. Different approaches
(psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, biological, humanistic etc) can be taken for both
types of psychology.