Unit 8: Clinical Psychology

What are the four components of disordered behavior?

Disordered behavior is unusual, maladaptive, labeled as abnormal by society, and characterized by perceptual or cognitive dysfunction.

What did Sigmund Freud hypothesize about the roots of disordered behavior?

Freud hypothesized that interactions among conscious and especially unconscious parts of the mind are responsible for a great deal of disordered behavior.

What does the humanistic school of psychology suggest about disordered behavior?

It suggests that disordered behavior is partly a result of people being too sensitive to the criticisms and judgments of others.

How does the cognitive perspective view disordered behavior?

It views disordered behavior as the result of faulty or illogical thoughts.

What is the biological view of disordered behavior?

It views disordered behavior as a manifestation of abnormal brain function, caused by structural or chemical abnormalities.

What is a neurodevelopmental disorder?

A disorder that manifests early in development and may result from genetic issues, trauma in the womb, or brain damage acquired at birth.

What characterizes intellectual disability?

Intellectual disability is characterized by delayed development in general mental abilities.

What is autism spectrum disorder?

A neurodevelopmental disorder that often manifests early in childhood development.

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

Positive symptoms refer to something an individual has that typical people do not, while negative symptoms refer to something typical people have that the individual does not.

What are the key features of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorders involve movement between depressive states and manic states.

What constitutes an anxiety disorder?

Anxiety disorders involve an emotional response to a future threat or potential danger, alongside physical effects such as muscle tension and avoidance behaviors.

What are obsessions and compulsions in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Obsessions are intrusive thoughts, while compulsions are repetitive behaviors that an individual feels compelled to perform.

What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

A disorder that can occur following a traumatic event, characterized by intrusive thoughts or dreams, avoidance of reminders, and irritability.

What is dissociative identity disorder?

A disorder where an individual may experience significant gaps in memory and manifest a separate personality during lost time.

How does behavioral therapy differ from insight therapies?

Behavioral therapy emphasizes changing behavior through learning techniques, while insight therapies focus on understanding past experiences and unconscious processes.

What are anti-psychotic medications used for?

They are used to reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia by blocking dopamine receptors.

What is the treatment approach for feeding and eating disorders like anorexia nervosa?

It involves addressing both the restriction of food intake and the individual's intense fear of gaining weight.

What is the significance of unconditional positive regard in humanistic therapy?

It refers to an attitude of acceptance and warmth towards the client, regardless of their behavior, which helps the client reach a state of self-worth.