Unit 11 – Psychological Disorders: psychology

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from Unit 11 on Psychological Disorders.

Psychological Disorder

A clinically significant disturbance in cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior that is deviant, distressful, and dysfunctional.

Deviant-Distressful-Dysfunctional (3 D’s)

The three common features that mark most psychological disorders: unusual, personally upsetting, and impairing daily life.

Medical Model

The view that mental illness can be diagnosed, treated, and often cured through medical therapy.

Biopsychosocial Approach

Explains mental disorders as the result of interacting biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.

DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Ed.)

The primary classification system for identifying and diagnosing mental disorders based on standard criteria.

Anxiety Disorders

A category of disorders characterized by excessive fear or anxiety.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Persistent, excessive worry about various aspects of life for at least six months.

Panic Disorder

Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks marked by sudden episodes of intense dread.

Phobia

An irrational, persistent fear of a specific object, activity, or situation.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Intense fear of being judged, humiliated, or embarrassed in social settings.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Involves unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and/or ritualistic actions (compulsions).

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Haunting memories, nightmares, and anxiety that persist after a traumatic event.

Major Depressive Disorder

A mood disorder featuring persistent sadness, loss of interest, and other depressive symptoms.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Depressive episodes that occur seasonally, most often during winter months.

Bipolar Disorder

Mood disorder with alternating periods of depression and mania.

Mania

A state of extreme excitement, high energy, and impulsiveness often seen in bipolar disorder.

Schizophrenia

Severe disorder with disorganized thinking, disturbed perceptions (hallucinations/delusions), and inappropriate emotions.

Eating Disorders

Group of disorders involving disturbed eating behaviors and related thoughts.

Anorexia Nervosa

Eating disorder marked by extreme food restriction and dangerously low body weight.

Bulimia Nervosa

Cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory purging behaviors.

Binge-Eating Disorder

Recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food without subsequent purging.

Personality Disorders

Enduring, inflexible behavior patterns that impair social or occupational functioning.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Chronic disregard for and violation of others’ rights, often associated with criminal behavior.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Instability in relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.

Stigma (Mental Illness)

Negative stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination toward individuals with mental disorders.