Counseling & Mental Health Midterm Review

Flashcards covering key concepts from the Counseling & Mental Health Midterm Review lecture.

How is stigma defined in the context of mental health?

A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. It often involves fear of that which is different.

Why is it incorrect to view mental health conditions as a "sign of weakness"?

Mental health conditions are complex medical disorders, not personal failures.

Historically, what labels were given to mentally ill individuals?

Lunatics, crazy, witches, and evil doers.

What was Hippocrates' theory regarding bodily fluids and health?

He believed the body contained four main fluids (humors). If they were in balance, a person was healthy; having too much of one changed personality or caused illness.

What is the key premise of the Hierarchy of Needs?

Basic needs must be met before higher level needs can be realized.

What is Emil Kraepelin known for in mental health history?

He created the DSM, which lists different mental health conditions and criteria for diagnosing them.

What is neuropsychology?

The branch of psychology that studies how the structure and function of the brain directly influence human behavior, cognition, and emotion, as well as how individuals are chemically predisposed to behave in particular ways due to genetic makeup.

What were John Watson's key beliefs regarding behavior?

He believed you can predict and control behavior, and that observable and measurable responses to specific stimuli were keys to behavior modification.

Which individual differences must healthcare professionals be aware of when caring for patients?

Culture/Subculture, Ethnic Differences, Religious differences, Physical Differences, and Personalities.

How is growth defined when discussing developmental stages?

Growth generally refers to changes in the structure or size of a living organism, such as growing taller.

Which developmental stage suffers most from depression and has a high suicide rate, and why?

Late Adulthood (55+), due to depression from financial strain combined with feelings of isolation (lack of love/acceptance) and low self-esteem (feeling like a burden).

In which developmental stage do people begin to experience memory problems?

Late Adulthood

What is an excitatory neurotransmitter and what does it do?

An excitatory neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger in the brain and nervous system that increases the likelihood that a receiving neuron will fire an electrical signal.

What is an inhibitory neurotransmitter and what does it do?

An inhibitory neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger in the brain and nervous system that decreases the likelihood that a receiving neuron will fire an electrical signal.

What are the parts of a neuron labeled 1 through 6 in the diagram?

1. Nucleus
2. Dendrites
3. Axon
4. Myelin sheath
5. Axon terminal
6. Synapse

What are the primary functions of the Frontal Lobe?

It controls decision making, voluntary movement, and behavior.

What are the primary functions of the Temporal Lobe?

It controls hearing, language, and memory formation.

What is the primary function of the Parietal Lobe?

It processes sensory information and spatial awareness.

What is the primary function of the Occipital Lobe?

This lobe of the brain processes visual information.

What are the effects of an excess or deficit of Dopamine (DA)?

An excess causes irrational thought, delusion, and/or hallucinations (Schizophrenia); a deficit causes tremors and muscular rigidity (Parkinson's disease).

What role does Acetylcholine (ACH) play, and what are the effects of an excess or deficit?

It contributes to movement, learning, memory processes, and REM sleep, and is the only transmitter between motor neurons and voluntary muscles. An excess causes muscle paralysis, convulsions, or death; a deficit causes memory impairment (Alzheimer's disease).

What functions do Serotonin and Norepinephrine perform in the brain?

Serotonin plays a prominent role in the regulation of mood, sleep, impulsivity, aggression, and appetite. Norepinephrine plays a role in eating, sleep, and mood.

What are the three body planes and how do they divide the body?

Sagittal divides into left and right; Coronal (or Frontal) divides into front and back; Transverse (or axial) divides into top and bottom.

What are PET and SPECT scans?

Both are noninvasive imaging techniques that scan radioactive material that was injected into a peripheral vessel of the patient.

How does a CT or CAT scan work?

It involves passing a narrow beam of traditional x-rays from an x-ray tube rotating around a patient's head in a scanner, taking a series of x-rays at every angle that are combined in a computer to reconstruct transverse (transaxial) slices.

How does an MRI obtain images of the brain?

It uses magnetic fields and radio waves to obtain a mathematically reconstructed image based on magnetic nuclei in the body (those having odd numbers of protons or neutrons).

What is a Skull Radiograph and what standard images are required?

It is a one-dimensional x-ray of the skull. It generally requires at least three separate images: front (AP x-ray), side (lateral x-ray), and with head turned 45 degrees (oblique x-ray).

In communication, who is responsible for effective communication?

Both parties — Speaker and Listener.

What is considered the most powerful communication filter and why?

Emotions; an emotional sender is perceived differently, emotions can prevent a receiver from hearing, or they can make a listener too susceptible to the speaker's point of view.

What are the primary communication filters outlined in the notes?

Semantics, Emotions, Attitudes, Role Expectations, and Gender Bias.

Which part of nonverbal body language communicates the most information?

Eyes (Eye Language).

What causes listeners to become confused, lose trust, and question a speaker's credibility?

When body language contradicts spoken words.

What are the four strategies of Active Listening?

1. Cultivate listening attitude
2. Focus full attention
3. Take notes
4. Ask questions

What nonverbal behaviors suggest someone is possibly lying or being deceitful?

Touching the eye, increased blinking of eyes, and averting eyes.

With what percentage efficiency rate do people typically listen?

25%