Question

Why are thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that are merely atypical or unusual not necessarily indicative of a psychological disorder? Think of an example to share here, and explain what would need to be happening in order for this thought/feeling/behavior to officially be a disorder.

Answer 1

The mere fact that something is atypical or odd does not imply that it is disordered. A person may have atypical interior experiences or display unusual behaviors, but she is not labeled disordered if these sensations or behaviors are not distressing, disturbing, or suggest a dysfunction. A classmate, for example, may stay up all night studying before examinations; while unusual, this behavior is unlikely to meet any of the other criteria for psychological condition outlined above.