Failure to function adequately (FFA)

Focuses on everyday behaviour - when someone deviates from normal behaviour such as getting ready in the morning and going to work they can be seen as FFA. - severe depression.

FFA is a general sign of a disorder not specifically any condition. Agoraphobic or paranoid delusions seen as FFA. 

Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggested some characteristics of abnormal behaviour that are related to FFA: 

• Unpredictable behaviour: behaviour that is unexpected and cannot be predicted.
• Irrational behaviour: behaviour that does not seem to be focused on reason and logic
• Personal distress: distress and discomfort caused by a person by their own thoughts.
• Observer discomfort: where another's behaviour causes discomfort and distress to the observer. 
• Dysfunctional behaviour: behaviour which interferes with a person's ability to lead a normal life.
• UIPOD.

Limitations to FFA approach:

• Similar to DSN definition, behaviour that looks like FFA may instead represent normal behaviour. 
• FFA may not be linked to psychological disorders. 
• Psychological disorders may not prevent a person from functioning adequately. 
• Cultural dimension to FFA. Standard patterns of behaviour will vary from culture to culture so FFA may look very different depending upon the culture you're in.