Abnormal psychology is defined as the interpretive and scientific study of abnormal thoughts and behaviors for the purpose of interpreting, describing, predicting, explaining, and modifying abnormal patterns of functioning. It is the branch of psychology that deals with research on the classification, causation, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of psychological disorders or psychopathology” (Lazarus, 1995, p108). Abnormal psychology provides us with sources, including medications, proper treatments, classification of mental disorders, and ways to prevent some 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 Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayStudying the causes of a disorder can help us prevent mental illness and other related illnesses (McEwen, 2004). For example, posttraumatic disorder is caused by a prolonged experience of stress (Butcher, Mineka & Hooley, 2007). Everyone has stress in their life. Stress is a natural mechanism for dealing with a dangerous situation for the body, but we must respond before it damages our brain and body and causes us mental illness among many other illnesses. Stress starts out to our advantage, increasing our heart rate to deliver more blood, energy and fuel to our muscles. It also dilates our lungs to take in more oxygen for the brain to become more alert, referred to as a fight-or-flight response. But stress can soon become an enemy for the body. By changing our lifestyle we can prevent damage to the brain and the entire body. Research conducted in Abnormal Psychology has shown us that prolonged stress increases abdominal fat, which is the most harmful fat in the body. Exercising regularly reduces abdominal fat. Sleeping a lot also helps against stress. An important aspect of abnormal psychology is also the classification of disorders. This provides us with nomenclature and allows us to structure information in a more useful way. It helps us see a person's symptoms and understand which disorder they fall into. However, it has some disadvantages, such as the problem of labeling someone with a disorder, so that even when the person recovers completely, the diagnostic label can be difficult to remove (Butcher, Mineka & Hooley, 2007). An example of classification of disorders could be: Abnormal psychology helps in the treatment of the mentally ill. Proper medication management is of great importance. The popularity of psychotropic drugs in recovery dates back to the 1950s, when their effects were first observed. Medication was initially thought to be a complete cure for mental illnesses, but it soon became clear that medications were not enough for a complete recovery. Proper management of it can make a huge difference in the patient's life (Weaver, 1992). An example of why treatment is important in this field of psychology is that the research that has been conducted on many life-threatening disorders is aimed at finding good medications for them. Please note: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Overall, people who have a deep fascination with abnormal psychology typically decide to follow a career path to become a mental health counselor, clinical psychologist, or psychiatrist. In any of these mental health professional positions with an advanced degree and studies in abnormal psychology, you can be involved in better understanding the underlying causes of behavior, determining how behavior should.