Psychology Module 47 - Major Psychological Disorders

anxiety disorder

the occurrence of anxiety without an obvious external cause that affects daily functioning

specific phobia

intense, irrational fear of specific objects or situations

panic disorder

anxiety disorder that takes the form of panic attacks lasting
from a few seconds to several hours

generalized anxiety disorder

the experience of long term, persistent anxiety and worry

obsessive compulsive disorde (OCD)

a disorder characterized by obsessions or compulsions

obsession

a persistnent, unwanted thought or idea that keeps recurring

compulsion

an irresistible urge to repeatedly carry out some behavior that seems strange and unreasonable

somatic symptom disorders

psychological difficulties that take on a physical (somatic) form for which there is no medical cause

illness anxiety disorder

a somatic symptom disorder in which people have a constant fear of illness and a preoccupation with their health

conversion disorder

a major somatic symptom disorder that involves an actual physical disturbance, such as the inability to use a sensory organ or the complete or partial inability to move an arm or leg

dissociative disorders

psychological dysfunctions characterized by the seperation of different facets of a person's personality that are normally integrated

dissociative identity disorder (DID)

a disorder in which a person displays characteristics of two or more distinct personalities

dissociative amnesia

a disorder in which a significant, selective memory loss occurs

dissociative fugue

a form of amnesia in which a person leaves home and assumes a new identity

mood disorder

a disturbance in emotional experience that is strong enough to interfere with everyday living

major depressive disorder

a severe form of depression that interferes with concentration, decision making, and sociability

mania

an extended state of intense wild elation

bipolar disorder

a disorder in which a person alternates between periods of euphoric feelings of mania and periods of depression

schizophrenia

a class of disorders in which severe distortion of reality occurs

personality disorder

a disorder characterized by a set of inflexible, maladaptive behavior patterns that keep a person from functioning appropriately in society

antisocial personality disorder

a disorder in which individuals show no regard for the moral and ethic rules of society or the rights of others

borderline personality disorder

a disorder characterized by problems regulating emotions and thoughts, displaying impulsive and reckless behavior, and having unstable relationships with others

narcissistic personality disorder

a personality disturbance characterized by an exaggerated sense of self importance

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

a disorder marked by inattention, impulsiveness, a low tolerance for frustrations, and a great deal of inappropriate activity

autism spectrum disorder

a severe developmental disability that impairs children's ability to communicate and relate to others