Unit 8 AP Psych Study Guide

psychological disorders

Mental health workers view __________________ as persistently harmful thoughts, feelings and action.

A “harmful dysfunction” in which behaviors are maladaptive, unjustifiable, disturbing, and atypical

disordered

When behavior is deviant, distressful, and dysfunctional psychiatrists and psychologists label it as ___________

maladaptive

An exaggeration of normal, acceptable behaviors

Destructive to oneself or others (alcohol abuse)

unjustifiable

A behavior which does not have a rational basis

disturbing

A behavior which is troublesome. Can cause a feeling of hopelessness and guilt.

atypical

A behavior so different from other people’s behavior that it violates a norm

MUDA

A mnemonic device used to remember the four attributes of a psychological disorder

Maladaptive

Unjustifiable

Disturbing

Atypical

the medical model

Concept that mental illnesses have physical causes that can be diagnosed, treated, and in most cases, cured.

Psychological disorders can be diagnosed based on their symptoms and treated or cured through therapy.

Psychological disorders are similar to a physical illness.

Etiology

Causation and development of the disorder

Diagnosis

Identifying (symptoms) and distinguishing one disease from another.

Treatment

Treating a disorder in a psychiatric hospital.

Prognosis

Forecast about the disorder.

biopsychosocial perspective

Assumes that biological, socio-cultural, and psychological factors combine and interact to produce psychological disorders.

Behavior perspective

cause of abnormal behavior disorders: maladaptive responses learned through reinforcement of the wrong kinds of behaviors.

Psychoanalytic perspective

cause of abnormal behavior disorders: results from internal conflicts in the unconscious stemming from early childhood traumas.

Humanist perspective

cause of abnormal behavior disorders: results from conditions society places on the individual

Evolutionary perspective

cause of abnormal behavior disorders: harmful evolutionary dysfunctions that occur when evolved psychological mechanisms do not perform their naturally selected functions effectively

Biological perspective

cause of abnormal behavior disorders: neurochemical or hormonal imbalances, genetic predispositions, damage to brain.

Social-Cognitive perspective

cause of abnormal behavior disorders: irrational and illogical perceptions

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

American Psychiatric Association rendered this to describe psychological disorders.

Signs

objective observations of a patient's physical or mental disorder by a diagnostician.

Symptoms

patient’s subjective description of a physical or mental disorder.

somatoform disorders

Psychological disorder in which the symptoms take a somatic (bodily) form without apparent physical cause, or “medically unexplained illnesses.”

conversion disorder

Person is converting psychological stress into physical symptoms; example: person becomes “paralyzed” in a stressful situation (deer in the headlights); can be come suddenly deaf/blind

somatic symptom disorder (SSD)

A preoccupation with the persistent and irrational fear that one has an illness. One or more bodily symptoms; illness manifests itself into a physical ailment. May seek several medical opinions and still believe they are ill even if given clean diagnosis

illness anxiety disorder

Interprets normal physical sensations as symptoms of the disease. Formerly called Hypochondriasis. Preoccupied with thoughts of health

generalized anxiety disorder

An anxiety disorder characterized by disruptive levels of persistent, unexplained feelings of apprehension and tenseness; continually tense; Usually constant, low level anxiety; No specific trigger or stimulus

symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder

Autonomic Arousal

Restlessness

Feeling on edge

Difficulty concentrating/mind going blank

Irritability

Muscle Tension

Sleep Disturbance

panic disorder

An anxiety disorder characterized by sudden bouts of intense, unexplained anxiety, fear, or discomfort; Often associated with physical symptoms like choking sensations or shortness of breath

Common symptoms: Pounding heart, shaking, shortness of breath, etc.

phobia

An anxiety disorder characterized by disruptive, persistent, and irrational fears of specific objects or situations

The fear must be both irrational and disruptive

social anxiety disorder

Phobias which produce fear in social situations

agoraphobia

Condition which develops when a person begins to avoid spaces or situations associated with anxiety; Prefers to be alone or with a few amount of people

fear conditioning; observational learning

Behaviorists suggest that ____________ leads to anxiety. This anxiety then gets associated with other objects or events (stimulus generalization) and gets reinforced. Fear responses can also be learned through __________________.

obsessive-compulsive disorder

An anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted, repetitive thoughts followed by actions. The obsessions/compulsions begin to take control of the person’s life, the person wants to stop-but can’t

High levels of serotonin, low levels of GABA

Obsessions

repetitive thoughts

Compulsions

repetitive actions

body dysmorphic disorder

Intense anxiety about a perceived physical deformity or defect — “Flaws” are usually not noticed by others

posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Four or more weeks of the following symptoms constitute post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• Haunting memories.

• Nightmares.

• Social withdrawal.

• Jumpy anxiety.

• Sleep problems

reactive attachment disorder

No healthy attachment with parents or caregivers

post-traumatic growth

Positive psychological changes as a result of struggling with extremely challenging circumstances and life crises. Can lead to an increased appreciation of life, more meaningful relationships, richer spiritual life, etc.

Separation Anxiety Disorder

previously classified as a developmental disorder, in DSM 5, classified as an anxiety disorder. The DSM 5 indicates a possibility of adult onset, with an added duration criterion as “typically lasting for 6 months or more.”

Selective Mutism

previously classified as a developmental disorder, now it is classified as an anxiety disorder given that a large majority of children with this are anxious.

dissociation

literally a “dis-association” of memory

a “disconnection” between the mind and body

person suddenly becomes unaware of some

aspect of their identity or history

unable to recall except under special circumstances (e.g., hypnosis)

dissociative amnesia

Memory loss the only symptom; Memories are not lost as much as they become buried and cannot be recalled; Often selective loss surrounding traumatic events —person still knows identity and most of their past; Can also be global — loss of identity without replacement with a new one

depersonalization disorder

Common descriptions of symptoms

• feeling disconnected from one's body

• feeling detached from one's own thoughts/emotions

• feeling as if one is disconnected from self

• sense of feeling as if one is dreaming or in a dreamlike state.

Thought to be caused by severe traumatic lifetime events, including childhood abuse, accidents, natural disasters, war, torture, and bad drug experiences

dissociative identity disorder

2 or more distinct personalities manifested by the same person at different times

VERY rare and controversial disorder

dissociative fugue

To lose some or all memories of the past and usually disappear from their usual haunts, leaving family and job.

personality disorders

Characterized by inflexible and enduring behavior patterns that impair social functioning. Usually without anxiety, depression, or delusions.

paranoid personality disorder

Chronic sense of being observed and persecuted. Shows deep distrust of other people, which gets in the way of personal relationships

schizoid personality disorder

Is detached from social relationships; Are true hermits, preferring life alone and avoiding intimate interactions at all costs; Loners; Have trouble showing emotion

schizotypal personality disorder

Characterized by a need for social isolation, odd behavior and thinking, and often unconventional beliefs such as being convinced of having extra sensory abilities.

borderline personality disorder

Exhibit instability of emotions, self-image, behavior, and relationships; Sudden intense rages, deep insecurity; Impulsive; Emotional instability

histrionic personality disorder

Excessive emotionality and attempt to get attention; Bizarre appearance; Bizarre speech; Rapidly shifting and shallow emotions; Need to be the center of attention; provocative behavior

narcissistic personality disorder

Grandiosity, need for admiration; Preoccupied with own self-importance; Extremely self-absorbed; Intolerant of others; Indifferent to the effect of their own behavior; Lacks empathy

antisocial personality disorder

Personality disorder in which the person shows a lack of conscience for wrongdoing; Shows no respect for the rights others; Often seen with serial killers

avoidant personality disorder

So sensitive about being rejected that personal relationships become difficult; People often have a very limited social world with a small circle of confidants. Their social life is otherwise rather limited

dependent personality disorder

Behave in clingy, submissive ways and displays a strong need to have others take care of them; tough time making independent decisions. Rely too much on the attention and help of others.

obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

Characterized by a general psychological inflexibility, rigid conformity to rules and procedures, perfectionism, and excessive orderliness. Tend to stress perfectionism above all else, and feel anxious when they perceive that things aren't "right".

major depressive disorder

Occurs when signs of depression last two weeks or more and are not caused by drugs or medical conditions and cannot be explained by a single stimulus. Seen more in women than men. Most common of all psychological disorders.

signs of major depressive disorder

1. Lethargy and tiredness

2. Feelings of worthlessness

3. Loss of interest in family/ friends and activities

4. Self-blaming attributions

5. Suicidal thoughts

persistent depressive disorder

The symptoms are the same as those of major depression but fewer in number and not as intense. This low, dark mood -- sometimes described as a "veil of sadness" -- occurs nearly every day and can sometimes persist for many years.

disruptive mood dysregulation disorder

Severe and frequent temper tantrums that interfere with an ability to function at home, in school or with their friends. “characterized by severe and recurrent temper outbursts that are grossly out of proportion in intensity or duration to the situation.””

seasonal affective disorder

Characteristics

• Similar to major depression

• Triggered by changes in the season

• Reduced levels of light seem to be main cause

postpartum psychosis

Rare, severe, and dangerous form of postpartum depression; Occurs within the first 3 weeks following childbirth. Feel detached from her baby and other people. Hallucinations involving smell, touch, sight, or hearing. May have thoughts not based in reality (delusions), display bizarre behavior, or have urges to kill herself and her child or children.

bipolar disorder

Alteration between depression and mania signals this

Depressive symptoms: gloomy, withdrawn, inability to make decisions, tired, slowness of thought

Manic symptoms: elation, euphoria, desire for action, hyperactive, multiple ideas

mania

A hyperactive, wildly optimistic state often seen in Bipolar Disorder. That mood is extremely abnormal, and is also combined with increased activity or energy that is also abnormal.

cyclothymic disorder

This is a less intense but often longer lasting version of bipolar disorder. Both high and low mood, but never as severe as either mania or major depression. To make this diagnosis, the person usually has symptoms that last for at least two years.

schizophrenia

literal translation “split mind”. A group of severe disorders characterized by:

1. Disorganized and delusional thinking.

2. Disturbed perceptions. 

3. Inappropriate emotions and actions.

4. Loss of contact with reality.

hallucinations

A schizophrenic person may perceive things that are not there. Frequently such ____________ are auditory, and less often visual, somatosensory, olfactory or gustatory.

apathy

A schizophrenic person may laugh at the news of someone dying, or show no emotion at all.

catatonia

Patients with schizophrenia can continually rub an arm or rock a chair or remain motionless for hours

positive symptoms of schizophrenia

Schizophrenics have inappropriate symptoms (hallucinations, disorganized thinking, deluded ways) not present in normal individuals

negative symptoms of schizophrenia

Schizophrenics also have absence of appropriate symptoms (apathy, expressionless faces, rigid bodies) present in normal individuals

chronic/process schizophrenia

When schizophrenia is slow to develop recovery is doubtful. Such schizophrenics usually displays negative symptoms.

acute/reactive schizophrenia

When schizophrenia rapidly develops recovery is better. Usually occurs as a reaction to stress Such schizophrenics usually shows positive symptoms.

dopamine overactivity

Researchers have found that schizophrenic patients express higher levels of dopamine D4 receptors in the brain.

neurodevelopmental disorders

Usually diagnosed in infancy or early childhood; “maladaptive” is important, must be chronic

autism spectrum disorder

Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts; Pervasive developmental disorder; Lack of appropriate social responsiveness and highly impaired communication; Wide range of symptoms and levels of functioning

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

More common among boys, may be diagnosed later in adulthood; Impulsivity; Sustained inattention; Limited ability to focus on tasks

Tourette’s disorder

Consistent vocal or motor “tics” (sudden, rapid, recurrent, non-rhythmic, stereotyped movement or vocalization)

Anorexia Nervosa

Restriction of food, exercise, view themselves as overweight

Bulimia Nervosa

Binge and purge, laxatives, vomiting

Binge Eating disorder

Binge eating followed by remorse.

Pica

Consumption of non-edible substances.

conduct disorder

Frequent lying; Stealing; Manipulation; Cruelty and lack of remorse, empathy

Psychotherapy

involves an emotionally charged, confiding interaction between a trained therapist and a patient. Sometimes referred to as “insight therapy”. Hope to increase patients’ awareness of their own motives and defenses

Biomedical therapy

uses drugs or other procedures that act on the patient’s nervous system curing him/her of psychological disorders.

Eclectic approach

uses various forms of healing techniques depending on the client’s unique problems. Used by about half of therapists today

psychoanalysis

The first formal psychotherapy to emerge was developed by Sigmund Freud. aim is to bring repressed feelings into conscious awareness where the patient can deal with them.

free association

Dissatisfied with hypnosis, Freud developed this method to unravel the unconscious mind and its conflicts. The patient lies on a couch and speaks whatever comes to his mind.

resistance

During free association, the patient edits his thoughts to resist their feelings and to express their emotions. This becomes important in the analysis of conflict-driven anxiety.

transference

Eventually the patient opens up and reveals his/her innermost private thoughts to the therapist, developing positive or negative feelings towards him. Relationship becomes similar from earlier in life.

Interpersonal psychotherapy

a variation of psychodynamic therapy that is effective in treating depression. It focuses on symptom relief here and now, not overall personality change.

psychodynamic therapy

Influenced by Freud, in a face-to-face setting, understands symptoms and themes across important relationships in a patient’s life.

Humanistic therapists

aims to boost self-fulfillment by helping people grow in self-awareness and self-fulfillment.

person-centered therapy

Developed by Carl Rogers, this is a form of humanistic therapy. Focus on present and future rather than the past

Unconditional Positive Regard

The therapist listens to the needs of the “client” in an accepting and non-judgmental way, addressing his problems in a productive way and building his or her self-esteem.

active listening

The therapist engages in this and echoes, restates, and clarifies patient’s thinking, acknowledging expressed feelings.

behavior therapy

Therapy that applies classical and operant conditioning (learning) principles to the elimination of unwanted behaviors.

counterconditioning

a procedure that conditions new responses to stimuli that trigger unwanted behaviors.