Abnormal Psych 2

Prof. Perry

Somatic Symptom Disorder

A process or mental illness in which the person exhibits physical symptoms (somatization) such as pain, fatigue, diarrhea, bloating and excessive thoughts, feelings or actions about the symptoms

Illness Anxiety Disorder

Preoccupation with health and/or and excessive worry about serious illness

Symptoms of conversion disorder

• weakness/paralysis

• Abnormal movements (jerking, tremors, involuntary/irregular movement)

• Balance problems (difficulty maintaining stability/equilibrium, dizziness)

• Vision problems (blindness, altered vision [blurred, double, partial/complete loss, light sensitivity]

factitious disorder

symptoms of physical or mental illness are deliberately induced or simulated with no apparent incentive; pretend for attention; mainly due to personality disorders or stress/sever emotional difficulties; sabotage/interfere with medical care; blame “illness” on work or other issues (self esteem issues)

factitious disorder imposed on another

same as on self but imposed on (typically) their child or someone in their care; child becomes sicker when in care of parent; bizarre, rapid changing symptoms, complicated medical history; eagerness to have tests/procedures done; tampering with test results; absence of symptoms when not being observed; symptoms do not respond to treatment; excessive knowledge of medical terms

dissociative disorders

Separation from a part/or all of reality/personality/consciousness

dissociative fugue

confusion over personal identity; complete loss of memory of one’s entire life; unexpected travel to a new location; partial/complete assumption of a new identity; recovery is often abrupt and complete

selective amnesia

inability to remember certain details of an event

Which disorder was formerly known as a multiple personality disorder?

Dissociative identity disorder

Have suicide rates changed in the 21st century?

yes, increased

what is the difference between proximal and distal risk factors of suicide?

• Proximal → immediate signs/signals that suicide may take place

• Distal → background things that increase likelihood of suicide

Six common characteristics of suicide

• Belief that things will never change and suicide is the only solution

• Desire to escape from psychological pain and distressing thoughts and feelings

• Triggering events including intense interpersonal conflicts and feelings of depression, hopelessness, guilt, anger, or shame

• Perceived inability to make progress toward goals or to solve problems; related feelings of failure, worthlessness, and hopelessness

• Ambivalence about suicide; there is a strong underlying desire to live

  • Suicidal intent is communicated directly or indirectly thorugh verbal or behavioral cures

In 2022, what was the most common method of death by suicide, accounting for a little more than half (54.64%) of all suicide deaths?

firearms

Evidence suggests which occupation is approximately 1.87 times as likely to commit suicide than those working other occupations?

doctors

What are the effects of suicide on friends and family?

guilt/attempt to understand tragedy; development or risky behaviors; altered relationships with friends; increased rates of depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse, and marital difficulties; feelings of extreme guilt, failure (because person they loved felt unloved & completed suicide), anger or resentment toward person who took their own life, confusion, and distress

What is it called when children and adolescents mimic a previous suicide or imitate the suicide of a celebrity or close friend?

copycat suicide

What is true about suicide concerning college students?

Approx. 24,000 attempt, 1,100 complete; transition period, stress, freedom, independence; first experiences with drugs and alcohol

what are the factors that put older adults at risk of suicide?

Physical illness, familial issues, financial issues, hopelessness

What is the diagnostic name for alcohol or drug-induced psychosis

Substance-/medication-induced psychotic disorder

What are the conditions associated with neurocognitive disorders?

substance induced disorders

Substance abuse

illicit substance use or misuse of medication, abuse can appear to be causal 

Addiction

substance use that has an impact on the brain’s reward center in such a way that alters brain function

What are the names of some of the commonly abused drugs not including OTC?

alcohol, heroin, marijuana, cocaine

What are most commonly abused OTC drugs that have dextromethorphan, which in high doses can make you feel drunk or intoxicated?

cough and cold medicine

Which category of substance causes a slowing down of responses, feelings of relaxation, and lower interpersonal inhibitions?

depressants

What is the name of the drug that is considered one of the three most widely used psychoactive drugs in the world even though there are few (if any) medical uses for the drug?

alcohol

What is the name of a potent form of cocaine produced by heating cocaine with other substances?

crack

Today, more people are using what term to refer to weed?

pot or marijuana

What drug is commonly known as "Molly," is a synthetic drug known primarily for its hallucinogenic and stimulant effects?

ecstasy

Although eating disorders can affect people of any gender at any stage of life, at what stage of life and what gender are they most often reported?

adolescence and young women

what are biological risk factors for eating disorders

age, genetics, birth complications, mental health diagnosis

What is a serious eating disorder characterized by a refusal to maintain a healthy body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted image?

anorexia nervosa

What are the common symptoms of bulimia nervosa?

Recurrent episodes of binge eating with a feeling of lack of control; recurrent episodes of inappropriate purging behaviors; low self esteem; fear of gaining weight despite being a normal weight, electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to stroke; acid reflux; tooth decay/loss of teeth; hormonal disturbances

What are the common side effects of bulimia nervosa?

Erosion of tooth enamel, dehydration, swollen salivary glands, lowered potassium, inflammation of esophagus, stomach, and rectal area

People with this eating disorder do not restrict calories or use purging behaviors, such as vomiting or excessive exercise, to compensate for their binges.

anorexia nervosa

What are good tips for preventing eating disorders?

Set healthy goals, critically evaluate your social media, educate your friends, challenge cultural beliefs, get to know your children, eat family meals together, examine your role models

What is one reason that most adolescent girls give for dieting and concern over their bodies?

dissatisfaction with body image

What are the characteristics of the biological dimension of eating disorders?

Moderate heritability, pubertal weight gain, appetitive neural circuitry, dopamine, ghrelin and leptin

psychodynamic perspective

• Dissociation as a defense mechanism to repress distressing memories.

Learning/cognitive perspective

Dissociative symptoms result from negative reinforcement and difficulty integrating thoughts/memories

biological perspective

Brain abnormalities in memory-related areas (e.g., hippocampus) contribute to dissociative experiences.

Treatments of dissociative disorders

• Psychotherapy Approaches:

  • Psychoanalysis & Hypnotherapy: Help recover repressed memories.

  • CBT: Restructures maladaptive thoughts about identity and memory.

• Medication: No specific drug for dissociative disorders, but antidepressants may help with comorbid conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety).

  • Grounding Techniques: Help clients stay present to counteract dissociation.

Psychological factors affecting physical health

• Stress and Health: Chronic stress weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of illness.

• Psychosomatic Disorders: Psychological stress contributes to real physical symptoms (e.g., ulcers, hypertension).

• Type A Personality: Linked to higher risk of heart disease due to hostility and competitiveness.

• Coping Strategies: Problem-focused (e.g., problem-solving) vs. emotion-focused (e.g., relaxation techniques).

Social Support: Can buffer against stress-related health issues.m

mood disorders

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Persistent low mood, loss of interest, changes in appetite/sleep, suicidal thoughts.

• Bipolar Disorder: Mood swings between mania and depression.

• Causes:

  • Biological: Neurotransmitter imbalances (serotonin, norepinephrine).

  • Psychodynamic: Unresolved loss and internalized anger.

  • Cognitive: Negative thought patterns (e.g., learned helplessness).

• Treatments:

  • Medication: SSRIs for depression, mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium) for bipolar disorder.

  • Therapy: CBT and interpersonal therapy.

    • Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Used for severe depression unresponsive to other treatments.

non chemical addictions/other forms of compulsive behavior

• Behavioral Addictions: Excessive engagement in behaviors like gaming, shopping, or exercise despite negative consequences.

• Similarities to Substance Use Disorders:

  • Loss of control.

  • Withdrawal symptoms.

  • Tolerance (needing more of the behavior for the same effect).

Treatment: CBT, support groups, behavioral modification techniques

treatment of substance use disorders

• Detoxification: Medically supervised withdrawal from substances.

• Behavioral Therapy:

  • CBT: Identifies triggers and coping mechanisms.

  • Contingency Management: Rewards abstinence.

• Medications:

  • Methadone for opioid addiction.

  • Naltrexone for alcohol dependence.

Support Groups: AA and NA provide peer support.

gambling disorder

• Criteria for Diagnosis:

  • Preoccupation with gambling.

  • Inability to control gambling behavior.

  • Chasing losses.

  • Lying to conceal gambling.

• Biological Factors: Dopamine system involvement, similar to substance addiction.

  • Treatment: CBT, self-exclusion programs, financial counseling, and support groups (Gamblers Anonymous).

sleep-wake disorders

• Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.

• Narcolepsy: Sudden sleep attacks due to REM sleep dysfunction.

• Sleep Apnea: Breathing interruptions during sleep.

• Parasomnias:

  • Night Terrors: Sudden awakenings with panic (common in children).

  • Sleepwalking: Acting out complex behaviors during sleep.

• Treatment:

  • CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia).

  • Medication: Sleep aids for short-term use.

  • Lifestyle changes: Sleep hygiene, stress management, avoiding stimulants before bed.