psyc 100- chap. 14

What is psychopathology?

The scientific study of psychological disorders, including their symptoms, causes (etiology), and treatment.

What are the Four D's of Psychological Disorders?

Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, and Danger.

What does 'Deviance' refer to in psychological disorders?

Behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that are not aligned with cultural standards.

What does 'Distress' mean in the context of psychological disorders?

Symptoms that are upsetting and cause pain, suffering, or sorrow for oneself or others.

How is 'Dysfunction' defined in psychological disorders?

Symptoms that disrupt regular routines or interfere with day-to-day functioning.

What does 'Danger' indicate in psychological disorders?

Symptoms that may lead to harm or injury to oneself or others.

What are some pros of using psychiatric labels?

Facilitates communication among professionals, helps categorize symptoms, guides treatment planning, and raises awareness about specific conditions.

What are some cons of using psychiatric labels?

Can perpetuate stigma, oversimplify complex experiences, pathologize normal variations, and may not account for cultural differences.

What is the DSM-5-TR?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Text-Revision, used for consistent and objective diagnosis and treatment decisions.

What is required for a clinical diagnosis of a mental health disorder according to DSM-5-TR?

1. Symptoms must meet minimum criteria

2. cause significant distress

3. cause dysfunction in the individual's life.

What is the prevalence of psychological disorders in the U.S. according to the 2014 National Survey?

Almost 20% of adults in the United States had a psychological disorder.

Point Prevalence (commonness)

the proportion of a population who have a specific characteristic in a given time period

• #of cases/ # of persons

Name Five groups of psychological disorders.

1. Personality Disorders

2. Anxiety Disorders

3. Mood Disorders

4. Eating Disorders

5. Trauma/ Stress Disorders

Example of Mood Disorders

● Major depressive disorder

● Bipolar disorder

Example of Anxiety Disorders

● Generalized Anxiety Disorder

● Panic Disorder

● Phobias

● Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Examples of Personality Disorders

• Borderline personality disorder

• Narcissistic personality disorder

• Antisocial personality disorder

Example of Eating Disorders

● Anorexia nervosa

● Bulimia nervosa

● Binge eating disorder (BED)

What characterizes Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

○ Excessive, persistent, unreasonable anxiety about everyday things

○ Chronic worrying for 6+ months

○ Excessive autonomic activity (racing heart, headache, tension, etc.)

○ Edginess, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, difficulty sleeping

What is a Panic Disorder?

○ Repeated, unexpected episodes of intense fear or dread (10-20 mins)

○ Symptoms: racing heart, tight chest, abnormal breathing, fear of heart

attack or going “crazy”, tunnel vision, etc.

○ Active avoidance of situations that may cause panic

What is Agoraphobia?

Fear of being in open spaces or not being able to escape, leading to active avoidance of such situations.

What defines a Specific Phobic Disorder?

Significant, irrational fear of a specific object, place, or situation, leading to active avoidance.

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Fear of being judged or embarrassing oneself in social situations, often leading to avoidance.

What are obsessions in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Recurrent unwanted and intrusive thoughts, fears, or urges.

Example: Fear of germs

What are compulsions in OCD?

Behaviors or mental rituals performed in response to obsessions,

Example: Repetitive hand washing due to the fear of germs.

Criteria: Must take 1 hour per day (compulsion)

What is Hoarding Disorder?

Difficulty getting rid of useless items, leading to excessive accumulation and distress when attempts are made to clear clutter.

What is Major Depressive Disorder?

• Episode: two weeks or longer

  ○ Symptoms:

  ● Low, sad mood

  ● Lack of motivation, energy

  ● Changes in sleep/appetite

  ● Negative thoughts about self/world

  ● Suicidal thoughts/actions

What defines Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)?

A low-grade depression lasting longer than two years.

What are the key features of Bipolar I & II Disorder?

• Manic or hypomanic episodes

• State of intense hyperactivity or impulsivity that can be self-destructive or dangerous

•  Depressive episodes

• High suicide prevalence

What is a common consequence of manic episodes in bipolar disorder?

They can lead to psychotic symptoms.

What is the importance of person-first language in discussing mental health?

It reduces stigma by emphasizing the individual rather than their disorder (e.g., 'person with schizophrenia' instead of 'schizophrenic').

What are the cognitive symptoms associated with Schizophrenia?

1. Thought disorder

• Neologisms: made up words

2. Impaired attention/ memory

3. Difficulties with decision-making and problem-solving

What are positive symptoms of Schizophrenia?

Delusions, hallucinations, bizarre/ catatonic behavior, disorganized thoughts, and speech.

What are negative symptoms of Schizophrenia?

1. Affective flattening

2. Alogia (restriction in thought/speech)

3. Avolition (Less goaloriented behavior)

4. Anhedonia (lack of experiencing pleasure)

5. Asociality (isolative)

What is the most lethal mental health diagnosis?

Anorexia Nervosa.

What distinguishes Bulimia Nervosa from Binge Eating Disorder?

Bulimia involves purging after binge eating, while Binge Eating Disorder does not.

What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

A disorder resulting from witnessing a traumatic event, characterized by intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and hypervigilance.

What are common symptoms of Alcohol/Substance Use Disorders?

Continued use despite negative consequences, cravings, withdrawal, tolerance, and unsuccessful attempts to quit.

What is Somatic Symptom Disorder?

An intense focus on physical symptoms or illness without a medical explanation.

Conversion disorder

Experience real symptoms of illness or injury, but there is no medical explanation

What is Dissociative Amnesia?

Inability to remember important personal information.

What characterizes Dissociative Fugue?

Loss of personal identity, often involving leaving home.

Dissociative Personality Disorder

• (Multiple Personality Disorder)

• Presence of 2+ personality disorders

• Extensive memory loss across the personalities

What is the Diathesis Stress Model?

A model explaining psychological disorders as a result of genetic predisposition (diathesis) combined with life experiences (stress).

Personality Disorder

chronic or enduring patterns of behavior that lead to significant impairments in social functioning

What are the three clusters of Personality Disorders?

1. Cluster A (Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal)

2. Cluster B (Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic)

3. Cluster C (Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive).

What is the primary feature of Antisocial Personality Disorder?

A pervasive pattern of disregard for the rights of others, often beginning in childhood.

What is the difference between Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

OCPD is ego-syntonic (individual is comfortable with their behavior), while OCD is ego-dystonic (individual wishes to stop).

General Neurocognitive Disorders

●“Dementia” attributable to:

○Brain injury

○Disease (e.g., vascular dementia)

○Substance/medication use

○Alzheimer’s Disease

Causes of mental health disorders: The Biopsychosocial Model

1. Biological Makeup: Genes, brain chemistry, hormones, physical health

2. Psychological Experiences: Thoughts, emotions, coping skills, personality.

3. Social Environment: Family, culture, relationships, socioeconomic status.

What are common myths about suicide?

Myths include that people attempt for attention, talking about it increases likelihood, and women only talk about it without acting.

What are some facts about suicide?

Women are more likely to attempt, men are more likely to succeed; it is the second leading cause of death for ages 15-34.

What does the term 'maladaptive attributions' refer to?

Negative attributional styles that contribute to depression, such as believing failures are due to personal inadequacy.

What is learned helplessness theory?

A theory suggesting that depression arises from a perceived lack of control over stressful events.

What role does culture play in mental health disorders?

Cultural factors such as war, poverty, and societal ideals can contribute to the development of psychological disorders.

What are the biological factors contributing to mental health disorders?

Neurotransmitter imbalances, structural brain problems, and genetic contributions.

What is the significance of the biopsychosocial model?

It emphasizes that biological, psychological, and social factors interact to determine the risk of psychological disorders.

What characterizes the cognitive symptoms of Schizophrenia?

Impaired attention, memory, and decision-making abilities.

What is the impact of substance use disorders on social functioning?

Continued use despite negative social, physical, or emotional consequences leads to significant impairment.

What are the symptoms of Conversion Disorder?

Real symptoms of illness or injury without a medical explanation.

What is the significance of Thomas Joiner's Interpersonal Model of Suicide?

It highlights the importance of interpersonal factors in understanding suicidal behavior.