Psychopathology

What are the four definitions of abnormality?

Statistical Infrequency, Deviation from Social Norms, Failure to Function Adequately (FFA), and Deviation from Ideal Mental Health.

What is Statistical Infrequency?

Abnormality defined as mathematically rare behavior (e.g., IQ below 70).

What is Deviation from Social Norms?

Behavior against unwritten rules of society; culturally relative.

What is Failure to Function Adequately (FFA)?

When someone can no longer cope with everyday life demands (e.g., cannot maintain job or hygiene).

What is Deviation from Ideal Mental Health (Jahoda, 1958)?

Looking at what is 'right' rather than 'wrong.' Lacking self-actualization, autonomy, or positive self-view indicates abnormality.

What are the behavioral characteristics of phobias?

Panic, avoidance, endurance.

What are the emotional characteristics of phobias?

Excessive fear/anxiety.

What are the cognitive characteristics of phobias?

Selective attention, irrational beliefs.

What are the behavioral characteristics of depression?

Activity levels (low or high), disrupted sleep/eating, aggression.

What are the emotional characteristics of depression?

Lowered mood, anger, low self-esteem.

What are the cognitive characteristics of depression?

Poor concentration, dwelling on negatives.

What are the behavioral characteristics of OCD?

Compulsions (repetitive actions), avoidance.

What are the emotional characteristics of OCD?

Anxiety/distress, guilt, disgust.

What are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?

Obsessions (intrusive thoughts), insight.

What is the Two-Process Model of phobias (Mowrer)?

Acquisition via Classical Conditioning and Maintenance via Operant Conditioning (negative reinforcement through avoidance).

What is Systematic Desensitisation?

A gradual unlearning: create anxiety hierarchy, learn relaxation, then exposure while relaxed (counter-conditioning).

What is Flooding?

Immediate, full-scale exposure. The body exhausts itself and the patient realizes the stimulus is harmless.

What is Beck's Negative Triad?

Depressed people have negative schemas about The Self, The World, and The Future.

What is Ellis's ABC Model?

It's not the event that causes depression, but how we process it: Activating Event → Belief (Irrational) → Consequence.

What is CBT for depression?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: identify and challenge negative thoughts. Includes Patient as Scientist, Challenging Irrational Thoughts, and Behavioural Activation.

What is Behavioural Activation in CBT?

Encouraging depressed patients to engage in enjoyable activities and exercise to increase positive reinforcement.

What are genetic explanations of OCD?

OCD is polygenic. Specific genes include SERT (serotonin) and COMT (dopamine).

What are neural explanations of OCD?

Low serotonin means worry signals aren't dampened. The Orbitofrontal Cortex (OFC) sends worry signals, but the Caudate Nucleus (filter) fails to suppress minor worries.

What are SSRIs?

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. They prevent reabsorption of serotonin, increasing levels available to send calming signals. Often used alongside CBT.