continuum - a spectrum [of behavior] ranging from mild to severe, infrequent to constant, controllable to uncontrollable, with no clear dividing line to indicate when normal becomes abnormal
psychological disorder – classified by indicators of personal distress and functional impairment
deviation from statistical norm – occurring very infrequently
deviation from social norm – culturally different
personal distress – subjective state characterized by emotional pain and suffering
functional impairment – dysfunctional state occurring when a person is unable to fulfill school or work obligations, sustain social relationships, or take care of oneself or children
internal dysfunction – origin of psychological problem is within the person, not an expected response to an event