Psychological Disorders

A set of flashcards based on key concepts related to psychological disorders, including definitions, symptoms, and historical perspectives.

What is a psychological disorder?

A dysfunction in thoughts, emotions, or behaviors that leads to significant personal distress or impairment.

What are the prehistoric views of abnormality?

The belief that the human body was a battleground between good and evil, where abnormal behavior indicated a victory by evil spirits.

What was trephination?

An operation in which a circular section of the skull was cut away, often in an attempt to treat abnormal behavior.

What did Hippocrates believe caused abnormal behavior?

An imbalance of humors, or bodily chemicals.

What did exorcism attempt to treat during the Middle Ages?

Abnormal behavior, by focusing on the battle between good and evil.

What was recognized during the Renaissance regarding abnormality?

The acknowledgment of a 'sick' mind and the creation of asylums.

What is the DSM?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, used for classifying psychological disorders.

What are anxiety disorders characterized by?

Excessive or unwarranted anxiety in response to real or perceived threats.

What are the features of Panic Disorder?

Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and concern about additional attacks.

What is agoraphobia?

The fear of places from which escape might be difficult.

What are phobias?

A persistent and unreasonable fear of a particular object, activity, or situation.

What is Social Phobia?

Severe and persistent fear of social or performance situations where embarrassment may occur.

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Characterized by excessive worrying that is difficult to control, lasting at least 6 months.

What symptoms accompany Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Restlessness, easy fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbance, and difficulty concentrating.

What characterizes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Persistent and uncontrollable thoughts (obsessions) that cause anxiety, leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

What is PTSD?

A prolonged maladaptive reaction to a traumatic event, characterized by re-experiencing, avoidance, and increased arousal.

What are the primary symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder?

Depressed mood, lack of interest in activities, changes in weight/appetite, fatigue, and thoughts of suicide.

What does Bipolar Disorder involve?

Cycles between episodes of mania (highs) and depression (lows).

What is learned helplessness?

The perception that one has no control over reinforcements, leading to a state of helplessness.

What contributes to mood disorders according to cognitive theories?

Negative views of oneself, environment, and future, along with cognitive distortions.

What are somatoform disorders?

Physical illness or ailments explained largely by psychosocial causes.

What is Dissociative Identity Disorder?

A disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states.

What is schizophrenia?

A chronic disorder characterized by a break from reality, including positive symptoms like delusions and hallucinations.

What are the three clusters of personality disorders?

Cluster A (odd or eccentric behavior), Cluster B (dramatic, emotional, or erratic behavior), Cluster C (anxious or fearful behavior).