PS371 Unit 3 Notes

Substance Use vs. Substance Use Disorder

Substance use refers to moderate consumption with no impairment, while substance use disorder signifies a pattern leading to significant impairment and distress.

Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder

Must meet at least 2 out of 11 symptoms, including taking more than intended, desire to cut down, excessive time spent, craving, role disruption, and interpersonal problems.

Alcohol's Effects as a Depressant

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, influencing neurotransmitters like GABA, causing relaxation, reduced anxiety, and drowsiness.

Chronic Alcohol Use Consequences

Chronic alcohol use can lead to withdrawal symptoms, fetal alcohol syndrome, and neurological issues like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

Progression of Alcohol-Related Disorders

Early drinking onset increases risk; defined by frequency of consumption, with 20% able to achieve spontaneous remission.

Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic-Related Disorders

These substances have calming effects; can lead to severe side effects when combined due to their action on GABA receptors.

Stimulant Use Disorder Effects

Amphetamines and cocaine provide short-lived elation and vigor but can lead to extreme fatigue and depression.

Tobacco-Related Disorders

Nicotine stimulates receptors causing relaxation and pleasure, but shows negative psychological effects with dependence.

Caffeine-Related Disorders

Caffeine, consumed by over 85% of Americans, can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms if intake exceeds 400mg.

Opiates vs. Opioids

Opiates are natural chemicals in opium, while opioids include both natural and synthetic substances that act similarly.

Cannabis-Related Disorders

Frequent use may lead to impairments in memory and social functioning, with THC being the active ingredient.

Hallucinogen-Related Disorders

Hallucinogens produce altered perceptions and tolerance builds quickly, with some substances worsening psychosis.

Inhalants Abuse

Commonly used in early adolescence, inhalants can lead to severe physiological damage and addiction.

Biological Treatments for Substance Disorders

Includes agonist substitution, antagonist drugs, and aversive treatments, but generally ineffective when used alone.

Psychosocial Treatment of Substance Disorders

Includes programs like AA, varying treatment goals between controlled drinking and abstinence, and incorporating psychotherapy.

Gambling Disorder Symptoms

Involves recurrent gambling leading to distress or impairment, with symptoms like preoccupation and need for increased amounts.

Diagnostic Criteria for Anorexia Nervosa

Includes severe weight restriction, intense fear of weight gain, and body image distortions.

Criteria for Bulimia Nervosa

Defined by recurrent binge-eating episodes followed by compensatory behaviors at least once a week for 3 months.

Binge Eating Disorder Criteria

Involves recurrent episodes of binge-eating with a lack of control, occurring at least once a week over 3 months.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Characterized by extreme picky eating, nutritional deficiencies, and significant weight loss or faltering growth.

Genetic Influences on Eating Disorders

Heritability rates vary, with genes linked to reward processing and appetite regulation being implicated.

Comorbidities Associated with Eating Disorders

Include anxiety, depression, and various psychosocial challenges that complicate treatment.

Treatment Strategies for Eating Disorders

Includes CBT, family-based therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy focused on recovery and improving functioning.

Schizophrenia Definition

A broad spectrum of cognitive and emotional dysfunctions including delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized behaviors.

Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Include hallucinations and delusions; essential for diagnosis.

Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Characterized by a lack of emotional expression, motivation, and social engagement.

Schizoaffective Disorder

Symptoms of schizophrenia combined with a major mood episode.

Delusional Disorder

Characterized by persistent delusions without other positive or negative symptoms.

Causes of Schizophrenia

Includes genetic predispositions, neurobiological factors, and environmental influences.

Treatment of Schizophrenia

Primarily involves antipsychotic medications, along with psychosocial strategies.

Cluster A Personality Disorders

Include paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal disorders characterized by odd or eccentric behaviors.

Cluster B Personality Disorders

Include antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic disorders characterized by dramatic or erratic behaviors.

Cluster C Personality Disorders

Include avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive disorders characterized by anxious or fearful behaviors.

What are the characteristics of Paranoid Personality Disorder?

Individuals with Paranoid Personality Disorder exhibit pervasive distrust and suspicion of others, interpreting their motives as malicious.

What defines Schizoid Personality Disorder?

Schizoid Personality Disorder is marked by a lack of interest in social relationships and a tendency to choose solitary activities.

What are the main traits of Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

Schizotypal Personality Disorder involves eccentric behavior, odd beliefs, and discomfort in close relationships, along with social anxiety.

What traits are associated with Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Histrionic Personality Disorder is characterized by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking, leading to dramatic behavior.

What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and its key traits?

Narcissistic Personality Disorder includes a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.

What are the qualifications for diagnosing a personality disorder?

A personality disorder diagnosis requires that the patterns of behavior and experience are rigid, pervasive, and cause significant impairment or distress.

What is the prevalence of personality disorders in the general population?

Personality disorders affect about 9-15% of the general population, with varying prevalence across different types and clusters.

What is the impact of culture on personality disorder diagnosis?

Cultural context is essential for diagnosis; behaviors considered abnormal in one culture may be typical in another, affecting diagnosis validity.

How do personality disorders evolve over time?

Symptoms of personality disorders can change with age, often becoming less severe; however, they may also worsen without treatment.

What is the role of psychotherapy in treating personality disorders?

Psychotherapy, especially dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is key for managing symptoms and improving relationships in personality disorders.

Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by which of the following symptoms?

Intense fear of gaining weight

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, and sense of self.

What are the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

Positive symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

What are the negative symptoms of schizophrenia?

Negative symptoms refer to a decrease in the ability to function normally, including lack of motivation, withdrawal from social life, and reduced emotional expression.

What is the significance of the dopamine hypothesis in schizophrenia?

The dopamine hypothesis suggests that an imbalance in dopamine neurotransmission plays a crucial role in the development of schizophrenia.

What are the key features of personality disorders?

Personality disorders are characterized by enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate markedly from cultural expectations, are inflexible, and lead to distress or impairment.

What distinguishes borderline personality disorder from other personality disorders?

Borderline personality disorder is characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions, alongside impulsive behaviors.

How does avoidant personality disorder differ from social anxiety disorder?

Avoidant personality disorder involves a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and a hypersensitivity to negative evaluation, while social anxiety disorder primarily focuses on performance situations.

What role do genetic and environmental factors play in the development of schizophrenia?

Both genetic predispositions and environmental influences, such as prenatal exposure to infection or psychosocial stress, significantly contribute to the risk of developing schizophrenia.

What is the impact of stigma on individuals with personality disorders?

Stigma often leads to discrimination, social isolation, and reluctance to seek treatment among individuals with personality disorders, exacerbating their condition.

How do treatment approaches for schizophrenia differ from those for personality disorders?

Treatment for schizophrenia often includes antipsychotic medications and psychotherapy, while personality disorders may primarily involve psychotherapy, with medications used to manage specific symptoms.

What are hallucinations in the context of schizophrenia?

Hallucinations are sensory experiences where a person perceives things that are not present, commonly seen as hearing voices.

What are delusions in schizophrenia?

Delusions are false beliefs strongly held despite contrary evidence, often involving paranoia or grandiosity.

What is the prevalence of schizophrenia in the general population?

Schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide.

What is the typical age of onset for schizophrenia?

The typical age of onset for schizophrenia is in late adolescence to early adulthood, usually between ages 16 and 30.

What is the difference between antisocial personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder?

Antisocial personality disorder involves a disregard for others' rights and social norms, while narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy.

What treatment options are available for borderline personality disorder?

Treatment options include dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and sometimes medication for symptoms.

What is psychosis, and how is it related to schizophrenia?

Psychosis is a state characterized by a disconnection from reality, which is a common feature of schizophrenia.

How can early intervention affect the prognosis of schizophrenia?

Early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes, reducing the severity of symptoms and improving quality of life.

What is the role of therapy in treating personality disorders?

Therapy plays a crucial role in treating personality disorders by helping individuals understand their behavior patterns and develop healthier interpersonal skills.

What are some common misconceptions about schizophrenia?

Common misconceptions include the belief that individuals with schizophrenia are violent or that it is an untreatable condition.