The Science of Psychopathology Quiz

Abnormal Psychology Quiz

Psychological disorder

defined as a psychological dysfunction within an individual.

Subjective Distress

If an individual suffers or experiences psychological pain, it may be considered indicative of abnormality.

Maladaptiveness

Behavior that interferes with an individual's well-being and their ability to enjoy work and relationships is often an indicator of abnormality

Statistical Deviancy

Behavior that is statistically rare can be considered abnormal. However, this is more likely if the rare behavior is also undesirable

Social Discomfort

Violating implicit or unwritten social rules can cause discomfort or unease in others.

Irrationality and Unpredictability

While some unconventionality is normal, behavior that is highly unorthodox may be considered abnormal.

Dangerousness

Behavior that poses a danger to the individual or others can be seen as psychologically abnormal.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

accepted standard for defining mental disorders

Who published the DSM

American Psychiatric Association

2022

What year was the current version of DSM-5-TR published?

Psychopathology

the scientific study of psychological disorders

Signs and Symptoms

Observable indicators of psychological distress or dysfunction

Signs:

Observable by others (e.g., crying).

Symptoms

Experienced by the individual (e.g., feeling sad).

Causes (Etiology)

Underlying factors contributing to the onset of mental disorders

Treatment

Strategies aimed at alleviating symptoms and improving functioning.

Presenting Problem

The specific problem or set of problems that a client "presents" with when seeking help at a clinic or hospital; it's the reason the person came to the clinic.

Clinical Description

The specific problem or set of problems that a client "presents" with when seeking help at a clinic or hospital; it's the reason the person came to the clinic.

Clinical Description

The unique combination of behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that constitute a specific disorder. It refers to problems found in clinical settings and activities related to assessment and treatment.

Epidemiology

The study of the distribution of diseases, disorders, or health-related behaviors in a given population.

Prevalence

The proportion of a population who have a specific disorder

Incidence

Statistics on how many new cases of a disorder occur during a given period

Course

How a psychological disorder progresses or unfolds over time.

Chronic Course

The disorder tends to last a long time, potentially a lifetime.

Episodic Course

The individual is likely to recover within a few months, only to suffer a recurrence later.

Time-limited Course

The disorder will improve without treatment in a relatively short period, with little or no risk of recurrence.

Onset

When and how the symptoms of a disorder first appear

Acute Onset

Symptoms appear suddenly and intensely, often after a specific trigger.

Insidious Onset

Symptoms develop gradually, making the disorder harder to recognize early on.

Early-Onset

Symptoms begin in childhood or adolescence

Late-Onset

Symptoms appear in adulthood or later in life, often due to age-related factors or stressors.

Prognosis

The anticipated course and outcome of a psychological disorder. It predicts how the condition will develop, the likelihood of recovery, and its impact on quality of life.

Developmental Psychopathology

A scientific discipline studying how psychological disorders develop across a person's life. It examines the interaction of biological and environmental factors in understanding mental health issues, particularly in children and adolescents.

Etiology

The study of origins; it concerns why a disorder begins (its causes) and includes biological, psychological, and social dimensions.

Diagnosis

The process of identifying a disease, condition, or injury from its signs and symptoms.

Differential Diagnosis

A list of possible conditions that share the same symptoms described to a healthcare provider. This is not the final diagnosis but a theoretical list of potential causes.

The Supernatural Tradition

Mental disorders were seen as a result of supernatural phenomena like demonic possession, witchcraft, or divine punishment.

Demons and Witches

Abnormal behavior was interpreted as the influence of evil spirits or demons. Treatment involved religious rituals like exorcisms.

Witchcraft and Sorcery

During the Middle Ages, individuals with abnormal behavior were often accused of witchcraft and persecuted

Astrology

The alignment of stars and planets was sometimes believed to influence mental health.

The Biological Tradition

Abnormal behavior is caused by physical or biological dysfunctions, such as imbalances in the brain or body

Hippocrates (460–377 BCE)

Proposed that mental disorders had natural causes, not supernatural ones. He believed the brain was the seat of wisdom, consciousness, intelligence, and emotion, so disorders of these functions would be located in the brain.

The Four Humors

Introduced by Hippocrates, this theory suggested that imbalances in blood, black bile, yellow bile, and phlegm caused mental and physical illnesses.

Hysteria

A term coined by Hippocrates (from the Greek "hysteron" for uterus), influenced by Egyptian concepts, to describe what are now known as somatic symptom disorders, often occurring in women and attributed to a "wandering womb." Cures included marriage or fumigation of the vagina.

Galen (129–198 CE)

Expanded on Hippocrates' ideas, emphasizing biology's role in mental health and further developing the theory of the Four Humors.

Ancient China

A similar concept to humors existed, focusing on the movement of "wind" (air) throughout the body. Mental disorders were attributed to blockages of wind or an imbalance of cold, dark wind (yin) versus warm, life-sustaining wind (yang). Treatment included acupuncture.

General Paresis

In 1825, this condition was identified as a disease (neurosyphilis), where syphilis bacteria attack the brain and nervous system, providing a strong link between physical illness and mental disorder.

John P. Grey

Advocated that insanity had physical roots and promoted humane treatment in asylums.

Emil Kraepelin

Made significant contributions to diagnosis and classification, being among the first to distinguish various psychological disorders based on onset, course, symptoms, and potential causes.

The Psychological Tradition

Abnormal behavior arises from psychological and social factors, such as emotions, thought patterns, and environmental influences.

Moral Therapy (18th and 19th centuries)

Advocated for humane and supportive treatment, focusing on moral and social rehabilitation.

Philippe Pinel

A key figure in moral therapy in Europe

William Tuke

Introduced moral therapy in the USA (the presentation incorrectly states he is often considered the founder of U.S. psychiatry;

Asylums

Appeared in the 16th century and were often like prisons, became more habitable and therapeutic due to moral therapy.

Dorothea Dix

Campaigned for improved care for people with mental illness and was a prominent figure in the Mental Hygiene Movement, leading to more humane treatment in U.S. institutions.

Psychoanalytic Theory (Sigmund Freud)

Proposed that unconscious conflicts, childhood experiences, and defense mechanisms shape behavior. Treatment involved psychoanalysis to uncover unconscious thoughts.

Behaviorism

Suggested that abnormal behavior is learned through conditioning and can be unlearned. Key figures included John Watson, Ivan Pavlov, and B.F. Skinner.

Humanistic Psychology:

Focused on self-actualization and personal growth. Key figures included Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.

Deviance

Behavior that significantly deviates from cultural, social, or societal norms or behavioral functioning.

Dysfunction

Behavior that interferes with a person's ability to function in daily life, including work, relationships, and self-care.

Distress

Behavior or symptoms that cause significant emotional pain or suffering to the individual or those around them.

Danger

Behavior that poses a risk of harm to the individual (e.g., suicidal tendencies, self-harm) or others (e.g., violent behavior).