Psychology 604-631 Quiz Notes Practice

Psychological Disorder

A pattern of thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that deviate from cultural norms, cause distress to the individual or others, and interfere with a person's ability to function in everyday life.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A psychological disorder marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Inattention

Difficulty focusing, following through on tasks, and organizing activities.

Hyperactivity

Restlessness, excessive physical movement, and trouble staying still.

Impulsivity

Acting without thinking, interrupting others, or making quick decisions without considering the consequences.

Medical Model

Views psychological disorders as diseases with biological causes that can be diagnosed, treated, and cured like physical illnesses.

DSM-IV-TR

A reference manual used by clinicians to classify and diagnose psychological disorders, providing a standardized list of symptoms and criteria for each disorder.

Anxiety Disorders

A category of mental health disorders involving excessive fear, anxiety, or worry that affects daily life and causes distress.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Involves chronic, uncontrollable worry about various everyday issues lasting for at least 6 months and causing significant distress.

Panic Disorder

Involves recurrent panic attacks, which are sudden periods of intense fear or discomfort with physical symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain.

Phobia

An intense, irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that causes avoidance of these triggers.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Involves recurrent, intrusive thoughts or urges, such as fear of contamination or doubts about safety.

Compulsions

Repetitive behaviors or mental acts aimed at reducing the anxiety caused by obsessions.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Occurs after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as combat, assault, or a natural disaster.

Intrusive memories

Flashbacks or nightmares.

Hyperarousal

Irritability and difficulty sleeping.

Avoidance of trauma reminders

Avoiding places that resemble the event.

Post-Traumatic Growth

Positive psychological changes that some people experience after facing trauma.

Mood Disorders

Disturbances in a person's emotional state, causing them to feel extreme moods such as depression or euphoria.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Characterized by a persistent low mood for at least 2 weeks, often accompanied by feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in usual activities.

Mania

An intense state of euphoria, heightened energy, and impulsive behavior.

Bipolar Disorder

Involves extreme mood swings between manic and depressive episodes.

Bipolar I

Includes full-blown manic episodes that last for at least 7 days or are so severe that immediate hospital care is needed.

Bipolar II

Includes episodes of hypomania (less severe mania) and depression but does not involve full-blown manic episodes.

Schizophrenia

A severe mental disorder that affects a person's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Psychosis

Refers to a mental state where an individual loses touch with reality.

Hallucinations

Sensory experiences that aren't real (e.g., hearing non-existent voices).

Delusions

Strongly held false beliefs (e.g., believing one is famous or invincible).