Unit 7: Psychological Disorders & Treatments

Abnormal behavior

patterns of thoughts, feelings, or actions that deviate from the norm

Biopsychosocial approach

a model that explains psychological disorders using biological, psychological, and social factors

DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)

official manual used by clinicians to diagnose mental disorders; lists symptoms and criteria

Generalized anxiety disorder

marked by persistent, excessive worry about many aspects of life

Panic disorder

characterized by repeated panic attacks

Phobias

irrational fear of specific objects or situations

Agoraphobia

fear of being in public places or situations

Social anxiety disorder

extreme fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

marked by obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors)

Body dysmorphic disorder

preoccupation with perceived flaws in physical appearance

Hoarding disorder

persistent difficulty discarding possessions

Major depressive disorder

persistent sadness or loss of interest in activities

Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)

chronic, low-level depression lasting a long time

Bipolar I disorder

characterized by at least one full manic episode, often followed by depressive episodes

Bipolar II disorder

characterized by less severe manic episodes (hypomania) and major depressive episodes

Postpartum depression and psychosis

major depression occurring after childbirth, sometimes with psychotic features

Dissociative disorders

rare disorders where conscious awareness becomes separated from memories, thoughts, or feelings

Dissociative amnesia

memory loss of personal information or traumatic events

Dissociative identity disorder (DID)

condition where a person exhibits two or more distinct personalities

Antisocial personality disorder

lack of conscience for wrongdoing; may be aggressive or manipulative

Borderline personality disorder

intense unstable emotions, relationships, and distorted self-image

Anorexia nervosa

eating disorder involving extreme fear of gaining weight and severe restriction of food

Bulimia nervosa

eating disorder involving binge eating followed by purging (vomiting, etc.)

Binge-eating disorder

recurrent overeating followed by guilt and distress without purging

Substance use disorders

disorders involving addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal from substances

Somatic symptom disorder

psychological disorder where symptoms take a bodily form without a medical cause

Illness anxiety disorder

disorder where normal sensations are interpreted as serious illness

Conversion disorder

disorder involving neurological symptoms without a medical cause

Munchausen syndrome (by proxy)

disorder where someone exaggerates or induces illness for attention or benefit

Psychodynamic therapy

focuses on how unconscious thoughts and childhood experiences influence behavior

Humanistic therapy

focuses on personal growth and self-actualization

Client-centered therapy

type of humanistic therapy focusing on the client's potential for growth

Active listening

listening carefully to build trust and empathy

Unconditional positive regard

accepting a person without judgment

Behavior therapy

uses learning principles to change behaviors

Exposure therapy

gradually exposes people to feared objects or situations

Systematic desensitization

step-by-step exposure to reduce fear

Aversive conditioning

pairs unwanted behavior with unpleasant stimulus

Token economy

rewards desired behavior with tokens

Cognitive therapy

helps identify and change negative thinking patterns

Beck’s cognitive therapy

focuses on correcting distorted thinking

Group and family therapy

treats problems by improving communication and relationships

Psychopharmacology

study of how drugs affect the mind and behavior

Antipsychotic drugs

treat schizophrenia and severe thought disorders

Antianxiety drugs

reduce anxiety and agitation

Antidepressants

treat depression, OCD, PTSD, and anxiety disorders

Mood stabilizers

treat bipolar disorder and mood swings

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

uses electric current to treat severe depression

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain cells

Psychosurgery

surgical treatment for severe mental disorders