Unit 9: Clinical Psychology & Mental Health - vocab`

2025 CED

psychological disorders

disorders characterized by significant disturbances in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that cause distress and impair normal functioning

stigma

the negative attitudes and beliefs that society holds about individuals with psychological disorders/mental illness, often leading to social isolation and discrimination

Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

handbook published by the American Psychiatric Association that sets standardized classification and criteria for diagnosing mental disorders

International Classification of Mental Disorders (ICD)

internationally recognized handbook published by the World Health Organization that sets standardized classification and criteria for diagnosing mental disorders

Diathesis-Stress Model

a psychological theory which suggests that the development of psychological disorders is influenced by both a genetic predisposition (diathesis) and environmental stressors

schizophrenia spectrum disorders

a range of mental disorders characterized by abnormal thoughts, perceptions, emotions, and behaviors

Schizophrenia

a psychotic disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thoughts/speech, and diminished or inappropriate emotional expression

positive symptoms

abnormal experiences or behaviors that are added to a person's normal repertoire of thoughts and actions; eg. hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior

delusions

persistent, irrational, false beliefs, often of persecution or grandeur, that may accompany psychotic disorders; not influenced by reality

hallucinations

false sensory experiences occurring in the absence of an external stimulus; most commonly auditory or visual

word salad

a confused and unintelligible jumble of words and phrases

catatonia

a state of psycho-motor immobility or hyper-mobility and behavioral abnormality; can include incessant moving, echolalia, echopraxia, stupor, or posturing

negative symptoms

absence of normal experiences or behaviors; eg. flat affect, catatonic stupor

catatonic stupor

a state characterized by a marked decrease in responsiveness to the environment; involves a lack of movement or response to external stimuli, which can be accompanied by posturing or rigidity

flat affect

a lack of emotional reactivity in which a person’s face appears emotionless and voice lacks inflection and variability

dopamine hypothesis

theory that suggests an excess of dopamine activity in certain brain areas is associated with the development and symptoms of schizophrenia

trauma-related disorders

a group of mental health disorders that includes any mental health condition that's triggered by a traumatic event; characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

a trauma-related disorder characterized by haunting memories, nightmares, social withdrawal, jumpy anxiety, numbness of feeling, and/or insomnia that lingers more than 4 weeks after a traumatic experience

depressive disorders

mental health conditions characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of suicide lasting at least 2 weeks and significantly impairing normal fumctioning

Persistent Depressive Disorder

a chronic form of depression characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low self-esteem for at least two years

bipolar disorders

mood disorders characterized by extreme emotions and changes in a person's mood, energy and ability to function

Bipolar I

a type of bipolar disorder characterized by the occurrence of at least one manic episode lasting at least one week, typically followed by a depressive episode

Bipolar II

a type of bipolar disorder characterized by episodes of depression and hypomania; absence of full blown manic episodes and generally less sever mood swings

mania

a state of abnormally elevated arousal, affect, and energy level; can include symptoms such as impulsivity, irritability, and decreased need for sleep

anxiety disorders

psychological disorders characterized by distressing, persistent anxiety or maladaptive behaviors that reduce anxiety

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

an anxiety disorder characterized by excessive worry over everyday things, continuous tension and apprehension, and a prolonged state of ANS arousal interfering with daily functioning

specific phobia

intense and irrational fears of specific objects or situations that cause significant distress and avoidance behaviors

acrophobia

an abnormal and irrational fear of heights or high places which can lead to anxiety or panic attacks when exposed to such situations

arachnophobia

an abnormal and irrational fear of spiders and other arachnids which can lead to anxiety or panic attacks when exposed to spiders and avoidance of situations where they may be present

Panic Disorder

a disorder characterized by unpredictable, minutes-long episodes of intense dread in which a person may experience terror and accompanying physical symptoms and persistent worry over the next attack often leading to avoidance of situations where panic attacks may occur

Ataque de Nervios

a culturally-specific disorder often seen in Latin American cultures characterized by trembling/convulsions, uncontrollable screaming/shouting/crying, feelings of impending loss of control, shortness of breath, and physical and/or verbal aggression

agoraphobia

an anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear and avoidance of places or situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if panic-like symptoms were to occur

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

a chronic anxiety disorder characterized by an intense fear and avoidance of social situations due to irrational anxiety, fear, self-consciousness, and embarrassment

Taijin Kyofuscho

a culturally-specific disorder often seen in Japanese culture characterized by intense fear and avoidance of social situations due to beliefs that one’s presence is offensive to others

obsessive-compulsive disorders

a group of anxiety disorders characterized by characterized by persistent, recurring, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors intended to reduce this distress (compulsions)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

an obsessive-compulsive disorder characterized by unwanted, repetitive thoughts, actions, or both (ie. obsessive and compulsions)

obsession

a persistent, recurring, and unwanted thought that causes distress

compulsion

a specific action or behavior performed to mitigate the anxiety/distress caused by obsessions

Hoarding Disorder

an obsessive-compulsive disorder characterized by compulsive acquisition of items and inability to part with them leading to significant clutter and risk to health/safety

neurodevelopmental disorders

a group of conditions characterized by impairments in brain function that affect an individual's cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral development typically manifesting during childhood or early adolescence

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with daily functioning

Autism Spectrum Disorder

a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication challenges, and repetitive patterns of behavior or interests

dissociative disorders

a group of psychological disorders that involve a disconnection and/or disruption in people’s thoughts, memories, surroundings, actions and identity

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

a dissociative disorder characterized by the presence of 2 or more distict personality states (alters), each with its own way of perceiving and interacting with the environment

dissociative amnesia

a dissociative disorder characterized by the inability to remember important personal information, usually related to traumatic or stressful events; this memory loss cannot be explained by forgetfulness, physical damage, or other medical conditions

fugue

a dissociative disorder characterized by complete loss of personal identity, often triggered by a traumatic event; the individual often establishes a new identity in a different location

personality disorders

a group of psychological disorders characteriized by enduring patterns of abnormal behavior, thought processes, and inner experience that deviate significantly from cultural expectations and cause impaired functioning

Cluster A personality disorders

a group of personality disorders characterized by odd or eccentric behavior

Schizoid personality disorder

a Cluster A personality disorder characterized by detachment from social relationships and a limited range of emotional expression; aloof

Schizotypal personality disorder

a Cluster A personality disorder characterized by pervasive patterns of social and interpersonal deficits due to peculiar thoughts and behaviors

Paranoid personality disorder

a Cluster A personality disorder characterized by severe paranoia, suspiciousness and distrust of others, often interpreting other’s actions/motivations as malicious

Cluster B personality disorder

a group of personality disorders characterized by dramatic, emotional, and erratic behaviors

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)

a Cluster B personality disorder characterized by failure to conform to social/legal codes, a lack of remorse/anxiety, and irresponsible behaviors; often associated with, deceitfulness, manipulation, violence, and high intellect

Borderline personality disorder (BPD)

a Cluster B personality disorder characterized by intense mood fluctuations, variable self-image and interpersonal relationships, and lots of risky behaviors; associated with unstable relationships and intense fear of abandonment

Histrionic personality disorder

a cluster B personality disorder characterized by excessive emotional and attention-seeking behaviors; associated with self-dramatization, seductive/provocative behaviors, and an intense need for approval/reassurance

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)

a Cluster B personality disorder characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, exploitative behavior, and a lack of empathy

Cluster C personality disorders

a group of personality disorders marked by anxious and fearful behaviors

Avoidant personality disorder

a Cluster C personality disorder characterized by pervasive social inhibition and an extreme fear of rejection/humiliation

Dependent personality disorder

a Cluster C personality disorder characterized by excessive dependence on others and the inability to assume reponsibilties or make decisions; associated with submission and clinginess

Obsessive Compulsive Personality disorder (OCPD)

a Cluster C personality disorder characterized by perfectionism, devotion to details, controlling interpersonal behaviors, and rigid inflexibility in rules and procedures

sleeping disorders

a group of disorders that disrupt normal sleep patterns and can have various physical, mental, and emotional consequences

insomnia

a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep leading to fatigue and impaired functioning during the day

narcolepsy

a chronic sleep disorder characterized by sudden bouts of overwhelming sleepiness in which individuals enter directly into REM sleep; individuals with this disorder are at risk of falling asleep at dangerous times and my experience episodes of cataplexy

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

a sleep disorder characterized by a reenactment of dream behavior (loss of atonia) during REM sleep; more common in people with other sleep disorders

sleep apnea

a sleep disorder characterized by repeated cessation of breathing during sleep, disrupting sleep and causing excessive daytime fatigue and depression

somnabulism

a sleep disorder in which individuals perform normal waking activities during NREM-3

feeding/eating disorders

a group of psychological disorders characterized by abnnormal eating habits that disrupt normal health and functioning

Anorexia Nervosa

an eating disorder characterized by excessive restriction, often accomoanied by excessive exercise; individuals with this disorder will be extremely underweight and often look outwardly sick

Bulimia Nervosa

an eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as excessive exercise or purging; individuals with this disorder are likely to be closer to a normal weight and better at hiding their disordered habits

Binge-Eating Disorder

an eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by distress and/or guilt but NOT compensatory behaviors; individuals with this disorder are often overweight

psychotherapy

any treatment involving speaking to a therapist/social worker/trained mental health professional that utilizes psychological techniques

therapeutic alliance

the collaborative and trusting relationship cultivated by a therapist and client

cultural humility

an approach to psychotherapy that addresses clients’ specific needs, particularly understanding their culture

eclectic approach

an approach to psychotherapy that uses a combination of psychological techniques/approaches

biopsychosocial approach

an approach to psychotherapy that examines the influence of biological, psychological, and social factors on mental health

socio-cultural approach

an approach to psychotherapy that considers the influence of social and cultural factors on mental health

deinstitutionalization

the process of reducing and eliminating long-term institutional care for individuals with psychological disorders and replacing it with community-based services and support

APA Ethical Guidelines

guidelines for psychotherapists set by the American Psychological Association to ensure ethical treatment of clients

nonmaleficence

the ethical principle that psychotherapists are providing services for the client’s benefit and aren’t doing them harm

fidelity

the ethical principle that psychotherapists must develop trust with their clients, maintain standards of professionalism, and be of service to their clients

integrity

the ethical principle that psychotherapists must be honest, truthful, and accurate with their clients

group therapy

a form of psychotherapy conducted in a group setting that provides community support and social interaction

hypnosis

a therapeutic technique that involves focused attention, heightened suggestibility, and deep relaxation to facilitate behavioral change and address psychological issues

psychodynamic theory

Freud’s theory that views personality with a focus on the unconscious and the importance of childhood experiences

ego

the largely conscious, “executive” part of the mind that mediates the demands of the id, superego, and reality

id

the part of the mind that acts as a reservoir of unconscious psychic energy and strives to satisfyy basic sexual and aggressive drives; operates on the pleasure principle

libido

sex drive

superego

the part of the mind that represents internalized ideals and provides standards for judgement and future aspirations

projective tests

a personality test that provides ambiguous images designed to trigger projection of one’s inner dynamics

free association

a method of exploring the unconscious in which the person relaxed and says whatever comes to mind, no matter how trivial or embarassing

resistance

an unconscious defensive response that occurs when a patient avoids discussing certain topics

transference

the phenomenon where patients project feelings or emotions onto their therapist, often reflecting unresolved issues from past relationships

dream interpretation

a psychoanalytic technique that involves analyzing the content of dreams to uncover unconscious thoughts and desires

ego defense mechanisms

the ego’s protective methods of reducing anxiety by unconsciously distorting reality

reaction formation

a defense mechanism characterized by expressing the opposites of one’s true feelings or impulses

regression

a defense mechanism in which one retreats to an earlier psychosexual stage where some psychic energy remains fixed

repression

a basic defense mechanism that banishes anxiety-arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories from consciousness; different from types of amnesia

rationalization

a defense mechanism that involves offering self-justifying explanations in place of the real, more threatening unconscious reasons for one’s actions

displacement

a defense mechanism in which one shifts sexual or aggressive impulses toward a more acceptable or less threatening object or person