Unit 5b: Clinical Psychology

Psychological Disorder (characteristics)

A dysfunction in either thinking (Cognition), emotions and/or social behavior that impairs functioning and is not culturally expected (dysfunction, distress, and deviation from social norm)/ these disturbances are maladaptive and interfere with normal day to day life

Biopsychosocial Model

Biological, psychological (thoughts, emotions, behaviors), and social factors play a significant role in health and disease

Diathesis-Stress Model

The idea that mental disorders develop from a combination of pre-existing vulnerability/predisposition and environmental stress

Eclectic Approach to Diagnosis Treatment

Most psychologist use multiple approaches and consider many factors to make a diagnosis

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

ADHD & Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Symptoms include behaviors you would not expect of an individual at their maturity level/ impact: wide range of behavioral, cognitive and emotional aspects/ onset: occurs during developmental period/ duration: usually for life

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Inattention: overlooking details, inability to focus on a single task, frequently doesn’t finish tasks

Hyperactivity: fidgeting/movement, interrupting others, trouble waiting your turn

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Symptoms: impaired social & communication skills, restrictive & repetitive behavior (repeated motor movements, use of objects/speech, inflexibility with routine, fixated interests, hyporeactivity to sensory input) **Spectrum does not refer to a degree rather it means the range of symptoms can occur very differently in different people

Causes of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Complex and influenced by both genetics and environment

Psychotic Disorder

A mental condition which thoughts & emotions are so affected that contact w/ reality is lost

Schizophrenia

Symptoms: delusions (distorted/false beliefs about external reality), hallucinations (perception of a stimulus that does not exist, often auditory), disorganized speech, disorganized or catatonic behavior (aimless movement/lack of movement)

Bipolar I

Symptoms: inflated self esteem, increase in goal directed activity, decrease need for sleep, easily distracted, increased talkativeness, racing thoughts, reckless behaviors