Psychopathology and Individual Differences

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to psychology, particularly psychopathology and individual differences.

Psychopathology

The study of psychological disorders, including their causes, treatment, and effects.

Abnormal Psychology

A branch of psychology that deals with abnormal behavior and psychological disorders.

Differential Psychology

The study of differences in individual behavior and personality.

Personality

Individual differences in general or normal behavior.

Abnormality

Deviation from the statistical or social norm in behavior.

Statistical Deviance

An approach that views abnormality as behaviors that are rare or extreme compared to typical behaviors.

Social Norm Approach

Defining abnormality through cultural guidelines on appropriate behavior.

Personal Distress

A criterion for abnormality based on an individual's level of suffering.

Maladaptiveness

The degree to which behavior interferes with daily functioning.

Mental Illness Approach

A perspective that combines physical and psychological factors to understand abnormal behavior.

Hippocrates

An ancient Greek philosopher who linked psychological disorders to physical dysfunction.

Somatogenic Approach

A perspective in psychopathology that attributes psychological symptoms to physiological causes.

Plato

An ancient philosopher who believed psychological disorders were intrapsychical conflicts.

Bedlam

The first formal psychiatric hospital, established in 1243.

Moral Treatment

A historically significant approach to mental health that emphasized compassion and understanding.

Somatogenic by Wilhelm Griesinger

The theory that brain pathology causes all mental disorders.

Catharsis

The process of releasing and thereby providing relief from strong or repressed emotions.

Self-Efficacy

An individual's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations.

Rational Emotive Therapy

A cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on changing negative beliefs.

Neurophysiology

The study of how the nervous system functions and its impact on behavior.

Neuroanatomy

The study of the structure of the nervous system.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons.

Biopsychosocial Model

A comprehensive approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors in health.

Diathesis-Stress Model

A theory suggesting that psychological disorders develop from a combination of predisposition and stress.

Idiographic Approach

A method that emphasizes the individual experience of mental illness.

Nomothetic Approach

A method that seeks to establish general laws by comparing groups of individuals.

ICD

International Classification of Diseases, a global health information standard.

DSM

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a standard classification of mental disorders.

Schizophrenia

A psychotic disorder characterized by distorted thinking and perception.

Hallucinations

False sensory experiences, such as seeing or hearing things that are not present.

Delusions

Fixed false beliefs that are resistant to reason or confrontation with actual facts.

Affective Disorders

Mood disorders characterized by extreme mood fluctuations.

Personality Disorders

Enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate from cultural expectations.

Cluster A Personality Disorders

Odd and eccentric behaviors (e.g., Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal).

Cluster B Personality Disorders

Dramatic, emotional, or erratic behaviors (e.g., Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic).

Cluster C Personality Disorders

Anxious and fearful behaviors (e.g., Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive).