5.3 - Explaining and Classifying Psychological Disorders

Clinical Psychology

The applied field of psychology that seeks to assess, understand and treat psychological conditions in clinical practice.

Clinical Psychologists

Has their doctorate but not a doctor, supports people through psychotherapy, cannot prescribe meds.

Psychiatrists

Medical training, can prescribe meds, identify disorders, generally works inside hospitals.

The Four D’s

Factors used to identify psychological disorders in the DSM-5, thoughts or actions.

The Four D’s are…

Deviant, Distressing, Dysfunctional, & Dangerous.

Deviant

Breaking from societal norms.

Distressing

Causing discomfort.

Dysfunctional

Interfering with daily life.

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

Specialized training, as well as this American classification tool (developed by the APA) are required to diagnose someone with a disorder.

ICD (International Classification of Mental Disorders)

Used internationally to diagnose someone with a disorder, created by WHO.

541

Number of different mental disorder present in most recent edition of he DSM-5.

Positive Consequences

Helps classify and predict behaviors, leads to therapy and treatment.

Negative Consequences

Stigmas (negative labels/mark of disapproval) can lead to discrimination.

Eclectic Approach

Explains disorders using more than one psychological perspective.

The Biopsychosocial Model

Assumes that any psychological problem potentially involves a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.

Behavioral Approach

The causes of mental disorders focus on maladaptive learned associations between or among responses to stimuli.

Phobias from Childhood

A person with a phobia of dogs may have developed that fear through a learned association.

Psychodynamic Approach

The causes of mental disorders revolve around unconscious thoughts and experiences, often developed during childhood.

Unresolved Trauma

A person with anxiety may have dealt with a neglect parent, causing unconscious insecurity.

Humanistic Approach

The causes of mental disorders rest in a lack of social support and inability to fulfill one’s potential.

Isolation Causing Depression

A person suffering from depression might feel isolated and unsupported, which leads to feelings of inadequacy and an inability to reach their full potential.

Cognitive Approach

The causes of mental disorders focus on maladaptive thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, or emotions.

Cycle of Negative Thoughts

A person with depression may have negative, distorted thoughts like “I’m worthless” or “Nothing will get better.”

Evolutionary Approach

The causes of mental disorders focus on behaviors and mental processes that reduce the likelihood of survival.

Survival Instincts Causing Anxiety

A person with anxiety disorders may experience heightened stress.

Sociocultural Approach

The causes of mental disorders focus on maladaptive social and cultural relationships and dynamics.

Cultural Pressures to Perform Well

Someone from a culture that emphasizes achievement and success might experience anxiety or depression if they feel they can’t meet those standards.

Biological Approach

Proposes that the causes of mental disorders focus on physiological or genetic issues.

Schizophrenia

A person with schizophrenia may have a genetic predisposition to the disorder, and there may be abnormalities in the brain’s dopamine system.

Diathesis Stress Model

Assumes that psychological disorders develop due to a genetic vulnerability (diathesis) in combination with stressful life experiences (stress).