Psychological Disorders

A set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to psychological disorders.

Psychological Disorder

A syndrome or cluster of symptoms that cause clinically significant disturbance in cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior.

DSM-5

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association.

Syndrome

A group of symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular condition.

Point Prevalence

The percentage of a population that has a given psychological disorder at a specific point in time.

Lifetime Prevalence

The percentage of a population that will experience a given psychological disorder at any point in their lives.

Clinical Assessment

A procedure for gathering information to evaluate a client’s psychological functioning.

Clinical Interview

A conversation in which the clinician asks the client to describe their problems and concerns.

Self-report Measures

Standardized questionnaires where clients respond to a fixed set of questions about their symptoms.

Projective Tests

Assessment tools that require clients to respond to ambiguous stimuli, used to uncover hidden motives.

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

A projective test in which clients create stories about images presented to them.

Rorschach Inkblot Test

A projective test using inkblots to assess personality functioning.

Psychopathology

The scientific study of psychological disorders.

Normal Behavior

Behaviors that conform to social and cultural expectations; does not indicate psychological disorder.

Abnormal Behavior

Behaviors that deviate from social norms and may signify psychological disorders.

Diathesis-Stress Model

A theory that proposes psychological disorders result from the interaction of predisposed vulnerabilities and stressors.

Comorbidity

The presence of two or more disorders in the same individual.

Anxiety-Related Disorders

The most common type of psychological disorders, characterized by excessive fear and anxiety.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Intense fear of being judged negatively by others in social situations.

Panic Disorder

Characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and persistent fear of having more of them.

Agoraphobia

Fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable, often associated with panic disorder.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Excessive, uncontrollable worry about a range of events or activities.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Characterized by recurrent obsessions and compulsions.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A prolonged response to traumatic events, involving intrusive memories and avoidance.

Major Depressive Disorder

A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.

Bipolar Disorder

Mood disorder marked by alternating periods of high energy (mania) and depression.

Schizophrenia

A severe psychological disorder characterized by disorganized thinking, delusions, and hallucinations.

Personality Disorder

Enduring patterns of behavior that deviate markedly from cultural norms and lead to distress.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

A personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for the rights of others.

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Developmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and restricted interests.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A developmental disorder characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and difficulty sustaining attention.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of therapy focusing on changing negative thought patterns to improve emotional regulation.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Disorders that typically manifest early in development and affect personal, social, academic, and occupational functioning.

stigma

Negative attitudes and beliefs about individuals with psychological disorders, leading to discrimination.

Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Cognitive Distortions

Negative or irrational thought patterns commonly seen in those with psychological disorders.

Emotion Regulation

The ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences.

Impulse Control

The ability to resist urges or delay gratification.

Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders

Disorders that occur after exposure to traumatic or stressful events.

Risk Factor

Variables that increase the likelihood of developing a psychological disorder.

Therapeutic Alliance

The relationship between a client and therapist that facilitates effective therapy.

Cultural Context

The structures that influence understandings of behavior, including cultural norms and expectations.