This is for B.sc N and GNM students those who are studying pychiatric nursing. It is prepared according to INC syllabus.

1. CONCEPTS OF NORMAL
AND ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR
X. ARON CHRISTY M.Sc (N).,
PROFESSOR,
SRM Trichy college of Nursing Trichy.

2. CONCEPTS OF NORMAL AND ABNORMAL
BEHAVIOR
Psychiatry as evident from the above is concerned with
abnormal behavior in its broadest sense, but defining the
concepts of normal and abnormal behavior as such has been
found to be difficult. These concepts are much under the
influence of socio-cultural factors. Several models have
been put forward in order to explain the concept of normal
and abnormal behavior

3. Medical Model
 Medical model considers organic pathology as the definite cause for
mental disorder. According to this model, abnormal people are the
ones who have disturbances in thought, perception and psychomotor
activities. The normal are the ones who are free from these
disturbances.

4. Statistical Model
 It involves the analysis of responses on a test or a questionnaire or
observations of some particular behavioral variables. The degree of deviation
from the standard norms arrived at statistically, characterizes the degree of
abnormality.
 Statistically, normal mental health falls within two standard deviations (SDs)
of the normal distribution curve.

5. Socio-cultural Model
 The beliefs, norms, taboos and values of a society have to be accepted and
adopted by individuals. Breaking any of these would be considered as
abnormal.
 Normalcy is defined in context with social norms prescribed by the culture.
Thus, cultural background has to be taken into account when distinguishing
between normal and abnormal behavior.

6. Behavior Model
 Behavior that is adaptive, is normal, maladaptive is abnormal. Abnormal
behavior is a set of faulty behaviors acquired through learning.

7. STANDARDS OF MENTAL HEALTH NURSING

8.  The purpose of Standards of Psychiatric and Mental
Health Nursing practice is to fulfill the profession's
obligation to provide a means of improving the quality
of care. The standards presented here are a revision of
the standards enunciated by the Division 71on
Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Practice in 1973.

9. Professional Practice Standards
Standard I: Theory
The nurse applies appropriate theory that is scientifically sound as a
basis for decisions regarding nursing practice. Psychiatric and mental
health nursing is characterized by the application of relevant theories to
explain phenomena of concern to nurses and to provide a basis for
intervention.

10. Standard II: Data Collection
 The nurse continuously collects data that are comprehensive, accurate
and systematic. Effective interviewing, behavioral observation, physical
and mental health assessment enable the nurse to reach sound
conclusions and plan appropriate interventions with the patient.

11. Standard III: Diagnosis
 The nurse utilizes nursing diagnoses and/or standard classification of
mental disorders to express conclusions supported by recorded
assessment data and current scientific premises.
 Nurses’ logical basis for providing care rests on the recognition and
identification of those actual or potential health problems that are
within the scope of nursing practice.

12. Standard IV: Planning
 The nurse develops a nursing care plan with specific goals and
interventions delineating nursing actions unique to each patient's needs.
The nursing care plan is used to guide therapeutic intervention and
effectively achieve the desired outcomes.

13. Standard V: Intervention
The nurse intervenes as guided by the nursing care plan to implement nursing actions
that promote, maintain or restore physical and mental health, prevent illness and effect
rehabilitation.
 Psychotherapeutic interventions: The nurse uses psychotherapeutic interventions to
assist patients in regaining or improving their previous coping abilities and to prevent
further disability.
 Health teaching: The nurse assists patients, families and groups to achieve satisfying
and productive patterns of living through health teaching.
 Activities of daily living: The nurse uses the activities of daily living in a goal directed
way to foster adequate self-care and physical and mental well being of patients.

14.  Somatic therapies:: The nurse uses knowledge of somatic therapies and applies
related clinical skills in working with patients.
 Therapeutic environment: The nurse provides, structures and maintains a
therapeutic environment in collaboration with the patient and other health
care providers.
 Psychotherapy: The nurse utilizes advanced clinical expertise in individual,
group and family psychotherapy, child psychotherapy and other treatment
modalities to function as a psychotherapist and recognizes professional
accountability for nursing practice.

15. Standard VI: Evaluation
 The nurse evaluates patient responses to nursing actions in order to revise
the database, nursing diagnoses and nursing care plan.

16. Professional Performance Standards
Standard VII: Peer Review
 The nurse participates in peer review and other means of evaluation to assure quality
of nursing care provided for patients.
Standard VIII: Continuing Education
 The nurse assumes responsibility for continuing education and professional
development and contributes to the professional growth of others.

17. Standard IX: Interdisciplinary Collaboration
 The nurse collaborates with other health care providers in assessing, planning,
implementing and evaluating programs and other mental health activities.
Standard X: Utilization of Community Health Systems
 The nurse participates with other members of the community in assessing,
planning, implementing and evaluating mental health services and community
systems that include the promotion of the broad continuum of primary, secondary
and tertiary prevention of mental illness.

18. Standard XI: Research
 The nurse contributes to nursing and the mental health field through innovations
in theory and practice and participation in research.