UNIT 4: Disorders + Therapy

Psychological Disorders

Patterns of thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that cause significant distress or impairment in daily functioning, and are considered atypical or dysfunctional by society.

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

The standard classification system used by mental health professionals to diagnose psychological disorders.

Advantages of Diagnostic Labeling

Labels help communicate information efficiently among professionals, guide treatment decisions, enable research, and help individuals understand and validate their experiences.

Anxiety Disorders

A group of disorders characterized by excessive fear, worry, and related behavioral disturbances that interfere with daily life.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

A disorder involving persistent, excessive, and uncontrollable worry about a variety of everyday things for at least six months.

Panic Disorder

A disorder marked by recurring, unexpected panic attacks and persistent concern or behavioral changes related to the attacks.

Panic Attack

A sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions in the absence of real danger.

Agoraphobia

An anxiety disorder involving fear and avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable during a panic attack.

Phobias

Intense, irrational, persistent fears of specific objects or situations that lead to avoidance behavior.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A disorder characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.

Hoarding Disorder

A disorder involving persistent difficulty discarding possessions regardless of their value, resulting in cluttered living spaces.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A disorder that develops after exposure to a traumatic event, characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, and hyperarousal.

The Learning Perspective on Anxiety Disorders

Focuses on how fears can be conditioned and reinforced through experiences and observation.

The Biological Perspective on Anxiety Disorders

Suggests that genetic predispositions and brain chemistry contribute to anxiety disorders.

Mood Disorders

Psychological disorders characterized by emotional extremes that disrupt daily functioning.

Major Depressive Disorder

A disorder marked by at least two weeks of depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, and other symptoms.

Bipolar I Disorder

A mood disorder involving at least one full manic episode, often alternating with major depressive episodes.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

A disorder in which a person exhibits two or more distinct identities or personality states, often with gaps in memory.

Schizophrenia

A severe psychological disorder characterized by disorganized thinking, disturbed perceptions, and inappropriate emotions and behaviors.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A therapy that combines cognitive techniques with behavioral techniques to treat a range of disorders.

Psychopharmacology

The study of the effects of drugs on mind and behavior, and the use of medication to treat psychological disorders.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

A form of CBT developed for borderline personality disorder that teaches skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

A cognitive therapy that identifies irrational beliefs and replaces them with rational ones to reduce emotional distress.

Biopsychosocial (Eclectic) Therapy

A comprehensive treatment approach that addresses biological, psychological, and social factors together.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors.