Psychological Disorders and Treatments

These flashcards cover key concepts related to psychological disorders and treatments, including anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, learned helplessness, and the pharmacological treatment of depression.

What disorder is characterized by feelings of increasing nervousness in the absence of a threat?

Generalized anxiety disorder.

What is obsessive compulsive disorder defined by?

The presence of obsessions (thoughts) and compulsions (behaviors) used to manage the obsessions.

What diagnosis is associated with sudden, overpowering terror and worry that occurs without warning?

Panic disorder.

What is agoraphobia?

A fear of open or public spaces.

What theory explains depression as a learning experience where individuals feel helpless due to their perceived lack of control?

Learned helplessness.

What do SSRIs like Zoloft aim to do in the treatment of depression?

Increase the levels of serotonin in the synaptic cleft.

What neurotransmitters are considered monoamines related to depression?

Dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.

What is the connection between depression and serotonin according to the monoamine hypothesis?

Depression is due to decreased levels of serotonin in the brain.

Which type of antidepressant is known to work on both serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake?

Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

What phenomenon did Seligman and Mayer demonstrate in their study with rats regarding learned helplessness?

Rats that experienced unavoidable shocks learned to give up and not respond to subsequent avoidable shocks.

What was a significant limitation of SSRIs mentioned in the lecture?

Sexual dysfunction and the fact that not everyone responds to them.

What were major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder discussed in terms of duration and intensity of symptoms?

Major depressive disorder has intense symptoms lasting at least two weeks; persistent depressive disorder has less intense symptoms lasting for two years or more.

Explain the cognitive triad as proposed by Aaron Beck in relation to depression.

Negative thoughts about self, situation, and future that lead to a vicious cycle.

Which approach to therapy can help manage depression through changing thought patterns?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).