PSY 303 Exam 1

Disorder

A behavioral, psychological, or biological dysfunction that is unexpected in its cultural context and associated with distress or impairment in functioning.

Dysfunction

Impairment in the ability to perform normal daily functions.

Psychopathology

The study of psychological disorders, including their symptoms, etiology (causes), and treatment.

Psychologist

A professional trained in the study of behavior and mental processes, typically with a PhD or PsyD.

Psychiatrist

A medical doctor (MD) specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders; can prescribe medications.

Psychiatric Social Worker

A professional trained to provide psychotherapy and social support for individuals with mental health issues.

Psychiatric Nurse

A nurse trained in psychiatric care, often assisting with therapy, medication administration, and patient support.

Scientist-Practitioner

A model of training in psychology where practitioners are trained to apply scientific methods to their clinical work.

Prevalence

The total number of cases of a disorder in a population at a given time.

Incidence

The number of new cases of a disorder that occur in a population over a specified period.

Course

The pattern or trajectory of a disorder over time (e.g., chronic, episodic, or time-limited).

Prognosis

The expected outcome of a disorder, including likelihood of recovery or recurrence.

Supernatural

Disorders caused by spirits, demons, or divine punishment.

Demons and Witches

Historical belief that mental illness was caused by possession or witchcraft.

Possession

Belief that an external entity controls behavior.

Mass/Modern Hysteria

Collective psychological reactions in groups (e.g., dance mania).

Moon and Stars

Astrology-based explanations for abnormal behavior.

Hippocrates and Galen

Early theorists who proposed brain dysfunction causes disorders.

Syphilis & Penicillin

Discovery that a biological infection can cause mental symptoms (general paresis).

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Electrical stimulation of the brain for treatment of severe depression.

Medications

20th-century treatments include antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anxiolytics.

Moral Therapy

18th-19th century humane treatment of patients.

Psychoanalytic Theory (Freud)

Focus on unconscious processes, psychosexual stages, defense mechanisms.

Psychodynamic Approaches

Modern adaptations of psychoanalysis emphasizing conscious and unconscious influences.

Humanistic Theory

Emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization; includes person-centered therapy.

Classical Conditioning

Learning by association.

Operant Conditioning

Learning via rewards and punishments.

Systematic Desensitization

Gradual exposure to feared stimuli to reduce anxiety.

Shaping

Gradually reinforcing behaviors to achieve a desired outcome.

Integrative Approach

Combines biological, psychological, and social factors to explain psychopathology.

One-Dimensional Models

Explain behavior using a single cause or factor.

Multidimensional Models

Consider multiple interacting factors—biological, psychological, social, and cultural.

Genes

Units of heredity that influence traits and behaviors.

Gene-Environment Interactions

The effect of genes depends on environmental context.

Diathesis-Stress Model

Disorders arise from a genetic vulnerability plus environmental stress.

Reciprocal Gene-Environment Model

Genes influence exposure to certain environments.

Epigenetics

Study of how gene expression is modified by environmental factors without changing DNA sequence.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Brain and spinal cord; controls most bodily functions.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Connects CNS to the rest of the body.

Somatic Nervous System

Voluntary control of muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System

Involuntary functions (sympathetic/parasympathetic).

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals transmitting signals in the brain.

Serotonin

Mood, appetite, sleep.

Glutamate

Excitatory signaling.

GABA

Inhibitory signaling.

Dopamine

Reward, motivation, motor control.

Norepinephrine

Alertness, arousal.

Agonists/Antagonists

Drugs that enhance or block neurotransmitter action.

Psychosocial Influences

Social, cultural, and interpersonal factors that affect brain structure and function.

Placebo Effects

Improvement due to belief in treatment rather than treatment itself.

Conditioning and Cognition

Learning behaviors and mental processes.

Learned Helplessness

Repeated exposure to uncontrollable events leading to passivity.

Social Learning

Learning through observing others.

Prepared Learning

Evolutionary predispositions to learn certain fears easily.

The Unconscious

Mental processes outside conscious awareness affecting behavior.

Physiology of Fear

Body's response to perceived threats.

Components of Emotion

Cognitive, physiological, and behavioral responses.

Anger and Heart

Emotional stress affects cardiovascular health.

Social, Cultural, and Interpersonal Influences

Social norms, gender roles, and cultural practices (e.g., Vodou) affect mental health.

Life Span Development

Understanding psychopathology across age stages.

Equifinality

Different developmental paths can lead to the same psychological disorder.

Reliability

Consistency of measurement across time, raters, or items.

Validity

Accuracy of a measurement—measuring what it is intended to measure.

Standardization

Applying consistent procedures for administration and scoring of tests.

Clinical Interview

Structured conversation to assess psychological functioning.

Mental Status Exam

Systematic assessment of appearance, behavior, cognition, and mood.

Behavioral Assessment

Observation and measurement of behaviors in specific contexts.

Projective Testing

Unstructured stimuli to reveal unconscious thoughts.

Personality Inventories (MMPI)

Standardized questionnaires to assess traits and psychopathology.

Intelligence Testing

Measures cognitive abilities.

Neuropsychological Testing

Assess cognitive deficits due to brain dysfunction.

Neuroimaging (PET, SPECT, MRI)

Visualize brain structure and function.

Psychophysiological Assessment

Measure physiological responses related to psychological states.

Diagnosis

Classifying disorders based on symptoms and criteria.

Categorical vs. Dimensional

Discrete categories vs. continuum of symptoms.

Prototype Approach

Compares client symptoms to a 'typical' model of a disorder.

DSM-IV-TR/DSM-5

Manuals for diagnosing mental disorders; provide standard criteria.