History and Etiology of Psychopathology

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts in the study of psychopathology and psychological disorders.

Psychopathology

The study of mental disorders or psychological dysfunction.

Etiology

The cause or origin of a disease or disorder.

Diathesis-stress model

A psychological theory that explains behavior as a predispositional vulnerability together with stress from life experiences.

Cognitive-behavioral approach

Therapeutic techniques that address maladaptive thoughts and beliefs contributing to psychological disorders.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

An anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.

Bipolar disorder

A mood disorder marked by alternating periods of extreme mood swings including manic and depressive episodes.

Schizophrenia

A severe mental disorder characterized by disconnection from reality, including symptoms like delusions and hallucinations.

Comorbidity

The simultaneous presence of two or more disorders or diseases in a patient.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

A manual published by the American Psychological Association that standardizes the classification and diagnosis of mental disorders.