Abnormal Psych Final (TEXTBOOK QUESTiONS)

text book "on your own" questions

Gender Confirmation Surgery

Medical procedure where a person undergoes physical changes to align their body with their gender identity, such as hormone treatments and surgeries (e.g., genital, breast surgery).

What types of surgeries are commonly included in gender confirmation surgery?

Common surgeries include genital surgery, breast augmentation, and other surgeries that align the individual’s physical appearance with their gender identity.

Why is gender confirmation surgery part of gender-affirming care?

It helps transgender individuals feel more aligned with their gender identity, improving mental health and quality of life.

Theoretical Perspectives on Transgender Identity

Explores various psychological theories about transgender identity development, including biological, cognitive, and social factors. These perspectives examine the role of genetics, environment, and personal experiences in shaping gender identity.

What are the key theories behind transgender identity development?

Biological theories suggest genetics or prenatal influences shape gender identity; cognitive theories focus on individual perceptions; social theories examine how societal and cultural norms influence gender identity.

How do cognitive theories explain transgender identity?

Cognitive theories propose that gender identity develops through self-reflection and the interpretation of gender roles within society.

What role does society play in transgender identity development?

Social factors, including family, culture, and societal gender norms, play a significant role in how individuals perceive and express their gender identity.

Theoretical Perspectives on Paraphilias

Paraphilias are characterized by atypical sexual interests that cause distress or harm. Theoretical approaches to understanding paraphilias include biological theories (neurobiological factors), behavioral theories (learning experiences), and psychoanalytic theories (unresolved conflicts or repressed desires).

What are paraphilias?

Atypical sexual interests that cause distress or harm to the individual or others, often involving non-consenting individuals or inappropriate objects.

What biological factors contribute to paraphilias? Neurobiological factors such as brain abnormalities or hormonal imbalances may contribute to the development of paraphilias.

How do behavioral theories explain paraphilias?

Paraphilias are learned behaviors that are reinforced over time through conditioning and may develop as a way of coping with underlying emotional or psychological issues.

What is the psychoanalytic theory's explanation of paraphilias?

Psychoanalytic theory suggests paraphilias may stem from unresolved unconscious conflicts or repressed desires that surface in adulthood.

Key Features of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is marked by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and impaired social or occupational functioning. It is a chronic mental disorder with periods of remission and relapse, often beginning in late adolescence or early adulthood.

What are the key symptoms of schizophrenia?

Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and impaired social or occupational functioning.

What is the difference between positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia?

Positive symptoms include hallucinations and delusions, while negative symptoms involve a lack of emotional expression, reduced speech, and diminished capacity for daily functioning.

When do symptoms of schizophrenia typically appear?

Symptoms often appear in late adolescence or early adulthood.

Perspectives of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia can be understood from several perspectives: biological (genetic predisposition, brain abnormalities), psychological (stress, trauma, cognitive deficits), and sociocultural (social environment, family dynamics). Treatment often involves a combination of antipsychotic medication and psychotherapy.

What biological factors are linked to schizophrenia?

Genetic predisposition, brain abnormalities (e.g., enlarged ventricles), and imbalances in neurotransmitters like dopamine have been linked to schizophrenia.

How do psychological theories explain schizophrenia?

Stress, trauma, and cognitive deficits are considered factors that can exacerbate schizophrenia, though they are not the sole cause.

What sociocultural factors impact the development of schizophrenia?

Social environments, family dynamics, and societal stressors like poverty or urban living have been associated with the onset or exacerbation of schizophrenia.

Problems with the Classification of Personality Disorders

Challenges in classifying personality disorders include overlap between disorders, difficulty in distinguishing between normal and abnormal behaviors, cultural influences, and the subjectivity in diagnosis. This complexity complicates treatment planning and understanding.

Why is it difficult to classify personality disorders?

Personality disorders often overlap, making it challenging to distinguish between disorders. Cultural differences and the subjectivity of diagnostic criteria also complicate classification.

What is the role of cultural influences in diagnosing personality disorders?

Cultural beliefs shape what is considered "normal" or "abnormal," meaning what is diagnosed as a personality disorder in one culture may be considered acceptable in another.

Theoretical Perspectives on Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are understood through various lenses: psychodynamic (rooted in early life experiences), cognitive-behavioral (learned maladaptive patterns), and biological (genetic or neurobiological factors). Each perspective offers unique insights into the origins and treatment of these disorders.

How do psychodynamic theories explain personality disorders?

Psychodynamic theories suggest personality disorders develop from early life experiences and unresolved unconscious conflicts.

How do cognitive-behavioral theories explain personality disorders?

These disorders are seen as learned maladaptive behaviors that develop through reinforcement of negative thinking patterns or dysfunctional relationships.

What biological factors are associated with personality disorders?

Genetics and brain abnormalities, such as dysfunction in certain brain regions, may contribute to the development of personality disorders.

Normal & Abnormal Behavior in Childhood and Adolescence

Normal childhood and adolescent behavior includes typical developmental milestones such as emotional regulation, peer interactions, and cognitive growth. Abnormal behavior might manifest as developmental delays, severe anxiety, or behavioral disorders, requiring clinical attention.

What are examples of normal behavior in childhood?

Typical developmental milestones, such as learning language, forming peer relationships, and exhibiting self-regulation.

What are examples of abnormal behavior in adolescence?

Severe anxiety, developmental delays, or extreme mood swings that impair daily functioning or social relationships.

Cultural Beliefs about What is Normal and Abnormal

Cultural beliefs shape what is considered "normal" or "abnormal" behavior. Cultural norms influence the interpretation of mental health, and what is considered a disorder in one culture may not be viewed as abnormal in another, highlighting the importance of cultural competence in diagnosis.

How do cultural beliefs affect the diagnosis of mental disorders?

Cultural beliefs shape what is considered "normal" or "abnormal," and what may be viewed as a disorder in one culture may not be considered as such in another.

Why is cultural competence important in diagnosis?

Understanding cultural differences ensures that diagnoses and treatments are appropriate for individuals from diverse backgrounds, avoiding misdiagnosis.

Risk Factors for Childhood Disorders

Risk factors for childhood disorders include genetic predisposition, prenatal exposure to toxins, early childhood trauma, and environmental stressors (e.g., poverty, neglect). These factors can significantly increase the likelihood of developing conditions like ADHD or autism spectrum disorder.

What are some common risk factors for childhood disorders?

Genetic predisposition, prenatal exposure to toxins, early childhood trauma, and environmental stressors such as neglect or poverty.

How do environmental stressors contribute to childhood disorders?

Stressors like poverty, neglect, or parental mental illness can disrupt healthy development, increasing the risk of disorders such as ADHD or autism.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

ASD is a developmental disorder characterized by social communication challenges, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. Symptoms typically appear by age 2-3, and the severity can range from mild to severe. Early intervention with therapy can improve social and functional skills.

What are the primary symptoms of ASD?

Social communication challenges, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests that impact functioning.

At what age do symptoms of ASD typically emerge?

Symptoms usually emerge between the ages of 2 and 3, though they may be identified earlier in some cases.

How does early intervention help individuals with ASD? Therapy (e.g., speech, behavioral) can improve communication, social skills, and functional abilities, leading to better outcomes.

Elimination Disorders

Elimination disorders involve difficulties with urination or defecation. Enuresis (urinary incontinence) and encopresis (fecal incontinence) are common in children and can be caused by medical, psychological, or environmental factors.

What is enuresis?

Recurrent urination in inappropriate places, typically in children beyond the expected age of potty training.

What is encopresis?

Recurrent fecal incontinence in children, often occurring in inappropriate places and causing distress.

What are common causes of elimination disorders?

Medical conditions, emotional stress, and environmental factors (e.g., family conflict) can contribute to these disorders.

Treatment and Prevention for Alzheimer’s Disease

Treatment for Alzheimer's focuses on symptom management, including the use of cholinesterase inhibitors and other medications. Prevention strategies emphasize cognitive engagement, physical exercise, healthy diets, and managing vascular risk factors.

What medications are commonly used to treat Alzheimer’s?

Cholinesterase inhibitors and glutamate regulators are often used to treat cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's.

How can Alzheimer's disease be prevented?

Prevention strategies include cognitive engagement, regular physical exercise, a healthy diet, and managing vascular health risks.

Anxiety and Aging

Anxiety in older adults may be related to factors like health concerns, social isolation, and cognitive decline. It can be managed with therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Treatment must consider age-related factors, such as polypharmacy and comorbid conditions.

Why does anxiety increase in older adults?

Aging-related issues, such as health concerns, social isolation, and cognitive decline, may contribute to higher levels of anxiety in older adults.

What treatments are effective for anxiety in older adults?

Therapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy), medication, and lifestyle changes (such as physical activity and social support) are commonly used.

Depression and Aging

Depression in older adults often presents as fatigue, sleep problems, and social withdrawal. It can be triggered by health problems, loss of loved ones, or changes in lifestyle. Treatment may involve psychotherapy, antidepressant medications, and support for family members.

How does depression manifest in older adults?

Symptoms include fatigue, sleep disturbances, and social withdrawal. Depression in older adults may also be linked to health issues or loss of loved ones.

What treatments are available for depression in older adults?

Psychotherapy, antidepressant medications, and family support are commonly used to manage depression in older adults.

Sleep Problems and Aging

Older adults often experience changes in sleep patterns, including difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea are common. Behavioral treatments, sleep hygiene, and medical interventions can improve sleep quality in older individuals.

What sleep disorders are common in older adults?

Insomnia and sleep apnea are common sleep disorders that affect older individuals.

How can sleep problems be managed in older adults?

Behavioral treatments, sleep hygiene practices, and medical interventions (such as CPAP for sleep apnea) can improve sleep quality.