Introduction to Psychopathology at Work

Definition of psychopathology and abnormal behavior

Psychopathology is defined as the scientific study of mental disorders, covering their theoretical foundations, progression, symptomatology, diagnosis and treatment.

In the work context, this term is preferred because it is more sensitive and less stigmatizing than "abnormal psychology," although both refer to the study of people with atypical or unusual behavior.

The primary objective in this field is to predict, explain, identify causes and treat maladaptive behaviors that interfere with the individual's functioning in his or her work environment.

Behavior is considered abnormal when it is disruptive, socially unacceptable, maladaptive-that is, self-sabotaging-and often the result of distorted thoughts or cognitions.

In the organizational setting, psychologists focus on the level of distress that these emotions or thoughts generate, intervening when the behavior creates significant problems in the person's life or is disruptive to the rest of the work team.

Criteria of the "4 Ds": dysfunction, distress, deviance, danger

To determine what constitutes abnormal behavior or a mental disorder, clinicians often use the criteria known as the "four Ds".

Dysfunction refers to a clinically significant disturbance in cognition or emotional regulation that reflects a failure in biological or developmental processes, making it difficult to achieve well-being and affecting the worker's current performance compared to expected or past performance.

Distress occurs when the individual experiences a disabling condition that causes physical or psychological pain in social or occupational activities.

Deviance implies that the behavior deviates from the statistical norm or from the social and cultural rules accepted by the group.

Finally, dangerousness is considered when the behavior represents a threat to one's own safety or that of others, although it is important to note that having a mental disorder does not automatically imply that the person is dangerous; this condition is the exception and not the rule.

Medical, behavioral and cognitive perspectives on the disorder

There are several approaches to understanding and treating mental health problems in the workplace.

The medical perspective focuses on biological causes such as genetic inheritance, chemical imbalances or physical illness, often prioritizing pharmaceutical treatments in conjunction with psychotherapy.

The psychodynamic perspective, based on classical theories of authors such as Sigmund Freud, suggests that abnormal behaviors derive from unconscious thoughts and memories that generate unresolved anxiety.

On the other hand, the behavioral perspective focuses exclusively on observable behaviors, arguing that maladaptive behaviors result from faulty learning or conditioning, so treatment seeks to "retrain" the individual with