AP Psych Psychological Disorders

Emotion Focused Coping

A coping strategy that alleviates emotional distress without directly changing the stressor.

Hans Selye's GAS

General Adaptation Syndrome; a model describing the body's response to stress in three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Problem Focused Coping

A coping strategy aimed at addressing the problem that is causing stress.

Health Psychology

A field that studies how biological, social, and psychological factors influence health and illness.

Stress

A psychological and physical response to perceived challenges or threats.

Anxiety

A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.

Gratitude

A positive emotional reaction to receiving a benefit from someone or something.

Positive Psychology

A branch of psychology that focuses on the positive aspects of human life, such as strengths and well-being.

Behavioral Approach to Treatment

A therapeutic approach that focuses on changing maladaptive behaviors through conditioning.

Cognitive Approach to Treatment

A therapeutic approach that aims to change unhelpful thinking patterns.

DSM and some criticisms

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; criticized for its categorical representation and cultural bias.

Abnormal Behavior

Patterns of behavior that are inconsistent with cultural norms and cause significant distress or impairment.

Diathesis Stress Model

A psychological theory that explains behavior as a predispositional vulnerability together with stress from life experiences.

Psychodynamic Perspective of Disorders

An approach that views psychological problems as stemming from unresolved conflicts and unconscious drives.

Biological Perspective of Disorders

An approach that emphasizes the role of genetics, neurobiology, and physical health in the development of psychological disorders.

Mental Health Stigmas

Negative beliefs or attitudes toward individuals with mental health issues, leading to discrimination and social exclusion.

General Anxiety Disorder

A mental disorder characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life.

Agoraphobia

An anxiety disorder marked by a fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable.

Schizophrenia

A serious mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thought, perception, and behavior.

Panic Disorder

An anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks and fear of future attacks.

Major Depressive Disorder

A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and loss of interest.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

A personality disorder characterized by pervasive patterns of disregard for the rights of others.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

A personality disorder marked by a long-standing pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.

Obsessions and Compulsions

Obsessions are intrusive thoughts, while compulsions are repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety related to those thoughts.

Dissociative Disorders

Mental disorders characterized by a disruption in the consciousness, memory, identity, or perception of the environment.

Social Anxiety

The intense fear of social situations that may lead to embarrassment or humiliation.

PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; a condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image.

SSRI

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; a class of medications commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders.

Antipsychotics

Medications used to treat symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions or hallucinations.

Behavior Therapy

A therapeutic approach that uses principles of learning to alter maladaptive behaviors.

Humanistic Therapy

A therapeutic approach that emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization.

Electroconvulsive

A treatment for severe depression involving the application of electrical currents to the brain.

Free Association

A psychotherapeutic technique where a patient speaks freely to reveal thoughts and feelings.

Active Listening

A communication technique used in counseling that involves fully concentrating, understanding, and responding to a speaker.

Lithium Carbonate

A medication commonly used to treat bipolar disorder by stabilizing mood.

Nonmaleficence

An ethical principle that emphasizes the obligation not to inflict harm intentionally.