Chapter 15: Psychological Disorders

What is a psychological disorder according to the APA?

A syndrome characterized by significant disturbances in thoughts, emotions, or behaviors.

What is psychopathology?

The study of psychological disorders, including symptoms, causes, and treatments.

What are the four criteria for distinguishing psychological disorders?

Atypical, Distressful, Dysfunctional, Dangerous.

What is the stigma related to mental health?

The view that mental health issues are less important than physical illnesses.

What does the DSM-5 stand for?

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition.

What does comorbidity mean in psychology?

The presence of more than one disorder at the same time.

What is the definition of anxiety disorder?

Excessive and ongoing fear and anxiety that disrupts life.

What is major depressive disorder?

A mood disorder characterized by a depressed mood most of the day.

What is the prevalence rate of major depressive disorder in U.S. adults?

About 17%.

What are the key symptoms of PTSD?

Intrusive memories, flashbacks, avoidance, negative emotional states.

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

A condition characterized by unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and the need to perform certain actions (compulsions).

How does classical conditioning relate to phobias?

It establishes fear by associating a neutral stimulus with a traumatic event.

What is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Continuous and excessive worry about various aspects of life.

How is social anxiety disorder defined?

Extreme fear of social situations where one might be judged negatively.

What are the common symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Alternating periods of depression and mania.

What is the significance of genetic factors in schizophrenia?

The risk increases if a family member has schizophrenia.

What does depersonalization mean in depersonalization/derealization disorder?

Feeling detached from oneself as if observing from outside the body.

What are the symptoms of dissociative identity disorder (DID)?

Presence of two or more distinct personality states and memory gaps.

What is ADHD?

A condition where a child shows ongoing patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity that disrupt their daily life.

What is the approximate prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children?

About 1 in 59 children.

What are the characteristics of personality disorders?

Maladaptive styles that cause problems for individuals and their relationships.

What are the three clusters of personality disorders in DSM-5?

Cluster A (Odd/Eccentric), Cluster B (Dramatic/Emotional/Erratic), Cluster C (Anxious/Fearful).

What are common symptoms of borderline personality disorder?

Instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions.

What is the focus of cognitive theories in mood disorders?

Negative thinking patterns that can lead to depression.

What is the difference between hallucinations and delusions?

Hallucinations are experiences of things that aren't there; delusions are strongly held false beliefs.

What is the role of neurotransmitters in mood regulation?

Neurotransmitter levels (like serotonin) can affect mood.

What are safety behaviors in social anxiety disorder?

Actions taken to avoid anxiety in social situations, like avoiding eye contact.

How can trauma severity impact the development of PTSD?

More severe trauma leads to a higher risk of developing PTSD.

What does the diathesis-stress model explain?

The interaction between biological predispositions and environmental stressors in developing a disorder.

What defines the chronic low mood in persistent depressive disorder?

Lasting for at least two years.

What is the significance of the 1973 DSM revision regarding homosexuality?

Removed from the list of mental disorders.

How does the DSM-5 classify disorders?

Provides descriptions of various mental disorders and their diagnostic criteria.

What is the percentage of Americans experiencing panic disorder?

Some estimates suggest around 2-3%.

What does the term 'stigma' refer to in mental health contexts?

Negative attitudes and beliefs toward people with mental health issues.

What is the relationship between ADHD and academic performance?

Children with ADHD tend to have lower grades and higher dropout rates.

What is a common misconception about ADHD?

That it is caused by poor parenting or sugar intake.

How do environmental factors influence autism spectrum disorder?

Pollutants and prenatal exposures have been linked to increased risk.

What is the prevalence of agoraphobia in the U.S.?

About 1.4% of Americans.

What factor increases the risk for developing schizophrenia after maternal infections?

Obstetric complications during birth.

What is hoarding disorder?

Inability to part with possessions due to emotional attachment.

How is body dysmorphic disorder characterized?

Obsession with perceived flaws in one’s appearance.

What is the common age for schizophrenia diagnosis?

Usually diagnosed in early adulthood.

What are the possible effects of lack of social support following trauma?

It can increase the risk for developing PTSD.

How do thought processes differ in individuals with antisocial personality disorder?

They show a lack of normal emotional responses.

What supports the argument for overpathologizing in DSM-5?

The lenient criteria allowing for grief to be diagnosed as a disorder.

What is eerie about the historical view of psychological disorders?

They were often attributed to supernatural causes.

What are the potential consequences of untreated ADHD in adulthood?

Poor education, job opportunities, and higher rates of substance abuse.

What does chronic low mood indicate in the context of mood disorders?

It signals persistent depressive disorder.

What is the focus of compassionate views on psychological disorders?

Recognizing individuals as unique rather than defined by their disorders.