AP Psychology Unit 12 - Abstract Psychology

Pathological

mental impairments and disorders linked to biological abnormalities stemming from disease, injury, biochemistry, genetics, etc.

Idiopathic

any condition, physical or mental, that cannot be explained biologically

Psychosomatic

medical/physical symptoms caused or exacerbated by psychological factors

Comorbidity

the simultaneous existence of 2 or more health conditions

Ambivalence

the coexistence of 2 opposing, contradicting impulses / emotions towards the same thing, at the same time, causing emotional distress (cognitive dissonance)

Congenital

conditions, traits, abnormalities that are present at birth

Predisposition

biological, genetic vulnerability for developing an abnormality

Maladaptive

abnormalities with inappropriate time adjustment and responses to stress and social situations

Dysfunctional

unhealthy behaviors & cognitive patterns that are considered wrong, inappropriate, and/or socially unacceptable

Anergia

having a lack of physical motivation/energy for daily tasks

Avolition

having a lack of mental motivation/energy for daily tasks

Anhedonia

having a general loss of interest in/withdrawal from activities that once were enjoyable

Mania

periods of extreme elevated emotion, increased energy, euphoria, racing thoughts, excessive talking, excessive impulsivity, and hyperactivity

Delusions

dysfunctional, exaggerated emotions and extreme false beliefs

Hallucinations

severe alterations/sensory misperceptions of reality

Catatonia

behaviors marked with erratic muscular movements and body contortions

Cataplexy

a sudden loss of muscle tone and voluntary motor control causing paralysis and immobilization

Stupor

a state of altered consciousness in which an individual does not react to their surroundings or show cognitive awareness

Neurocognitive Disorders

DSM conditions marked with significant declines in at least one of the cognitive domains:

1. executive functioning

2. cognitive focus / attention span

3. language / communication skills

4. mental processing

5. learning

6. perceptual motor skills

Delirium

• sensory condition causing severe disruptions of consciousness

• disorganized and incoherent thinking, inattentiveness, confusion

• acute onset

Dementia

neurodegenerative condition characterized with a progressive intellectual decline with impaired memory and cognitive focus; erratic mood swings, changes in personality

Alzheimer’s Disease

• neurodegenerative disease caused by an abnormal build up of proteins causing progressive damage to neuron cells

• gradual cognitive decline in memory retrieval and problem solving

• incoherent speech patterns

• changes in mood & personality

• delusions, hallucinations

• loss of muscle control and general deterioration of health

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

• group of related conditions in which the growth and development of the brain is affected

• disorders are typically diagnosable in early childhood - adolescence but are generally persistent throughout life

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• chronic condition of persistent lack of focus and concentration that is inconsistent with the child’s appropriate developmental age level

• easily distracted by external stimuli and internal thoughts

• prone to hyperactivity and impulsivity

• poor executive functioning

• incomplete tasks

Persistent Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder

• tic → compulsive, repetitive vocalizations or bodily movements

• chronic display of motor tics

• chronic display of vocal tics

• cannot have both (only can have motor or vocal)

Tourette’s Disorder

chronic display of both motor and vocal tics for at least 1 year

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• 1/3 don’t develop adequate speech / language skills

• difficulty understanding / responding to social cues

• often lacks empathy to understand the emotions of others

• hypersensitivity

• link between nerves and muscles

• excessively mechanical

• maladaptive reactions to change in routine

• repetitive behaviors

• obsessive, intrusive thoughts and behaviors

• prone to bouts of frustration

Depressive Disorders

group of related DSM pathological disorders with biological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, and psychodynamic causes and symptoms

• organically attributed to disruption primarily within the prefrontal cortex

• primary biochemicals → serotonin, norepinephrine

• secondary biochemicals → oxytocin, melatonin, dopamine

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

• condition diagnosed in children or adolescents with severe mood disorders and behavioral outbursts

• intense anger coupled with intense temper outbursts (rage)

• chronically irritable mood most of the day, nearly everyday

• recurrent major depressive episodes

• diagnosis must be independent of ASD

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

• existence of anhedonia, anergia, & avolition

• sadness, despair, anxiety, irritability

• headaches, muscle aches, GI tract discomfort, hypersomnia, insomnia, appetite fluctuations

• intrusive thoughts, delusions, hallucinations

Major Depressive Disorder with Perinatal Onset

• depression and anxiety experienced during pregnancy and after birth

• affects 8-10% of all mothers within the first year after giving birth

Acute Psychosis with Perinatal Onset

• extreme perceptual disruptions of reality following childbirth

• fear of self injury / injuring the baby

• delusions, hallucinations induced by preexisting comorbidity

MDD with Seasonal Pattern

• depressive cycles that correspond with the seasonal calendar

• patterns of recurring major depressive episodes in the fall/winter

• neurochemical and vitamin deficiencies lead to serotonin imbalance

Persistent Depressive Disorder

• chronic but low-level depression lasting for at least 2 years

• milder but longer lasting

Bipolar I Disorder

• recurrent episodes of depression and mania (manic episodes)

• mild to moderate depression

Bipolar II Disorder

• episodes of depression and hypomania

• hypomania → milder form of mania

• moderate to severe levels of depression

Cyclothymic Disorder

• similar to bipolar III with less severe fluctuations

• low grade symptoms must persist for 2 years

Anxiety

emotional distressed experienced in anticipation of negative or threatening stimuli / events

Separation Anxiety Disorder

• most common in children

• difficulty being away from parents or other loved ones

• excessive worry about harm / loved ones

• excessive worry about danger to self; fear of being alone

• feeling physically ill when away from loved ones

Selective Mutism

• paradoxical anxiety disorder marked by intense fear of speaking in social situations but exceptionally vocal when in company of home environment

• must be independent of ASD

• indicative of future adult anxiety conditions

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

• chronic, excessive, and uncontrollable anxiety

• not to a singular stressor

• difficulty coping with daily problems

• feeling overwhelmed

• everyday stressors become magnified

Phobias vs GAD

phobias are to a specific stimuli, while GAD is to lots of things

Agoraphobia

• situational type phobia

• fear of environments in which one can’t escape / evacuate

• associated with panic attacks

Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia Specifier

• persistent panic attacks → periods of intense fear, disorientation, hyperventilation, elevated pulse, and altered consciousness

• sudden and temporary nervous breakdown but with residual cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms that can last for hours

• feelings of lacking physical and emotional control

Social Anxiety Disorder

• acute anxiety onset by interactions within a social environment

• fear of people watching you in public

• fear of doing or saying something embarrassing in public

• avoidance of social situations

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)

• a condition where a child doesn't form healthy emotional bonds with their caretakers (parental figures), often because of emotional neglect or abuse at an early age

• hypervigilant and fearful of dangers

• avoidance of affection & emotional contact → hugs, etc.

Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED)

• apathy/disinterest in caretakers and/or family members

• willingness to leave family members

• seeking physical contact / attention from strangers

Social Adjustment Disorder

• a collection of maladaptive reactions to psychosocial stressors

• loss of relationship

• starting/changing/graduating from school

Prolonged Grief Disorder

• considered a specific type of social adjustment disorder concerning the death of a loved one

• intense emotional anguish

Acute Stress Disorder

• severe maladaptive reactions following a traumatic event or a series of related traumatic events

• diagnosis window begins 3 days after event until one month

PTSD

• severe maladaptive reaction following traumatic events

• chronic condition

• Specified as “combat-related” or “non-combat”

• Symptoms

  1. intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares

  2. hypervigilance

  3. avoidance behaviors

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

• chronic display of aggressive, disobedient, and hostile misbehavior

• typically towards authority

• argumentative, spiteful, seeking revenge

• shares symptoms with DMDD, but this disorder doesn’t have episodes of depressive mood and is less severe than DMDD

Intermittent Explosive Disorder

• recurring episodes of anger and behavioral outbursts (rage)

• difficulty self regulating and expressing emotions

• rage symptoms relate to medical / organic factors

Conduct Disorder

• persistent display of unsafe or inappropriate behaviors

  • aggression towards people and animals

  • breaking rules

  • breaking laws

  • usually in adulthood is diagnosed as Antisocial Personality Disorder

Kleptomania

• failure to resist impulses to steal objects

• stolen objects are typically of trivial value and are no taken to obtain profit

• actions produce euphoric feeling

Pyromania

• compulsive actions of purposefully setting fire

• people will set fire not for money, intimidation, or destruction but rather for a euphoric feeling

Pathological Gambling Disorder

• psychological addiction to gambling and the thrill of winning

• amount of money risked must increase in order to elicit the same level of thrill

• inability to stop when ahead, reckless wagering when behind

Obsessions

cognitive symptoms → dysfunctional, persistent, intrusive thoughts and emotions

Compulsions

behavioral symptoms → repetitive, impulsive, uncontrollable actions

Trichotillomania

• cognitive-behavioral disorder marked by the repetitive impulse to pull one’s hair from body and head

• typically related with anxiety

Excoriation Disorder

repetitive impulse to pick one’s skin and/or bite nails

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

• general obsession with the appearance of one’s body

• specific obsession with an exaggerated/imagined “flaw”

• incongruence between one’s self perception and reality

OCD

• pathological disorder with obsessions and compulsions

• obsessions are irrational/torturous

• compulsions are to stop the obsessions

• 3 common subtypes

  1. perfectionistic behaviors

  2. fear of contamination

  3. fear of danger or harm

Hoarding Disorder

• overwhelming need to possess objects largely of sentimental value that accumulates over time, making it hard to part with

• largely develops as a maladaptive response to times of scarcity

Psychosis

• severe psychiatric conditions with ASCs

• characterized with a disconnection or distortions of reality

Delusional Disorder

• marked by the existence of at least one powerful delusion

• devotion to false beliefs negatively alter the basis for reality

Acute Psychotic Disorder

• sudden/temporary onset of psychotic symptoms that last greater than 1 month

• possible episodes of recurrent future relapses

• extreme maladaptive responses to psychosocial stress & trauma

Schizophreniform Disorder

• mental health condition with temporary schizophrenia symptoms

• delusions, hallucinations, disorganization less than 6 months

• 2/3 of people are later diagnosed with schizophrenia

Schizoaffective Disorder

• symptoms of schizophrenia and episodes of disordered mood

  • MDD

  • Bipolar Disorders

• can occur at the same or at different times

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder

• tend to originate in early puberty but typically don’t display noticeable symptoms until adulthood

• 10-15 year incubation period

• symptoms develop so slowly they are largely undetected

• Positive Symptoms

  • delusions

  • hallucinations

• Negative Symptoms

  • withdrawal from social interaction

  • loss of structured thought

  • absence of emotions → flat effect

Paranoid Type Schizophrenia

• psychotic condition that includes all the general symptoms of schizophrenia but marked with delusional paranoia

Disorganized Type Schizophrenia

• general symptoms of schizophrenia

• extreme cognitive disruptions

• gross neglect to appearance and personal hygiene

Catatonic Type Schizophrenia

• general symptoms of schizophrenia

• volatile mood swings / emotional outbursts

• recurrent catatonic episodes

Undifferentiated Type Schizophrenia

• general symptoms of schizophrenia

• doesn’t meet specified criteria for paranoid, disorganized, or catatonic schizphrenia

Neuroleptics

dopamine antagonists (also called antipsychotics)

Tardive Dyskinesia

• neurological antipsychotic side effect

• uncontrollable muscle spasms in the face and body resulting from dopamine deficiencies in motor neurons

Somatic Symptom Disorder

• psychological obsessions of an existing medical health symptom

• psychological stress is converted into physical/medical symptoms

Illness-Anxiety Disorder

• “hypochondriasis”

• excessive concern for one’s physical health and fear of the contraction of a disease

• believing minor symptoms are signs of serious health issues

• health anxiety

Factitious Disorder

• Formerly Munchausen’s Syndrome

• characterized by perpetually faking illness or injuries to elicit emotional support and sympathy from others

Factitious Disorder by proxy

• Formerly Munchausen’s Syndrome by Proxy

• variant Factitious Disorder in which a primary care provider (typically the mother) seeks attention by purposely making and keeping their child ill

Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder

• marked by episodes of depersonalization (feeling outside of one’s body) and derealization (reality doesn’t feel real)

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

• typically a response to extreme stress and trauma

• psyche fractures and forms an alter ego as a coping device

• at least 1 “alter” in addition to one’s normal personality

• only 1 personality can control the physical operations of the body at a time

• dissociative amnesia

Eclectic Approach

standard therapeutic practice of integrating multiple form sof treatment based upon all applicable perspectives of modern psychology

Pharmaceutical Therapy

used to treat biological disorders by restoring/maintaining biochemical balances

4 primary classifications of psychotropic medications

1. antidepressants

2. antianxieties

3. antipsychotics

4. mood stabilizers

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

• active molecular compound commonly used in antidepressant/antianxiety medications

• blocks reabsorption of serotonin by presynaptic axon = maximizes amount absorbed by the postsynaptic dendrites

Psychosurgery

• extreme last resort to alleviate extreme pathological disorders (ex. lobotomy)

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

• procedure attempting to reestablish rhythmic homeostasis of bioelectrical impulses

• patient is exposed to regulated cycles of electricity causing a brief cortical seizure

• electrical overloads stimulate the natural production & distribution of neurotransmitters

Insulin Shock Therapy

• injecting insulin-based compounds into the carotid artery causing the body to convulse into a seizure and initiate a brief insulin coma

• intentions of the shock is to synchronize bioelectrical fields

• similar to electroconvulsive therapy

• insulin-induced comas promote neural-cell recovery and structural integrity of brain tissue

Counter-Conditioning

pairing fear stimulus with something pleasing

Aversion Therapy

• technique of pairing reoccurring negative behavior with a stimulus of discomfort

  • electric shock

  • nausea inducing chemicals

  • emetic chemicals

Token Economy

• reinforcing desire behaviors with an incentive based system of goal completion

• tokens have monetary no value

• tokens are cashed in for rewards

Self-Fulfilling / Self-Defeating Prophecies

behavioral tendencies that are likely to develop when fixated thoughts / attitudes dictate actions = “learned helplessness”

Rational-Emotive Therapy (RET)

• Albert Ellis

• technique for individuals to balance rational thoughts vs emotional reactions

• therapists must train the patient to understand the irrational nature of their thoughts and emotions

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Aaron Beck

• form of talk therapy that teaches individuals how to self evaluate

• provides individuals with a personal tool kit of coping mechanisms and grounding exercises to control dysfunctional thoughts

Selective Perception

the cognitively-depressed mind tends to only focus on the negatives of a situation while ignoring any positives

Overgeneralization

people with depression often make irrational assumptions and draw negative conclusions about all situations (thinking in absolutes)

Magnification

depression creates a tendency to over-exaggerate the context (and severity) of most all situations in a negative manner

Client-Centered Therapy

• patients are trained to become “self therapists”

• patients are viewed as clients

• therapist & client must work together in order to achieve effective treatment / counseling

Unconditional Positive Regard

• maintaining a supportive environment of acceptance regardless of what the client says or does

• avoiding judgement / evaluations