Abnormal Psychology Lecture Notes

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to abnormal psychology, including definitions and explanations of various psychological conditions and treatment modalities.

Abnormal Behavior

Patterns of thoughts, feelings, or actions that are considered unusual, harmful, or disruptive.

Dysfunction

When behavior interferes with a person's ability to function in daily life.

Distress

Emotional suffering or discomfort often including anxiety and sadness.

Deviance

Behavior that significantly differs from societal norms.

Danger

Behavior that poses a risk of harm to oneself or others.

DSM-5

Manual used by clinicians to diagnose mental disorders with standardized categories.

Medical Model

Perspective that psychological disorders are illnesses with biological causes.

Biopsychosocial Approach

Integrated explanation of mental disorders through biological, psychological, and social factors.

Anxiety Disorders

Group of disorders characterized by excessive fear, worry, or nervousness.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Condition with persistent, excessive worry about various life aspects.

Panic Disorder

Disorder marked by sudden and repeated panic attacks.

Panic Attack

Brief episode of intense fear triggering severe physical reactions.

Phobia

Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Extreme fear of social situations due to fear of being judged.

Agoraphobia

Fear of situations where escape might be difficult.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Disorder involving unwanted repetitive thoughts and/or behaviors.

Obsessions

Persistent intrusive thoughts that cause distress.

Compulsions

Repetitive behaviors performed to relieve anxiety from obsessions.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Disorder that develops after experiencing a traumatic event.

Mood Disorders

Disorders characterized by significant disturbances in emotional state.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Condition with persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

Long-lasting form of depression with less severe symptoms.

Bipolar Disorder

Mood disorder with shifts between depressive episodes and mania.

Mania

Abnormally elevated mood and activity levels.

Hypomania

Milder form of mania with less severe mood changes.

Suicide

Intentional ending of one’s own life, often linked to severe depression.

Self-Harm

Deliberate injury to oneself without intent to die.

Schizophrenia

Severe disorder with distorted thinking and perceptions.

Psychosis

Condition where a person loses contact with reality.

Hallucinations

Sensory experiences occurring without external stimuli.

Delusions

Strongly held false beliefs resistant to evidence.

Positive Symptoms

Involvement of abnormal behaviors such as hallucinations.

Negative Symptoms

Absence of normal behaviors, such as lack of emotion.

Disorganized Thinking

Illogical thought processes affecting communication.

Personality Disorders

Enduring patterns of behavior deviating from cultural expectations.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Disorder marked by disregard for others' rights and lack of empathy.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Condition with unstable moods and self-image.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Disorder with an exaggerated sense of self-importance.

Psychotherapy

Psychological treatment to help manage problems.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Therapy focusing on changing negative thought patterns.

Exposure Therapy

Behavioral technique gradually exposing individuals to fears.

Humanistic Therapy

Therapy focused on personal growth and self-awareness.

Unconditional Positive Regard

Total acceptance toward a client regardless of actions.

Biomedical Therapy

Treatment targeting biological factors using medication.

Antidepressants

Medications to treat depression by balancing neurotransmitters.

Antipsychotic Medications

Drugs to reduce symptoms like hallucinations in schizophrenia.

Mood Stabilizers

Medications used for bipolar disorder to regulate mood swings.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Medical treatment using electrical currents for severe depression.

Group Therapy

Psychotherapy involving multiple patients discussing issues together.

Resilience

Ability to recover from stress and adapt successfully.

Stigma (Mental Health)

Negative attitudes about people with mental illness leading to discrimination.