Psychopathology Lecture Notes

Flashcards for review

Aetiology

Study of causes: Biopsychosocial, Neurological, Social, Environmental

Psychopathology as Descriptive

Based on observation + eliciting the subjective experience of the patient

Psychopathology as Explanatory

Deals with explanation, such as Psychodynamic or Behavioural approaches

Mental status examination

Combination of direct + indirect means like observation, biological and social info, questions, tests for diagnosis and treatment plan

MSE (Mental Status Examination)

Observation and description of the patient’s current state of mind including appearance, attitude, behaviour, mood and affect, speech, thought process and content, perception, cognition, insight, judgement

Appearance (in MSE)

Observes the patient’s physical presentation, including hygiene, dress, posture, and any unusual characteristics

Behavior (in MSE)

Examines motor activity, facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, and any psychomotor agitation or retardation

Speech (in MSE)

Assesses rate, volume, fluency, and coherence of patient language

Mood

The patient’s sustained emotional state

Affect

The observable expression of emotions

Thought Process

Assesses how thoughts are organized

Thought Content

Evaluates delusions (false beliefs), obsessions, compulsions, phobias, and suicidal or homicidal ideation

Perception

Checks for hallucinations (auditory, visual, tactile, etc.), illusions, or derealization/depersonalization

Cognition

Assesses orientation (time, place, person), attention, memory, and executive functioning

Insight

The patient’s awareness of their condition and need for treatment

Judgment

The ability to make appropriate life decisions

Defining the abnormal in society/culture

Non-adherence to norms, Statistical rarity, Personal discomfort, Diagnostic categories

Criticism of the DSM

Attempts to be atheoretical but people are not using it, Cut off points are too rigid, Differences between abnormality and normality are of degree not kind, Labelling

Advantages of the DSM

Empirically valid ways of diagnosis, Clinical prototypes, Presents a clinical picture composed of several co-varying traits and symptoms

Medical Model

Views mental disorders as diseases or conditions that have biological, physiological, or neurological causes

Biological Basis of Mental Disorders (Medical Model)

Psychopathology arises from abnormalities in brain structure, neurochemistry, or genetics

Diagnosis Through Symptom Classification (Medical Model)

Uses standardized diagnostic systems like DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) or ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases)

Treatment as Medical Intervention

Involves medication, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) or Neurosurgery or Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Reductionism and Determinism

Reduces complex psychological issues to biological causes and Suggests behavior is determined by biological factors rather than free will.

Objective and Evidence-Based Approach

Relies on empirical research, brain imaging (MRI, PET scans), and genetic studies

Social Model

Emphasizes the role of social, cultural, and environmental factors in the development, experience, and treatment of mental health conditions

Mental Health is Shaped by Social Factors

Psychological distress is influenced by poverty, discrimination, social inequality, relationships, and life experiences rather than just biology.

Psychopathology is Socially Constructed

What is considered “normal” or “abnormal” varies across cultures, societies, and historical periods

Labelling and Stigma Affect Mental Health

Diagnosing someone with a mental disorder can lead to social stigma and self-fulfilling prophecies

Trauma and Adverse Life Events Contribute to Mental Illness

Childhood abuse, domestic violence, war, and displacement can lead to PTSD, depression, and anxiety

Social Support and Inclusion Improve Mental Health

Strong family, community, and peer networks can buffer against psychological distress

Mental Health Services Should Address Social Issues

Instead of focusing solely on medication or individual therapy, treatment should involve housing support, employment programs, community engagement, and policy changes

Psychogenic Perspective

Mental illness occurs as a result of psychological distress

Mental Disorders Originate from Psychological Causes

Originate from unconscious conflicts, trauma, maladaptive thoughts, or learned behaviours

Unconscious Processes Influence Behaviour

Many psychological symptoms stem from unconscious drives and repressed emotions

Past Experiences Shape Mental Health

Early childhood experiences and relationships (especially with caregivers) play a critical role in later mental health

Mental Disorders Can Be Treated Through Psychological Therapies

Talk therapy, psychoanalysis, and behavioural interventions are the best treatments

Emotions and Thought Patterns Affect Well-Being

Mental disorders arise from negative thinking patterns, irrational beliefs, or emotional dysregulation

Biopsychosocial Approach

Complex interaction between biological, psychological and social variables

Biological Factors: Genetics

Some mental disorders, like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, have a hereditary component.

Biological Factors: Neurotransmitters

Imbalances in serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine are linked to conditions like depression and anxiety.

Biological Factors: Brain Structure and Function

Abnormalities in brain regions (e.g., prefrontal cortex, amygdala) contribute to disorders.

Biological Factors: Hormonal Influences

Cortisol dysregulation is associated with stress-related disorders like PTSD.

Biological Factors: Physical Health

Chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, heart disease) can impact mental well-being.

Psychological Factors: Cognitive Patterns

Negative thought patterns contribute to disorders like depression and anxiety (e.g., Beck’s cognitive triad).

Psychological Factors: Emotional Regulation

Difficulty managing emotions can lead to mood disorders.

Psychological Factors: Unconscious Conflicts

Psychoanalytic theories suggest unresolved trauma or repressed emotions can lead to mental illness.

Psychological Factors: Personality Traits

Certain traits, such as neuroticism, increase the risk of psychopathology.

Psychological Factors: Coping Strategies

Healthy vs. maladaptive coping affects mental health outcomes.

Social Factors: Socioeconomic Status

Poverty, unemployment, and housing instability increase stress and risk of mental illness.

Social Factors: Cultural Influences

Different societies have varying definitions of “normal” behaviour.

Social Factors: Family and Relationships

Supportive relationships promote mental health, while toxic relationships contribute to distress.

Social Factors: Trauma and Life Experiences

Abuse, war, and discrimination can cause psychological distress.

Social Factors: Access to Healthcare

Availability of mental health services impacts treatment and recovery.