Psychological Disorders and Diagnosis

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and definitions related to psychological disorders, diagnosis, and treatment approaches learned in the lecture.

Psychopathology

The scientific study of mental disorders and abnormal behavior.

Abnormal behavior

Behaviors that deviate from the norm, often defined by cultural standards, and can indicate psychological disorders.

Deviant behavior

Behavior that diverges from societal or cultural norms but not necessarily indicative of a psychological disorder.

Maladaptive behavior

Behavior that hinders an individual's ability to function in everyday life.

Personal distress

Emotional pain or suffering experienced by an individual, often leading to the diagnosis of a psychological disorder.

Diagnosis

The process of labeling the behaviors and symptoms of an individual with a psychological disorder.

Biological approach

The view that mental disorders are caused by biological factors such as brain activity, neurotransmitter levels, and genetics.

Medical model

The approach that treats mental disorders as medical conditions requiring medical attention, including possible medications or surgeries.

Psychological approach

The perspective that examines mental disorders through cognitive, behavioral, and emotional factors.

Sociocultural approach

The analysis of how social and cultural factors, such as poverty and cultural norms, influence the development of mental disorders.

Biopsychosocial model

An integrated approach to understanding mental disorders that considers biological, psychological, and social factors.

Vulnerability stress hypothesis

The theory that mental disorders result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental stressors.

Comorbidity

The co-occurrence of two or more disorders in an individual.

Cultural formulation interview

A series of questions used to assess the impact of culture on the presentation of symptoms in individuals.

Culturally bound syndromes

Disorders that are specific to certain cultural groups, influenced by cultural beliefs and practices.

Koro

A culturally bound syndrome observed in South and East Asia, characterized by an intense fear that one’s genitals are retracting into the body.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficiencies in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

A neurodevelopmental disorder marked by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Medical student syndrome

The phenomenon where students studying medicine begin to self-diagnose with various diseases they learn about in class.

Prognosis

The predicted course and outcome of a disorder.

Stigma

The negative perception and social discrimination attached to individuals diagnosed with mental disorders.