Anxiety Disorders and Unipolar Depression

These flashcards cover key definitions and concepts related to anxiety disorders and unipolar depression as discussed in the lecture notes.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

A disorder characterized by excessive anxiety and worry about various aspects of life that lasts for at least six months.

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Common symptoms include edginess, fatigue, poor concentration, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep problems.

Separation Anxiety Disorder

A disorder primarily seen in children but can also occur in adults, involving extreme anxiety when separated from home or significant others.

Sociocultural Factors

Factors related to societal conditions, such as poverty and crime rates, that can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders.

Cognitive-Behavioral Theory

A theory suggesting that psychological disorders are caused by maladaptive behaviors and faulty thinking.

Metacognitive Theory

A theory positing that people with generalized anxiety disorder hold both positive and negative beliefs about worrying.

Intolerance of Uncertainty Theory

A theory that suggests individuals worry about uncertain events as a coping mechanism to preempt negative outcomes.

Avoidance Theory

A theory suggesting that individuals with generalized anxiety disorder worry to decrease physiological arousal.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A disorder characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

Dissociative Identity Disorder

A disorder where a person exhibits two or more distinct identities or personality states, each with its own pattern of perceiving and relating to the world.

Dissociative Amnesia

A condition where an individual cannot recall important personal information, usually related to traumatic or stressful events.

Stress Disorder

A disorder that emerges after experiencing a traumatic event, such as Acute Stress Disorder or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A disorder characterized by intrusive memories, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, negative changes in mood, and heightened arousal following a traumatic event.

Biological Factors in Depression

Genetic predispositions, neurotransmitter irregularities, and physical health issues that can contribute to unipolar depression.

Cognitive Triad

The three negative thought patterns that characterize depression: negative views about oneself, the world, and the future.

Learned Helplessness Theory

A theory suggesting that individuals who believe they have no control over their lives may become depressed.

Antidepressant Medications

Medications used to treat depression that typically affect neurotransmitter activity, such as serotonin and norepinephrine.

Cognitive Therapy

A treatment that focuses on changing negative thinking patterns to improve mood and behavior.

Behavioral Activation

A treatment approach for depression that aims to increase engagement in positive activities to improve mood.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

A therapeutic approach that focuses on improving interpersonal relationships to alleviate depressive symptoms.

Bipolar Disorder

A disorder characterized by alternating periods of mania and depression.

Symptoms of Mania

Characterized by high energy, irritability, decreased need for sleep, and impulsive behavior.