Chapter 14 Objectives

Psychopathology

The scientific study of mental disorders and abnormal behaviors, including their symptoms, causes, and treatment.

Diathesis-stress model

A psychological theory that explains the development of disorders as a result of the interaction between a predispositional vulnerability (diathesis) and environmental stressors.

Biopsychosocial Approach

A model that acknowledges the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding and treating mental health issues.

DSM-5

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, which provides standardized criteria for diagnosing mental disorders.

Specific Phobia

A type of anxiety disorder characterized by intense, irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that leads to avoidance behavior.

Social Anxiety Disorder

A chronic anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear of social situations where one may be judged or scrutinized by others.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

A chronic anxiety disorder characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of daily life, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness and fatigue.

Panic Disorder

A type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and ongoing fear of future attacks, often leading to avoidance of certain situations.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

A chronic anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to alleviate the anxiety they cause.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

A mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, characterized by symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

Major Depression

A mood disorder marked by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and a range of emotional and physical problems that can interfere with daily life.

How do biological, psychological and social factor play a role in the cause of depression?

These factors interact in a complex way to contribute to the onset and progression of depression, with biological influences like genetics, psychological factors such as cognitive patterns, and social elements like life stressors and support systems all playing important roles.

Bipolar I

A mental disorder characterized by dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, with episodes of mania and depression.

Bipolar 2

A mental disorder characterized by recurring episodes of depression and hypomania, which is a milder form of mania, without the full-blown manic episodes seen in Bipolar I.

What causes Bipolar 1

The exact cause of Bipolar I disorder is not fully understood, but it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors that lead to significant mood changes.

What causes Bipolar 2

The exact cause of Bipolar II disorder remains unclear, but genetic predisposition, brain structure and chemistry, and environmental stressors are thought to play a role in triggering episodes of hypomania and depression.

Schizophrenia

A severe mental disorder characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, and sense of self. Symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, and impaired functioning.

Positive symptoms

refer to the presence of abnormal behaviors or thoughts, such as hallucinations and delusions, that are not typically seen in healthy individuals.

Negative symptoms

refer to the absence or reduction of normal emotional and behavioral functions, such as lack of motivation, flat affect, and social withdrawal. .

Hallucinations

false sensory perceptions that occur without external stimuli, often experienced in schizophrenia.

Delusions

false beliefs that are strongly held despite evidence to the contrary, commonly found in schizophrenia.

Disorganized speech

Incoherent or nonsensical speech patterns often seen in schizophrenia, reflecting a disturbance in thought processes.

Disorganized behavior

Erratic or purposeless behavior that disrupts daily functioning, often observed in schizophrenia.

Biological factors that influence the development of schizophrenia

Genetic predispositions, neurochemical imbalances, and structural brain abnormalities contributing to the risk of developing schizophrenia.

Environmental factors that influence the development of schizophrenia

Social stressors, prenatal exposure to infections, and childhood trauma that may increase the likelihood of developing schizophrenia.

Borderline Personality Disorder

A mental health disorder characterized by unstable moods, behavior, and relationships, often involving impulsive actions and intense emotional responses.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

A mental health disorder marked by a disregard for others' rights, often manifesting as deceitful, manipulative behavior and a lack of empathy.

Dissociative Amnesia

A condition characterized by an inability to recall important personal information, usually following traumatic or stressful events, which is not attributed to a medical condition or substance use.

Dissociative Identity Disorder

A severe mental health disorder where a person has two or more distinct identities or personality states, each with its own pattern of perceiving and interacting with the world.

Autism spectrum disorder

A developmental disorder affecting communication, behavior, and social interaction, typically characterized by challenges in social skills and repetitive behaviors.

Attention Deficity/Hyperactivity Disorder

A neurodevelopmental disorder marked by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.