Unit 5: Mental and Physical Health

active listening

a communication technique used in therapy and counseling that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and empathizing with what the speaker is saying, through verbal and nonverbal cues, to facilitate deeper understanding and rapport.

acute schizophrenia

a subtype of schizophrenia characterized by sudden onset of psychotic symptoms, often accompanied by emotional turmoil, confusion, or behavioral disturbances, which may require immediate intervention and stabilization.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Traumatic events occurring before age 18 that can have negative, lasting effects on health and well-being.

agoraphobia

an anxiety disorder characterized by fear or avoidance of situations or places where escape or help may be difficult or embarrassing in the event of a panic attack or other anxiety symptoms, such as crowded spaces, public transportation, or open spaces.

Alarm Stage (GAS)

The initial reaction to stress, activating the fight-or-flight response.

anorexia nervosa

an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, leading to severe restriction of food intake, excessive exercise, and distorted body image, often resulting in significant weight loss and medical complications.

antisocial personality disorder

a personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, lack of empathy or remorse, and impulsive or antisocial behavior, often beginning in adolescence or early adulthood.

antianxiety drugs

also known as anxiolytics or benzodiazepines, medications used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders by enhancing the activity of neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has calming effects on the central nervous system.

antidepressants

medications used to treat symptoms of depressive disorders by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine in the brain, which are implicated in mood regulation and emotional well-being.

antipsychotic drugs

also known as neuroleptics, medications used to manage symptoms of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain and reducing hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

anxiety disorders

a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive, persistent, and uncontrollable feelings of anxiety, fear, or apprehension, often accompanied by physiological symptoms such as rapid heartbeat or sweating.

Ataque de Nervios

A culture-bound syndrome prevalent among people of Caribbean or Iberian descent, characterized by uncontrollable shouting, crying, and trembling.

attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning and development, typically diagnosed in childhood and often persisting into adulthood.

autism spectrum disorders

a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction, restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities, varying in severity and presentation.

aversive conditioning

a behavior therapy technique that pairs an undesired behavior with an unpleasant stimulus or consequence, with the aim of reducing or eliminating the behavior through negative reinforcement or punishment.

Avoidant Personality Disorder

A disorder characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.

behavior therapy

a type of psychotherapy that focuses on modifying maladaptive behaviors and promoting adaptive ones through techniques such as reinforcement, punishment, modeling, and exposure, based on principles of learning and conditioning.

Behavioral Perspective

An approach to psychology that focuses on observable behaviors and the ways they are learned.

Biofeedback

A technique that teaches individuals to control physiological processes such as heart rate and muscle tension by providing real-time feedback.

Biological Perspective

An approach to psychology that focuses on the physiological bases of behavior and mental processes.

biomedical therapy

the use of biological or medical interventions, such as medication, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or psychosurgery, to treat mental disorders by targeting underlying biological or neurological mechanisms.

bipolar disorder

formerly known as manic-depressive illness, a mood disorder characterized by alternating episodes of depression and mania or hypomania, which are periods of elevated mood, energy, and activity.

Bipolar I

A type of bipolar disorder characterized by at least one manic episode, often with depressive episodes.

Bipolar II

A type of bipolar disorder characterized by hypomanic episodes alternating with major depressive episodes.

Borderline Personality Disorder

A disorder characterized by instability in mood, self-image, and behavior, often resulting in impulsive actions and unstable relationships.

bulimia nervosa

an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating (eating large amounts of food in a short period) followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise, to prevent weight gain.

Catatonia

A state of unresponsiveness to external stimuli, often including rigid body posture or repetitive movements.

chronic schizophrenia

a subtype of schizophrenia characterized by persistent and long-term symptoms, impairment, and functional decline, typically with a gradual onset and poor response to treatment.

Cluster A Personality Disorders

A group of personality disorders characterized by odd or eccentric behaviors. Includes paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders.

Cluster B Personality Disorders

A group of personality disorders characterized by dramatic, emotional, or erratic behaviors. Includes antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders.

Cluster C Personality Disorders

A group of personality disorders characterized by anxious or fearful behaviors. Includes avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders.

Cognitive Perspective

An approach to psychology that focuses on mental processes such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving.

cognitive therapy

a form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing dysfunctional thought patterns, beliefs, and cognitive distortions that contribute to psychological distress and maladaptive behaviors, through cognitive restructuring and behavioral interventions.

cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

a widely used form of psychotherapy that combines cognitive restructuring (changing negative thought patterns) with behavioral interventions (changing maladaptive behaviors), to treat a variety of mental health conditions.

Compulsion

Repetitive, rule-based behaviors that a person feels compelled to perform to reduce anxiety.

coping

the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral efforts to manage, reduce, or tolerate stressors, challenges, or adverse circumstances, in order to adapt and maintain psychological well-being.

coronary heart disease

a medical condition characterized by the narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, which may result in chest pain (angina), heart attack, or other cardiovascular complications.

counterconditioning

a behavior therapy technique used to replace or counteract maladaptive responses (such as fear or anxiety) with adaptive ones, by pairing the feared or aversive stimulus with a positive or neutral stimulus to change the emotional response.

Culture-Bound Disorders

Psychological disorders found only in certain cultures.

deinstitutionalization

the movement in mental health care towards discharging individuals from psychiatric hospitals or institutions and providing community-based treatment and support services, aimed at reducing reliance on long-term institutionalization and promoting integration into society.

delusion

a fixed, false belief that is firmly held despite evidence to the contrary, often involving beliefs of persecution & grandiosity, which are characteristic symptoms of disorders such as schizophrenia.

Dependent Personality Disorder

A disorder characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behavior.

depressive disorders

also known as mood disorders, a group of mental health conditions characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest or pleasure in activities, leading to significant impairment in functioning.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

A type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on teaching coping skills to manage stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships.

diathesis-stress model

a psychological theory proposing that the development of psychological disorders results from an interaction between predisposing vulnerabilities (diatheses) and environmental stressors, such as traumatic events or chronic stress, which can trigger or exacerbate symptoms.

dissociation

a mental process involving a disruption or detachment from one's thoughts, feelings, memories, or identity, often as a defense mechanism against overwhelming stress, trauma, or psychological distress.

dissociative amnesia

a dissociative disorder characterized by partial or total memory loss of important personal information, events, or experiences, often associated with trauma or stress.

dissociative disorders

a group of mental health conditions characterized by disruptions or disturbances in memory, identity, consciousness, or perception, often as a response to severe trauma or stress.

dissociative identity disorder

formerly known as multiple personality disorder, is a dissociative disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities, which may alternate control over an individual's behavior.

Distress

Negative stress that can cause anxiety and decrease performance.

Dopamine Hypothesis

The theory that schizophrenia is associated with an excess of dopamine activity in the brain.

Dream Interpretation

A psychoanalytic technique involving the interpretation of dreams to uncover unconscious thoughts and desires.

DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Text Revision)

a widely used classification system published by the American Psychiatric Association, providing criteria for diagnosing and classifying mental disorders based on symptoms, behaviors, and clinical presentations.

eclectic approach

involves integrating principles, techniques, and strategies from multiple theoretical perspectives or therapeutic modalities, tailored to meet the individual needs and preferences of clients.

electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

a medical procedure used to treat severe depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions, by inducing controlled seizures in the brain through electrical stimulation, to alleviate symptoms and improve mood.

emotion-focused coping

efforts to regulate or manage the emotional distress associated with stressors, by seeking support, expressing emotions, or reframing the situation in order to reduce negative emotional reactions.

Eustress

Positive, motivating stress that can improve performance and well-being.

evidence-based practice

the integration of research evidence, clinical expertise, and client preferences and values in making informed decisions about treatment and interventions in mental health care, to ensure the effectiveness and appropriateness of interventions.

Evolutionary Perspective

An approach to psychology that focuses on the role of evolutionary processes in shaping behavior.

Exhaustion Stage (GAS)

The stage where the body's resources are depleted and it becomes susceptible to illness.

exposure therapies

behavior therapy techniques that involve gradual and systematic exposure to feared or anxiety-provoking stimuli or situations, with the goal of reducing fear, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors through habituation and extinction of conditioned responses.

Fight or Flight Response

The body's automatic response to a perceived threat, preparing for either confrontation or avoidance.

Flat Affect

A lack of emotional expression often seen in individuals with schizophrenia.

Free Association

A psychoanalytic technique in which patients say whatever comes to mind without censorship as a way of exploring the unconscious.

general adaptation syndrome

a theoretical framework proposed by Hans Selye to describe the body's physiological response to stress, involving three stages - alarm (activation of fight-or-flight response), resistance (adaptation and coping with stressors), and exhaustion (depletion of resources and increased susceptibility to illness).

generalized anxiety disorder

an anxiety disorder characterized by excessive and persistent worry or anxiety about a wide range of everyday events or activities, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as muscle tension or restlessness.

gratitude

the feeling or expression of appreciation, thankfulness, or recognition for the positive aspects of one's life, experiences, or relationships, which has been linked to greater happiness, resilience, and well-being.

group therapy

a form of psychotherapy that involves a therapist leading a group of individuals with similar mental health concerns in therapeutic discussions, activities, or exercises, to explore emotions, share experiences, and provide mutual support.

Hallucination

A false perception in the absence of a stimulus, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there.

health psychology

a subfield of psychology that focuses on the psychological factors influencing health, illness, and healthcare delivery, including the study of behaviors, attitudes, and emotions related to health outcomes and well-being.

hoarding disorder

a mental health condition characterized by persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value, leading to excessive accumulation of clutter and impairment in functioning.

Humanistic Perspective

An approach to psychology that emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and free will.

Hypertension

High blood pressure, which can be exacerbated by stress.

hypnosis

a trance-like state of focused attention, concentration, and suggestibility induced by a trained therapist: has shown effectiveness in treating pain and anxiety, research does not support its ability to retrieve accurate memories or regress in age

Lithium

A mood-stabilizing drug commonly used to treat bipolar disorder.

lobotomy

a form of psychosurgery that involves severing or damaging connections in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, to alleviate symptoms of severe mental illness, although it is now largely discredited due to its severe and often irreversible side effects.

major depressive disorder

a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or hopelessness, accompanied by changes in appetite, sleep, energy levels, and concentration, lasting for at least two weeks.

mania

a distinct period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood, accompanied by increased energy, activity, talkativeness, grandiosity, and impulsivity, which may occur in bipolar disorder or other psychiatric conditions.

Meditation

A practice where an individual uses techniques such as mindfulness to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.

meta-analysis

a statistical method used to combine and analyze the results of multiple independent studies on a specific topic or research question, to provide a comprehensive summary of the overall findings and evaluate the strength of evidence across studies.

mindfulness meditation

a practice that involves paying attention to the present moment, with openness, curiosity, and acceptance, often through techniques such as focused breathing or body scanning, which can reduce stress, enhance self-awareness, and promote emotional regulation.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

A disorder characterized by a long-term pattern of exaggerated self-importance, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.

neurodevelopmental disorders

a group of conditions characterized by impairments in brain function, development, or behavior that manifest early in childhood, such as autism spectrum disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Obsession

Persistent, intrusive thoughts, impulses, or images that cause significant anxiety.

obsessive-compulsive disorder

an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or rituals performed to alleviate anxiety or prevent perceived harm (compulsions).

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

A disorder characterized by preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control.

Panic Attack

A sudden episode of intense fear or anxiety with physical symptoms such as heart palpitations and shortness of breath.

panic disorder

an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort, accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness.

Paranoid Personality Disorder

A disorder characterized by pervasive distrust and suspicion of others.

persistent depressive disorder

also known as dysthymia, a chronic form of depression characterized by persistent low mood, irritability, or hopelessness, lasting for at least two years in adults (one year in children or adolescents).

person-centered therapy

developed by Carl Rogers, a humanistic approach to psychotherapy that emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness in the therapeutic relationship, with the belief that clients possess the capacity for self-understanding and growth.

personality disorders

a group of mental health conditions characterized by enduring patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that deviate from cultural expectations and cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or interpersonal functioning.

phobia

an anxiety disorder characterized by an irrational or excessive fear or aversion to specific objects, situations, or activities, leading to avoidance behavior and significant distress or impairment in daily life.

positive psychology

a branch of psychology that focuses on the study of positive emotions, strengths, virtues, and factors that contribute to human flourishing, resilience, and subjective well-being.

post-traumatic stress disorder

a mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event, such as combat, natural disaster, or assault, characterized by intrusive memories, flashbacks, avoidance, and hyperarousal symptoms.

posttraumatic growth

positive psychological changes, personal growth, or increased resilience experienced by individuals following a traumatic or stressful event, such as greater appreciation for life, enhanced personal strength, or a deeper sense of meaning or purpose.

problem-focused coping

efforts to directly address and manage the underlying cause of stress or problem, by seeking solutions, taking action, or making changes to the situation or environment.

psychodynamic theory

a range of psychological theories and therapeutic approaches that emphasize the role of unconscious processes, childhood experiences, and interpersonal relationships in shaping personality, behavior, and mental health.

psychological disorder

a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and/or behaviors that causes significant distress, impairment in functioning, or deviation from cultural norms, leading to disruption in daily life and relationships.

psychosurgery

a surgical procedure that involves altering or removing specific areas of the brain to treat severe and refractory mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or depression.