Psychological Disorders Vocab

Abnormal Psychology

The study of unusual patterns of behavior, emotion, and thought, which may/may not be understood as precipitating a mental disorder

Clinical Psychology

Branch of psychology that assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders

DSM-5-TR

Comprehensive classification system used to diagnose/categorize mental disorders

ICD (11th edition)

Global standard for reporting/categorizing diseases

Deviation

Significant departure from accepted social behaviors/cultural expectations (EX: talking to invisible entities in public spaces)

Distress

Intense/prolonged emotional suffering that impairs an individual’s ability to function daily

Dysfunction

A breakdown in one’s thinking, emotions, or behaviors that impairs their ability to perform normal daily activities (EX: a person believing they are a god has a breakdown in their cognition)

Stigma

Negative stereotypes/social disapproval directed at people w/mental disorders

Biological Perspective

Physiological/genetic factors → mental disorders

Behavioral Perspective

Maladaptive learned behaviors/associations → mental disorders

Maladaptive learned associations

Connections/patterns of behavior acquired through experience but are harmful/lead to negative outcomes (EX: a person who experienced a car accident may develop a maladaptive learned association between driving and fear or anxiety, even if they are in a safe situation → distress)

Psychodynamic Perspective

Unresolved unconscious conflicts/impulses (developed in childhood) → mental disorders

Humanistic Perspective

Individuals’ innate potential for self-fulfillment/personal growth is blocked → mental disorders

Cognitive Perspective

Maladaptive thought patterns (dysfunctional beliefs) → mental disorders

Evolutionary Perspective

Adaptive traits that excessively manifest → mental disorders

Sociocultural Perspective

Maladaptive social/cultural relationships & dynamics → mental disorders

Eclectic approach

Combining techniques/theories from multiple therapeutic orientation to tailor treatment to unique needs of individual clients

Biopsychosocial Model

A framework that explains psychological disorders result from complex interactions of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors

Diathesis-Stress Model

A theory that explains psychological disorders arise from predisposing genetic vulnerability (diathesis) combined w/stressful environment (NATURE & NURTURE)

Anxiety Disorders

Characterized by excessive fear and anxiety that lead to disturbances in behavior

Specific Phobia

An intense/irrational fear of a specific object or situation

Agoraphobia

An intense fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult (EX: being in crowds/enclosed spaces like elevators)

Acrophobia

An intense fear of heights

Arachnophobia

An intense fear of spiders

Panic disorder

Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks

Panic attack

A sudden episode of intense fear or anxiety that causes significant physical and emotional distress (symptoms: rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating)

Ataque de nervios

Episodes of intense emotional distress, which include uncontrollable shouting, attacks of crying, physical/verbal aggression, etc (predominantly in South America/Caribbeans and frequently occurs due to stressful event relating to family)

Social Anxiety Disorders

Fear of social situations where embarrassment/scrutinizing may occur (EX: speaking in public, being observed by others)

Taijin kyofusho

In Japan; characterized by intense fear of offending/embarrassing others through one’s bodily functions or appearance

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Persistent/excessive worry about various aspects of daily life (symptoms: restlessness/feeling on edge, excessive worry and anxiety about minor events)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessions & compulsions that one feels driven to perform due to obsession

Obsessions

Recurrent, unwanted thoughts

Compulsions

Repetitive behaviors or mental acts

Hoarding Disorder

Persistent difficulty discarding/parting with possessions

Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders

Distress/mental health conditions that develop after a stressful or traumatic event

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Persistent mental stress following exposure to a traumatic event

Depressive Disorders

Disorders characterized by persistent sad, empty, or irritable mood accompanied by physical/cognitive changes

Major Depressive Disorder

Pervasive/persistent low mood accompanied by low self-esteem and a loss of interest

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Chronic, depressed mood lasting for at least 2 years (symptoms less severe than Major Depressive Disorder, but longer-lasting)

Bipolar Disorders

Disorders characterized by alternating periods of mania and depression

Cycling (Bipolar)

When someone experiences four or more mood episodes in a year

Mania

Increased energy/activity, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, impulsivity, reckless behavior

Depression

Persistent sad/empty mood, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness/hopelessness

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar disorder characterized by at least 1 hypomanic (elevated/irritable mood) episode & 1 major depressive episode that leads to significant distress

Bipolar I Disorder

Bipolar disorder characterized by at least 1 manic episode (more severe than Bipolar II Disorder)

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Group of disorders that begin in developmental period; characterized by symptoms that affect behavior

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere w/functioning or development (difficulties in maintaining focus)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave (symptoms: getting upset by minor changes, flaps hands, rocks body, or spins self in circles, and avoids eye contact)

Feeding and eating disorders

Characterized by altered consumption/absorption of food which leads to impairment in health

Anorexia Nervosa

An intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image → significant weight loss (characterized by restricted food intake)

Bulimia Nervosa

Characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors (vomiting/excessive exercise to prevent weight gain)

Schizophrenic Spectrum Disorders

Characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking/speech, disorganized motor behavior, and negative symptoms (can be acute or chronic)

Schizophrenia

Characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking, speech, and motor behavior; lasting for at least six months

Positive symptoms

Additional behaviors not present in healthy individuals (delusions, hallucinations, etc)

Negative symptoms

Deficits in normal emotional/behavioral functions (lack of motivation, etc)

Delusions

False beliefs strongly held despite clear evidence to the contrary (EX: believing that a loved one has been replaced by an imposter)

Delusion of persecution

A false belief that someone is trying to cause harm to you

Delusion of grandeur

A false belief about one's own importance, power, or abilities that are held with unshakeable conviction, despite evidence to the contrary (EX: believing one has superpowers)

Hallucinations

False sensory experiences w/out external stimuli (EX: hearing voices)

Disorganized Thinking/Speech

Incoherent/nonsensical speech patterns

Word salad

A disordered pattern of speech (EX: The purple cat danced with the blue sky, and the yellow bird sang a song about the green tree)

Disorganized Motor Behavior

A pattern of abnormal/erratic movements and gestures

Catatonia

A mental state characterized by unusual movement patterns, including immobility, rigidity, or repetitive movements

Catatonia excitement

A state of excessive movement, restlessness, agitation, and confusion

Catatonia stupor

A state of immobility, limited speech, and body rigidity

Flat Affect

Severe reduction in emotional expressiveness (show little to no facial expressions)

Dopamine Hyopthesis

Suggests disorder is linked to an imbalance of dopamine activity in the brain (excessive dopamine activity → delusions/hallucinations)

Dissociative Disorders

Characterized by disruptions/discontinuities in consciousness, memory, identity or perception (leads to impairment in daily functioning)

Dissociation

A mental process of separation/detachment from reality

Dissociative Amnesia

An inability to recall important autobiographical information (when accompanied by fugue, it includes sudden, unexpected travel)

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Characterized by presence of two or more distinct personality states/identities (each with its own perceiving with world)

Personality Disorders

Patterns of internal experience/behavior that deviate markedly from cultural expectations; develop in childhood

Cluster A Personality Disorders

Group of mental health conditions characterized by odd, eccentric, and unusual behaviors and thoughts

Hypervigilance

A state of being constantly on alert and watchful for danger, even when there's no real threat

Insomnia

A common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep → poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue

Flashbacks

Vivid, involuntary, and intrusive memories of a traumatic event that can feel like they are happening in the present moment

Paranoid personality disorder

Characterized by pervasive distrust & suspicion of others (results in isolation)

Schizoid Personality Disorder

Characterized by pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships & restricted range of emotional expressions (prefer solitary activities)

Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Characterized by acute discomfort in close relationships, cognitive distortions, and eccentric behaviors (EX: person thinks they receive special messages from TV)

Cluster B Personality Disorder

Group of mental health conditions characterized by dramatic and emotional behaviors

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others (deceitful, manipulative, and unlawful behaviors; lack of remorse for these actions)

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Characterized by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior (need for approval)

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Characterized by pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others (resulting in exploitative behaviors)

Borderline Personality Disorder

Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions, along with impulsive behaviors and intense fear of abandonment (→ distress)

Cluster C Personality Disorders

Group of mental health conditions characterized by anxious and fearful behaviors

Avoidant Personality Disorders

Pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation (→ avoidance of social interactions)

Dependent Personality Disorders

Characterized by excessive need to be taken care of, resulting in submissive and clingy behavior (leads to difficulty making decisions)

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorders (OCPD)

Characterized by pattern of preoccupation with order lines, perfectionism, and control (is inflexible)

Deinstitutionalization

Began in 20th century; movement aimed at reducing reliance on large psychiatric hospitals for treating individuals w/ mental illness, instead promoting community-based care

Evidence-Based Interventions

Therapeutic approaches and treatments supported by scientific research

Therapeutic Alliance

Collaborative/trusting relationship between therapist and client (leads to positive treatment outcomes)

Nonmalefiance

Ethical principle of “do no harm” (therapists avoid actions that harm clients)

Fidelity

Ethical principle of maintaining trust, honesty, and commitment in therapeutic relationship

Integrity

Ethical principle of being honest, transparent, and consistent in their professional actions

Respect for People’s Rights & Dignity

Recognizing and honoring the inherent worth of all individuals, ensuring privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination

Psychodynamic Therapies

Focus on uncovering unconscious conflicts and past experiences to understand current behavior

Free Association

Patient speaks freely about thoughts, feelings, and memories as they come to mind

Dream Interpretation

Analyzing the content of dreams to uncover unconscious thoughts and feelings

Person-Centered Therapy

Providing a supportive environment where clients can achieve self-discovery/personal growth

Active Listening

Therapist fully concentrated, understanding, and responding to what client says