Disorders

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to various psychiatric disorders as discussed in preparation for the HOSA SQE Behavioral Health Exam.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

A type of cognitive behavioral therapy especially effective for treating Borderline Personality Disorder.

Dissociative Disorders

Disorders characterized by disruptions in consciousness, memory, identity, or perception, often linked to trauma.

Eating Disorders

Serious mental health conditions that involve disturbances in eating behaviors and related thoughts.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and severely restricted food intake.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Symptoms develop in early childhood, and it involves a spectrum of severity.

What are the key genetic factors associated with ASD?

Strong heritability, increased likelihood with siblings who have ASD, and associated conditions such as Fragile X syndrome.

List some environmental risk factors for ASD.

Advanced parental age, low birth weight or prematurity, pregnancy complications, and prenatal exposures (e.g., valproic acid). Important note: No evidence links vaccines to autism (CDC).

How do brain development differences contribute to ASD?

Early brain overgrowth and atypical neural connectivity, particularly affecting social communication areas.

Describe the core symptom of social communication deficits in ASD.

Reduced eye contact, difficulty understanding social cues, and challenges in conversation and establishing relationships.

What are common repetitive and restricted behaviors seen in ASD?

Repetitive movements (e.g., hand flapping), insistence on routines, and sensory processing differences.

Name some common co-occurring conditions with ASD.

ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, intellectual disabilities (in some cases), epilepsy/seizure disorders, GI problems, and sleep disturbances.

Which diagnostic tools are used for screening ASD in toddlers?

M-CHAT-R/F (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) and ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaire).

Who are the key professionals involved in diagnosing ASD?

Developmental pediatricians, child psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, and clinical psychologists.

What are the three severity levels for ASD under DSM-5?

Level 1: Requiring support; Level 2: Requiring substantial support; Level 3: Requires very substantial support.

Identify the 'gold standard' behavioral intervention for ASD.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Which medications are used to address irritability in ASD?

Risperidone and Aripiprazole.

Explain the importance of early intervention in ASD treatment.

Early intervention is crucial for improving outcomes by targeting key developmental areas during critical periods.

What is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development. Symptoms must be present before age 12 and occur in multiple settings.

List the three DSM-5 presentations of ADHD.

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation, and Combined Presentation.

What are prominent genetic factors linked to ADHD?

High heritability, with an increased risk if first-degree relatives have ADHD.

Describe brain development differences related to ADHD.

Differences in brain networks related to attention, impulse control, and executive functioning.

What are the core symptoms of inattention in ADHD?

Difficulty maintaining attention, making careless mistakes, forgetfulness in daily activities, and being easily distracted.

How does hyperactivity manifest in ADHD?

Fidgeting, excessive movement, difficulty remaining seated when expected, and 'on the go' behavior, as if driven by a motor.

What behaviors characterize impulsivity in ADHD?

Interrupting others, difficulty waiting for one's turn, and blurting out answers before questions are completed.

Name common co-occurring conditions with ADHD.

Learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, depression, and substance use disorders (especially in adolescence/adulthood).

What is involved in the diagnosis of ADHD?

Clinical interviews, symptom checklists, behavioral observations, and report collection from parents/teachers by psychiatrists, psychologists, or pediatricians.

What are the first-line stimulant medications for ADHD?

Methylphenidate and Amphetamines.

Name some non-stimulant medications used for ADHD.

Atomoxetine, Guanfacine, and Clonidine.

When is behavioral therapy primarily recommended for ADHD?

Primarily for children under 12, focusing on parent training in behavior management and behavior modification programs.

What educational supports are important for students with ADHD?

Accommodations such as Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans.

What are the potential consequences if ADHD is left untreated?

Academic difficulties, behavioral issues, substance misuse, and impaired relationships.

What is Schizophrenia?

A chronic, severe mental disorder affecting thinking, perception, emotions, and behavior, involving psychosis and impairing reality distinction. Symptoms often begin in late adolescence or early adulthood.

List the three main categories of core symptoms in Schizophrenia.

Positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive symptoms.

Describe positive symptoms in Schizophrenia.

Symptoms that are 'added' to normal experience, such as hallucinations (often auditory), delusions (firm false beliefs), and disorganized speech/behavior.

Explain negative symptoms in Schizophrenia.

Symptoms that represent a 'loss' or deficit of normal functions, including flat affect (reduced emotional expression), reduced speech (alogia), lack of motivation (avolition), and social withdrawal.

What are cognitive symptoms in Schizophrenia?

Impairments in executive functioning, focusing attention, and working memory.

Name some related psychotic disorders.

Schizoaffective disorder, Schizophreniform disorder, and Brief psychotic disorder.

What are the first-line treatments for Schizophrenia?

Antipsychotic medications (both typical like Haloperidol and atypical like Risperidone) and psychosocial treatments.

What is CBTp?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis, a psychosocial treatment for Schizophrenia.

When are hospitalizations necessary in the treatment of Schizophrenia?

For crisis stabilization and safety measures, especially during acute psychotic episodes.

What are major complications if Schizophrenia is left untreated?

Worsening symptoms, functional decline, homelessness, high relapse risk, and increased suicide risk.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

A chronic mood disorder involving cycles of manic or hypomanic and depressive episodes.

Define Bipolar I Disorder.

Characterized by at least one full manic episode; major depressive episodes are common but not required for diagnosis.

Define Bipolar II Disorder.

Characterized by at least one hypomanic episode and at least one major depressive episode.

What is Cyclothymic Disorder?

A chronic mood disturbance lasting 2+ years, with numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms that do not meet full criteria for hypomanic or major depressive episodes.

What defines a manic episode?

A distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, and abnormally and persistently increased goal-directed activity or energy, lasting at least 1 week and including additional symptoms like grandiosity and decreased need for sleep.

How does a hypomanic episode differ from a manic episode?

Similar to mania but less severe, typically lasting at least 4 consecutive days, and not causing marked impairment in social or occupational functioning or requiring hospitalization.

What is the primary class of medications used for Bipolar Disorder?

Mood stabilizers, such as Lithium and Valproate.

Why is Lithium considered significant in Bipolar Disorder treatment?

It is a mood stabilizer proven to reduce suicide risk in individuals with bipolar disorder.

What types of psychotherapy are helpful for Bipolar Disorder?

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), family-focused therapy, and lifestyle support.

What is Depression (Major Depressive Disorder - MDD)?

A serious mood disorder negatively affecting thoughts, emotions, and actions, with symptoms lasting 2+ weeks.

What defines Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)?

Chronic depression for at least 2 years, with symptoms often less severe than MDD but more persistent.

What are the common emotional symptoms of depression?

Depressed mood (sadness, emptiness), anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure), and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

List common physical symptoms of depression.

Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or hypersomnia), changes in appetite or weight (increase or decrease), and fatigue or loss of energy.

What cognitive symptoms are associated with depression?

Difficulty concentrating, indecisiveness, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation.

Which psychotherapy is considered the 'gold standard' for depression?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps reframe negative thought patterns.

What are the first-line medication treatments for depression?

Antidepressants, specifically Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs).

How long do antidepressants typically take to show effect?

They must be taken consistently and may take 4-6 weeks to achieve their full therapeutic effect.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) used for in depression?

For severe, treatment-resistant cases of depression.

What is the definition of Anxiety Disorders?

Excessive fear or worry that interrupts daily functioning; they are the most common mental health disorders in the U.S.

Define Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Chronic, excessive worry about a variety of events or activities, occurring for at least 6 months.

What characterizes Panic Disorder?

Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, which are abrupt surges of intense fear or discomfort accompanied by physical and cognitive symptoms.

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Intense fear of social situations in which the individual may be exposed to scrutiny by others, leading to avoidance or enduring with intense anxiety.

Name some physical symptoms of anxiety.

Palpitations (pounding heart), shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, and nausea.

What cognitive symptoms are common in anxiety disorders?

Excessive worry, difficulty concentrating, feeling of losing control, and catastrophic thinking.

Which psychotherapy is the 'gold standard' for anxiety disorders?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

What medications are primarily used as first-line treatments for anxiety disorders?

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors).

When are benzodiazepines used for anxiety?

They are used for short-term management of acute anxiety due to their rapid action, but long-term use is not recommended due to dependence risk.

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

A chronic mental health disorder featuring obsessions (intrusive, unwanted thoughts causing distress) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors performed to alleviate anxiety).

Provide examples of common obsessions in OCD.

Fear of contamination, fear of harming others, and needing symmetry or order.

Give examples of associated compulsions for OCD.

Hand washing (in response to contamination fears), repeated checking (to prevent harm/mistakes), and counting rituals (for symmetry/order).

Which specific CBT technique is most effective for OCD?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), where individuals confront feared situations without engaging in compulsive rituals.

What medications are first-line treatments for OCD?

SSRIs, with fluoxetine and fluvoxamine being commonly used due to their effectiveness in managing obsessive and compulsive symptoms.

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

A disorder that may develop after exposure to a traumatic event, characterized by intrusive memories, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and altered arousal/reactivity symptoms persisting for more than 1 month.

List the four symptom clusters of PTSD according to DSM-5.

Intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and marked alterations in arousal and reactivity.

What does 'intrusion' mean in the context of PTSD symptoms?

Distressing, recurrent memories of the traumatic event, nightmares related to the trauma, flashbacks where the person feels or acts as if the trauma is reoccurring, and intense psychological distress at exposure to reminders.

How does avoidance manifest in PTSD?

Efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about the traumatic event, or external reminders (people, places, activities, objects, and situations) associated with the trauma.

Describe negative alterations in cognition and mood for PTSD.

Persistent negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world; distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the trauma; persistent negative emotional state; diminished interest in significant activities; feelings of detachment from others; and inability to experience positive emotions.

Explain altered arousal and reactivity symptoms in PTSD.

Hypervigilance (excessive watchfulness), exaggerated startle response, irritability or angry outbursts, reckless or self-destructive behavior, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbance.

What are the common co-occurring conditions with PTSD?

Depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders, as individuals may attempt to self-medicate or cope with their PTSD symptoms.

Name the effective psychotherapies for PTSD.

Trauma-Focused CBT, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

What is the first-line pharmacotherapy for PTSD?

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors).

What are Personality Disorders (PDs)?

Enduring patterns of inner experience and behavior that deviate markedly from the expectations of the individual's culture, are pervasive and inflexible, have an onset in adolescence or early adulthood, are stable over time, and lead to distress or impairment.

What are the key etiological factors for Personality Disorders?

Complex interactions between biological (genetic) factors and environmental factors such as childhood trauma, inconsistent parenting, and attachment issues.

Describe Cluster A Personality Disorders.

Characterized by odd or eccentric behavior, including Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal Personality Disorders.

Describe Cluster B Personality Disorders.

Characterized by dramatic, emotional, or erratic behavior, including Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, and Narcissistic Personality Disorders.

Describe Cluster C Personality Disorders.

Characterized by anxious or fearful behavior, including Avoidant, Dependent, and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorders.

Which psychotherapy is known to be highly effective for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Are there specific medications to directly treat Personality Disorders?

No direct treatments for PDs; medications are typically used to manage specific co-occurring symptoms like depression, anxiety, or mood instability.

What are Dissociative Disorders?

Disorders involving disruptions in normal integration of consciousness, memory, identity, emotion, perception, body representation, motor control, and behavior, often caused by severe trauma or stress.

What is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)?

Characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states (or 'alters') that recurrently take control of the individual's behavior, along with gaps in memory for everyday events, important personal information, and/or traumatic events.

Define Dissociative Amnesia.

An inability to recall important autobiographical information, usually of a traumatic or stressful nature, that is inconsistent with ordinary forgetting.

Explain Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder.

Characterized by persistent or recurrent experiences of depersonalization (feelings of detachment from one's own body, thoughts, or feelings) and/or derealization (feelings of detachment from one's surroundings, perceiving them as unreal or foggy).

What type of life event is frequently associated with the development of Dissociative Disorders?

Severe trauma or stress.

What are the primary treatments for Dissociative Disorders?

Psychotherapy, particularly trauma-focused CBT, DBT, and EMDR, along with community and peer support.

What is the HOSA SQE Behavioral Health Exam?

An exam designed to test knowledge on various mental health disorders, their definitions, causes, symptoms, treatments, and professional involvements based on CDC, NIMH, and SAMHSA sources.

Name the key professional roles in ASD treatment.

ABA therapists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, special education teachers, social workers, child psychologists, developmental pediatricians, psychiatrists, and neurologists.

Who are the key professionals involved in ADHD diagnosis and medication management?

Psychiatrists, psychologists, pediatricians, and nurse practitioners.

How long must symptoms of Schizophrenia last for a DSM-5 diagnosis?

Diagnosis requires two or more symptoms for at least 1 month, with continuous signs of disturbance for at least 6 months, including a prodromal or residual period.

What are typical antipsychotics and give examples?

Older generation antipsychotics, effective against positive symptoms. Examples include Haloperidol and Chlorpromazine.