Abnormal Psychology Exam 1 Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards generated from Abnormal Psychology Exam 1 review notes.

DSM-5

Manual used to classify and diagnose mental disorders using criteria.

Epidemiology

Study of disorders' frequency, distribution, and patterns in populations.

Incidence

The number of new cases of a disorder in a population.

Prevalence

The total number of existing cases of a disorder in a population.

Comorbidity

Two or more disorders occurring in the same person.

Etiology

The causes or origins of a disorder.

Correlation

A research approach that examines the relationship between variables without manipulating them.

Experiment

A research design that tests cause and effect relationships through variable manipulation.

Biopsychosocial Factors

Biological, psychological, and social factors combined.

Heritability

Genetic contribution to variation in a trait within a population.

Concordance

When both people/twins show the same trait or disorder.

Synapse

The gap between neurons where neurotransmitters communicate.

Reuptake

Process where a neurotransmitter is taken back into the original neuron.

Id

Freudian personality structure that seeks immediate pleasure and gratification.

Ego

Freudian personality structure that balances impulses with reality.

Superego

Freudian personality structure that represents morals, rules, and ideals.

Regression

Defense mechanism involving returning to behavior from an earlier developmental stage.

Denial

Defense mechanism involving refusing to accept an unpleasant reality.

Projection

Defense mechanism involving attributing your own feelings or thoughts to someone else.

Reaction Formation

Defense mechanism involving acting opposite to your true unacceptable feelings.

Sublimation

Defense mechanism involving turning an unacceptable impulse into acceptable behavior.

Behavioral Model

Model stating abnormal behavior is learned through conditioning and modeling.

Pavlov

Researcher associated with classical conditioning.

Skinner

Researcher associated with operant conditioning.

Bandura

Researcher associated with modeling.

Cognitive Model

Model focusing on how thoughts and beliefs affect feelings and behavior.

Automatic Thoughts

Quick thoughts that occur with little conscious effort.

Humanistic Model

Model emphasizing growth, free will, self-awareness, and personal potential.

Sociocultural Model

Model emphasizing culture, poverty, discrimination, relationships, and social influences.

Reliability

Consistency in measurement.

Validity

Accuracy in measurement.

Structured Interview

Assessment interview that uses predetermined questions in a consistent format.

Semi-structured Interview

Assessment interview using prepared questions with flexibility for follow-up.

Unstructured Interview

Assessment interview based on open-ended and flexible conversation.

Rorschach

Projective assessment using inkblots.

TAT (Thematic Apperception Test)

Projective assessment using pictures to create stories.

MMPI

A standardized objective personality questionnaire.

Double-blind Study

Study design where participants and interacting researchers don't know the treatment condition.

Systematic Desensitization

Behavioral technique featuring gradual exposure while staying relaxed.

Flooding

Behavioral technique featuring immediate, intense exposure to the feared situation.

Token Economy

Behavioral intervention where rewards/tokens are given for desirable behaviors.

Cognitive Therapy

Therapy that identifies and changes unhealthy or distorted thoughts.

Beck's Negative Cognitive Triad

Negative views of self, world, and future.

Unconditional Positive Regard

Accepting and valuing a person without judgment.

Antipsychotics

Medications that primarily target psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations.

Tardive Dyskinesia

Delayed movement disorder associated with long-term antipsychotic use.

SSRIs

Medications that affect serotonin by inhibiting serotonin reuptake.

SNRIs

Medications that affect serotonin and norepinephrine.

Benzodiazepines

Medications used for reducing anxiety; can cause dependence and withdrawal.

Anorexia Nervosa

Eating disorder characterized by restriction/low weight, fear of weight gain, and distorted body image.

Bulimia Nervosa

Eating disorder defined by binge eating plus regular compensatory behavior occurring at least $1\text{ time/week}$ for $3\text{ months}$.

Binge-eating Disorder

Recurrent binge eating without regular compensatory behavior.

Set Point Theory

Theory stating the body regulates weight around a biologically influenced range.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Disorder diagnosed when at least $2$ of $11$ symptoms occur within $12\text{ months}$.

Tolerance

Needing more of a substance to achieve the same effect.

Withdrawal

Physical or psychological symptoms experienced after stopping a substance.

Mesocorticolimbic Pathway

Brain reward pathway involved in addiction.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter important in reward and addiction pathways.

Opioids

Drugs such as morphine, heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl.

Methadone and Buprenorphine

Medications used for the treatment of opioid dependence.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that alter perception, thoughts, emotions, or reality.

Mania

Severe elevated/irritable mood and increased energy lasting $\ge 1\text{ week}$.

Hypomania

Less severe mania-like episode lasting $\ge 4\text{ days}$ causing less impairment and no psychosis.

Major Depressive Episode

Depressed mood lasting at least $2\text{ weeks}$ with $5+$ symptoms.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

Depressed mood lasting at least $2\text{ years}$.

Cyclothymic Disorder

At least $2\text{ years}$ of recurring hypomanic and depressive symptoms.

Bipolar I Disorder

Mood disorder characterized by at least one manic episode.

Bipolar II Disorder

Mood disorder characterized by hypomania plus a major depressive episode, with no full mania.

Learned Helplessness

State where repeated lack of control leads to believing you cannot change things.

Behavioral Activation

Treatment technique involving increasing activity and engagement with life and relationships.

Crisis Intervention

Suicide prevention steps: take seriously, listen, ask directly, stay connected, reduce lethal means, follow up.