Introduction to Psychological Disorders

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to psychological disorders, their definitions, and associated phenomena.

Psychological Disorders

A condition characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior.

Medical model

A framework for understanding and treating disease and illness.

Epigenetics

The study of heritable changes in gene expression that occur without alterations to the DNA sequence itself.

DSM-5

A guidebook used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental disorders.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity.

Anxiety Disorders

Characterized by excessive and persistent fear, worry, and/or apprehension.

Social anxiety disorder

A type of anxiety disorder involving intense fear of social situations.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

An anxiety disorder characterized by excessive worry and a continual state of autonomic nervous system arousal.

Panic disorder

An anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected and repeated panic attacks.

Phobias

The avoidance of a specific object, activity, or situation due to a persistent and irrational fear.

Agoraphobia

Fear or avoidance of situations where one feels loss of control and panics.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears that lead to compulsive behaviors.

Obsessive thoughts

Repeated, intrusive thoughts, urges, or mental images that make one anxious.

Compulsive behaviors

Behaviors that are performed in response to obsessive thoughts and may negatively impact life.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

Survivor resiliency

The ability of individuals to adapt, cope, and grow after experiencing trauma or adversity.

Major Depressive Disorder

A mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.

Bipolar Disorder

A disorder associated with mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs.

Rumination

Compulsively focusing on one’s own negative thoughts.

Schizophrenia

A disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and diminished emotional expression.

Hallucinations

False sensory experiences, such as seeing something not present.

Delusions

False beliefs, often of persecution or grandeur, that may accompany psychotic disorders.

Catatonia

A behavioral syndrome marked by an inability to move normally.

Dopamine overactivity

A condition where there are too many dopamine receptors, often linked to schizophrenia symptoms.

Chronic schizophrenia

Develops slowly over time, typically with long-term negative symptoms.

Acute schizophrenia

Develops suddenly after significant stress and displays more positive symptoms, such as hallucinations.