psych

Psychological Disorder

A syndrome marked by a clinically significant disturbance in cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior.

Biopsychosocial Perspective

An approach that sees psychological disorders arising from biological predispositions, psychological stressors, and social influences.

Maladaptive

Behaviors or thoughts that hinder a person's ability to function in daily life.

Dysfunctional

A breakdown in normal functioning—physically, mentally, or socially.

Distress

Emotional suffering caused by a disorder.

Subjective Discomfort

The personal experience of emotional pain, even if there's no visible dysfunction.

Diathesis-Stress Model

A theory suggesting that a predisposition combines with stress to result in a disorder.

Epigenetics

The study of how environmental factors affect gene expression.

DSM-5-TR

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders used for classification and diagnosis.

Psychodynamic Perspective

Views disorders as stemming from unresolved unconscious conflicts.

Behavioral Perspective

Focuses on learned behaviors and conditioning.

Humanistic Perspective

Poses that disorders result from blocked personal growth or lack of unconditional positive regard.

Cognitive Perspective

Emphasizes irrational or maladaptive thought patterns as causes of disorders.

Biological Perspective

Considers disorders as stemming from brain chemistry or genetics.

Evolutionary Perspective

Suggests some disorders may be exaggerated versions of adaptive behaviors.

Sociocultural Perspective

Examines how culture, environment, and societal norms shape disorders.

Biopsychosocial Model

Integrates biological, psychological, and environmental factors to explain disorders.

Anxiety Disorders

Marked by excessive fear and anxiety with related behavioral disturbances.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Fear of being judged in social situations.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Persistent, uncontrollable worry about multiple areas of life.

Panic Disorder

Characterized by recurrent panic attacks with physical symptoms.

Agoraphobia

Fear of situations where escape might be difficult, often with panic disorder.

Specific Phobia

Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Persistent re-experiencing of a traumatic event.

Depressive Disorders

Characterized by persistent feelings of sadness or loss of interest.

Bipolar Disorders

Involve alternating episodes of depression and mania.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Severe, long-lasting sadness with cognitive and physical symptoms.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

Chronic, less intense depression lasting at least two years.

Bipolar I Disorder

Includes full manic episodes and usually depressive episodes.

Bipolar II Disorder

Includes hypomanic episodes and major depressive episodes.

Mania

A hyperactive, wildly optimistic state.

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder

A group of severe disorders involving distorted thoughts, perceptions, and behaviors.

Psychotic Disorders

Involve a break from reality, often characterized by hallucinations and delusions.

Delusions

False beliefs, such as feeling watched or controlled.

Positive Symptoms

Excesses or distortions, like hallucinations.

Negative Symptoms

Absence of normal behavior, like flat affect or social withdrawal.

Dissociative Disorders

Involve disruptions in consciousness, memory, identity, or perception.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Presence of two or more distinct identities in one individual.

Dissociative Amnesia

Inability to recall personal information, often after trauma.

Personality Disorders

Enduring maladaptive personality traits.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Characterized by disregard for others and lack of empathy.

Feeding and Eating Disorders

Disturbed eating patterns affecting health.

Anorexia Nervosa

Intense fear of gaining weight and severe restriction of intake.

Bulimia Nervosa

Binge eating followed by purging.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Disorders that originate in childhood and affect development.

Specific Learning Disorders

Difficulties in reading, writing, or math.

Motor Disorders

Movement abnormalities such as tics.

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Deficits in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.

ADHD

Characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Psychotherapy

Talk-based treatment aimed at changing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Biomedical Therapy

Uses medication or medical procedures for treatment.

Eclectic Approach

Combines methods from different psychological perspectives.

Psychoanalysis

Freudian method focused on unconscious motives and conflicts.

Insight Therapies

Help clients gain deeper self-understanding.

Person-Centered Therapy

Humanistic therapy emphasizing self-growth.

Active Listening

Therapist echoes and restates clients' feelings.

Unconditional Positive Regard

Accepting clients without judgment.

Behavioral Therapist

Focuses on changing maladaptive behaviors.

Counterconditioning

Pairs a trigger with a new response, such as relaxation.

Exposure Therapies

Gradual exposure to a feared object or context.

Systematic Desensitization

Step-by-step exposure paired with relaxation.

Aversion Therapy

Pairs unwanted behavior with discomfort.

Token Economy

Uses reinforcement tokens to encourage desired behaviors.

Cognitive Therapy

Challenges negative thought patterns.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

Helps clients dispute irrational beliefs.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Combines cognitive and behavioral techniques to change behaviors.

Group Therapy

Treats multiple clients together to benefit from group interaction.

Antipsychotic Drugs

Reduce dopamine activity used to treat schizophrenia.

Antianxiety Drugs

Depress central nervous system activity.

Antidepressant Drugs

Typically SSRIs that increase serotonin availability.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Induces a brief brain seizure under anesthesia for severe depression.