Psychological Disorders & Therapies (Chapters 15 & 16)

A comprehensive set of Q&A flashcards covering key definitions, models, disorders, and treatment approaches from Psychology Chapters 15 and 16.

What does the term “psychopathology” refer to?

The scientific study of psychological disorders, including their symptoms, causes, and treatment.

According to the APA, what three criteria must be met for a condition to be classified as a psychological disorder?

Significant disturbances in thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that (1) reflect underlying dysfunction, (2) cause distress or disability, and (3) are not culturally expected responses to events.

What is the Harmful Dysfunction Model of mental illness?

A disorder arises when an internal mechanism fails to perform its natural function and the failure produces harm to the person.

Name the three historical perspectives on mental illness.

Supernatural (e.g., demonic possession), Biological (e.g., imbalance of the four humors), and Psychological (e.g., stress or maladaptive thinking).

What is the DSM-5 and why is it important?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed.; it provides standardized criteria for classifying and diagnosing mental disorders, along with information on prevalence and comorbidity.

Define comorbidity in psychology.

The co-occurrence of two or more psychological disorders in the same individual.

What characterizes Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Persistent, excessive, and uncontrollable worry occurring more days than not for at least six months.

What is Panic Disorder?

A condition marked by recurrent unexpected panic attacks and ongoing worry or behavioral change to avoid future attacks.

How is a specific phobia defined?

An irrational, persistent fear of a particular object or situation that leads to avoidance and distress.

Differentiate obsessions and compulsions in OCD.

Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts or urges; compulsions are repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety produced by the obsessions.

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

A trauma-related disorder characterized by intrusive memories or flashbacks, avoidance of reminders, negative mood changes, and hyperarousal following a traumatic event.

List the core symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder.

Persistent sadness or loss of interest plus additional symptoms such as appetite or sleep changes, psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, or recurrent thoughts of death.

What distinguishes Bipolar Disorder from unipolar depression?

The presence of both depressive episodes and manic (or hypomanic) episodes involving elevated mood, increased energy, and risky behavior.

Identify the positive and negative symptoms of Schizophrenia.

Positive: hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech/behavior. Negative: diminished emotional expression, reduced speech (alogia), lack of motivation (avolition).

Define psychotherapy.

A treatment approach in which a trained therapist uses psychological techniques and dialogue to help clients resolve problems and promote personal growth.

What is biomedical therapy?

The use of medications or medical procedures (e.g., ECT) to treat psychological disorders.

Describe the key goal of psychoanalysis.

To uncover unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences through techniques such as free association and interpretation.

How does play therapy help children?

It allows children to express feelings and work through problems symbolically through play with toys, dolls, or art materials.

What is behavior therapy’s main focus?

Changing maladaptive behaviors through learning principles such as conditioning, reinforcement, and exposure.

What is the central aim of cognitive therapy?

Identifying and restructuring distorted or irrational thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress.

Explain Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

A combined approach that targets both maladaptive thoughts and behaviors to alleviate psychological distress and promote adaptive functioning.

What is humanistic (client-centered) therapy?

A therapy emphasizing self-development, personal growth, and unconditional positive regard within a nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship.

Why might a clinician recommend group therapy?

It offers mutual support, reduces isolation, and allows clients to learn from others facing similar issues under a therapist’s guidance.

When is family therapy indicated?

When relationship patterns within a family contribute to an individual’s psychological problems or when systemic change is needed for improvement.

What is the purpose of couples therapy?

To help romantic partners resolve conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen relationship satisfaction.

Give three common biomedical treatments for psychological disorders.

Psychotropic medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and, in rare cases, neurosurgical procedures.