Mental and Physical Health Unit Terms and Ideas

These flashcards summarize key terms and definitions related to mental and physical health, focusing on psychological theories, disorders, treatments, and coping strategies.

Health psychology

The study of psychological and behavioral processes in health, illness, and healthcare.

Stress

A psychological and physical response to perceived challenges or threats.

Eustress

Positive stress that motivates and energizes.

Distress

Negative stress that causes anxiety and decreases performance.

General adaptation syndrome

A three-stage model describing the body's response to stress: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Fight-flight-or-freeze response

An automatic physiological reaction to an event that is perceived as stressful or frightening.

Tend and befriend theory

A behavioral response to stress where individuals seek social support and nurture others.

Problem-focused coping

A strategy for managing stress that focuses on addressing the problem causing stress.

Emotion-focused coping

A strategy aimed at reducing negative emotional responses associated with stress.

Positive Psychology

The study of human strengths and positive aspects of life, focusing on well-being and resilience.

Psychological disorder

A condition characterized by abnormal thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that cause significant distress or impairment.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders

A comprehensive classification system for mental health disorders used by mental health professionals.

International Classification of Mental Disorders (ICD)

A global standard for health conditions, including mental disorders, managed by the World Health Organization.

Eclectic approach to diagnosis & treatment

A method that integrates multiple theoretical perspectives and therapies to best suit the individual's needs.

Diathesis-stress model

A theory that suggests that psychological disorders develop due to a predisposition (diathesis) combined with stress.

Neurodevelopmental disorders

A group of disorders that typically manifest early in development and result in developmental deficits that produce impairments.

Schizophrenia

A severe mental disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and impaired functioning.

Major depressive disorder

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

Bipolar disorder

A mental health condition marked by extreme mood swings including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

Therapeutic alliance

The collaborative and trusting relationship between a therapist and a client.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

A type of psychotherapy that helps patients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors.

Humanistic therapies

Psychological treatments focused on individual potential and stresses the importance of growth and self-actualization.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

A medical treatment that involves sending small electrical currents through the brain to treat severe depression.