Clinical Psychology

A persistent disturbance in behavior, thoughts, or emotions causing significant distress or impairment.

psychological disorder

drawback of diagnostic labels

They can lead to stigma, lower self-esteem, and feelings of helplessness.

generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Anxiety disorder characterized by excessive worry about everyday things for at least six months.

subtypes of specific phobia

Blood-injury-injection, natural environment, social type, situational type, and does NOT include a non-social subtype.

bipolar disorder

Distinguished from unipolar depression by the presence of manic episodes in addition to depressive episodes.

preparedness theory

Suggests individuals are predisposed to fear certain objects or situations due to real threats.

obsessions

Intrusive, irrational thoughts often experienced in OCD.

compulsions

Repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety caused by obsessions.

major depressive episode (MDE) symptoms

Depressed mood, anhedonia, fatigue/loss of energy must persist for at least two weeks.

biological factors in schizophrenia

Includes genetics and dopamine abnormalities linked to positive symptoms like hallucinations.

cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) goal

To teach constructive thinking and behavioral strategies.

psychopharmacology

The study of how drugs affect the mind and behavior.

agoraphobia

Fear of public places often associated with panic disorder.

mania

High mood characterized by decreased sleep and reckless behavior.

disorganized speech

Speech that is difficult to follow or does not logically flow from one idea to the next.