what is an abnormality
Abnormality (or dysfunctional behavior), in the vivid sense of something deviating from the normal or differing from the typical (such as an aberration), is a subjectively defined behavioral characteristic, assigned to those with rare or dysfunctional conditions. The standard criteria in psychology and psychiatry is that of mental illness or mental disorder. 2  Determination of abnormality is based upon medical diagnosis. 3  This is often criticized for removing control from the 'patient', and being easily manipulated by political or social goals.