psychopathology

Statistical infrequency

Refers to how rare a behavior is, with more common behaviors considered 'normal'. Behaviors are compared to a normal distribution, and deviation from the average is assessed.

Deviation from social norms

Focuses on how well a person behaves in a socially acceptable manner, with explicit and implicit rules dictating acceptable behavior.

Failure to function adequately

Involves being unable to cope with the demands of everyday life, including personal distress and irrationality that may be harmful to oneself or others.

Deviation from Mental health

Indicates a lack of healthy characteristics, as defined by Jahoda's criteria including accurate perception, self-actualization, positive attitude, environmental mastery, autonomy, and resisting stress.

Two-process model

Explains phobias through classical conditioning (association of fear with a neutral stimulus) and maintenance through operant conditioning (reinforcement or punishment).

Systematic desensitization

A treatment for phobias involving creating an anxiety hierarchy, relaxation techniques, and gradual exposure to feared stimuli.

Beck's negative triad

Involves faulty information processing, negative self-schema, and the negative triad (negative views of self, future, and the world) as key components of depression.

Cognitive therapy

Collaborative therapy focusing on challenging negative beliefs, setting goals, and changing negative thoughts to more effective behaviors.

Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT)

Extends the ABC model to include disputing irrational beliefs, effects, and feelings, aiming to challenge and change irrational thoughts.

Genetic explanation of OCD

OCD is better explained through biological aspects, particularly genetic factors affecting neurotransmitters, as evidenced by Lewis' study showing familial prevalence.

Genetic Vulnerability

OCD is not directly inherited but rather individuals inherit a genetic vulnerability to develop the disorder.

Diathesis Stress Model

The theory that environmental factors can influence the development of a disorder based on an individual's genetic vulnerability.

Candidate Genes

Genes that have been identified as potentially linked to OCD, including those involved in serotonin regulation such as SERT genes.

Polygenic Genes

Multiple genes contributing to the development of OCD, with variations in different genes collectively increasing genetic vulnerability.

Neural Explanations

Involving the role of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine in regulating mood and transmitting information in the brain.

lateral Frontal Lobe

Brain region important for logical thinking and decision-making, implicated in OCD.

Left Parahippocampal Gyrus

Brain region associated with memory processing, potentially involved in OCD.

Drug Therapy

Treatment approach for OCD involving medications like SSRIs to increase serotonin levels in the brain.

SSRI

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor, a type of antidepressant that blocks the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain to improve symptoms of OCD.

Tricyclics

Another class of antidepressants that can be used to treat OCD, such as Clomipramine, but may have more severe side effects than SSRIs.

SNRIs

Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors, medications that block the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline, used as a second-line treatment for OCD.

Effectiveness of Drug Therapy (Soomrah et al)

Evidence supporting the effectiveness of medications like SSRIs in reducing OCD symptoms compared to a placebo, with a significant proportion of patients benefiting from drug treatment.