Clinical Psychology: intro to psych

psychopathology

the study of psychological disorders

criteria for psychopathology

1) deviates from cultural norms

2) maladaptive

3) self-destructive

4) causes concern to others

maladaptive

behavior makes it harder for the person to function

diathesis-stress model

a disorder can develop when a person has an underling vulnerability and then experiences a stressful event

biopsychosocial approach

disorders are caused by a mix of biological, psychological, and social / cultural factors

DSM-5

main guide used to classify and diagnose disorders

comorbity

when a person has more than one disorder at the same time

dimensional approach

understanding disorders by looking at symptoms on a spectrum

psychotheraphy

therapists work with patients to help understand problems and work toward solutions

psychodynamic therapy

working with a therapist to beocome aware of unconscious processes

humanistic therapy

working with a therapist to help patients develop their full potential for personal growth

behavior therapy

working with a therapist to unlearn behaviors that negatively affect functioning

cognitive therapy

working with a therapist to help them change distorted thought patterns

cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT)

using both behavior and cognitive therapy to correct thoughts and behaviors (used to treat OCD)

group therapy

groups organized by particular problem

family therapy

treating problems by looking at the family as a whole; fixing pattern in family

psychotropic medications

drugs that affect mental processes

anti-anxiety drugs

temporary sedative, calming effects

antidepressants

increase positive mood, decrease emotionality

mood-stabilizers

evening out moods

antipsychotics

reduce positive / negative symptoms

electroconvulsive theraphy (ECT)

to help severe depression by administering a strong electrical current and causing seizure

transcrancial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

uses magnetic stimulation to interrupt function in specific regions of the brain

deep brain stimulation (DBS)

treating OCD and depression using electricity through electrodes planted in the patient’s brain

anxiety

excessive fear in the absence of true danger

phobia

fear that is out of proportion

social anxiety disorder

fear of being evaluated by others

agoraphobia

fear of being in situations from which escape is difficult

stimulants

decrease hyperactivity; increase attention

geliophobia

fear of laughter

panophobia

fear of everything

pentheraphobia

fear of mother-in-laws

fomonia

fear of missing out

major depressive disorder

extreme depression that can fluctuate

persistent depressive disorder

mild / moderately depressed moods that is constant

psychotropic depression treatment

SSRIs are first-line antidepressants that are used for depression

bipolar I disorder

mood disorder with extrememly elevated moods during manic episodes

bipolar II disorder

mood disorder with alternating periods of extremely depressed and mildly elevated moods

bipolar medication

mood stabilizer lithium

schizophrenia

disorder split between thoughts and emotions with difficulty distinguishing whether altered thoughts are real or imagined

schizophrenia treatments

atypical antipsychotics are used but have serious side effects

autism spectrum disorder

defecits in social interaction, impaired communication, restricted, repetitive interests and behaviors

aspergers syndrome

high-functioning autism

autism behavior therapy

intensive behavior therapy based on operant conditioning