Psychological Dysfunction and Disorders

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to psychological dysfunction and disorders.

Psychological Dysfunction

Refers to a breakdown in emotional or behavioral functioning.

Continuum

Most psychological problems exist on a continuum, rather than as distinct categories.

Dysfunctional Behavior

Behavior that violates social norms and prevents individuals from functioning normally.

Atypical Behavior

Behavior that deviates from what is culturally expected, such as extreme shyness.

Harmful Behavior

Behavior that may not be classified as disordered in one culture but could be seen as harmful in another.

Psychopathology

The scientific study of psychological disorders.

Counseling Psychologists

Professionals who study and treat issues encountered by relatively healthy individuals.

Clinical Psychologists

Professionals who focus on more severe psychological disorders.

Psychiatrists

Medical doctors who investigate the nature and causes of psychological disorders, make diagnoses, and offer treatments.

Evidence-Based Practice

Using the best empirically supported diagnostic and treatment procedures.

Practice-Based Evidence

Evaluating one's own assessments or treatment procedures to generate new knowledge.

Clinical Description

Details of the combination of behavior, thoughts, and feelings that make up a particular disorder.

Course of a Disorder

The pattern of development and change of a disorder over time.

Chronic Course

A disorder that tends to last a long time, sometimes a lifetime.

Episodic Course

A disorder where an individual is likely to recover within a few months but may experience reoccurrences.

Time-Limited Course

A disorder that will improve without treatment in a relatively short period.

Acute Onset

A disorder that begins suddenly.

Insidious Onset

Disorders that develop gradually over time.

Prognosis

Predicted future development of a disorder over time.

Etiology

The study of origins or causes of a disorder.

Supernatural Tradition

Historical view that unusual behavior reflected a battle between good and evil.

Moral Theory

View that treating patients in a normal setting encourages and reinforces social interaction.

Asylums

Institutions that were intended to provide positive environments for individuals with psychological disorders.

Psychoanalysis

A therapeutic approach that emphasizes exploration of unconscious processes and conflicts.

Behaviorism

Theory explaining human behavior, including dysfunction, based on learning principles.

Defense Mechanisms

Common patterns of behavior that the mind uses to protect itself from intrapsychic conflict.

Repression

Blocking disturbing wishes, thoughts, or experiences from conscious awareness.

Denial

Refusal to acknowledge some aspects of reality.

Projection

Falsely attributing one's unacceptable feelings or impulses to another individual.

Rationalization

Concealing the true motivations for actions through self-serving explanations.

Sublimation

Redirecting potentially maladaptive feelings into socially acceptable behaviors.

Neuroses

Obsolete term for psychological disorders thought to result from unconscious conflicts.

Ego Psychology

Focus on the role of the ego in development and managing impulses.

Transference

When clients relate to the therapist as they do to significant others.

Countertransference

When therapists project their own issues onto the patient.

Humanist Theory

Focus on human potential and self-actualization.

Self-Actualizing

Process of striving to achieve one's highest potential.

Person-Centered Therapy

Therapeutic method that emphasizes client direction in discussion.

Unconditional Positive Regard

Acceptance of clients' feelings without judgment or condemnation.

Gestalt Therapy

Focus on developing awareness of desires and how individuals might block themselves from reaching their potential.

Behavioural Model

Focuses on understanding human behavior as a result of learning and adaptations.

Systematic Desensitization

Technique to reduce fears through gradual exposure paired with relaxation.

Definition of Psychological Disorder

(1) psychological dysfunction, (2) distress or impairment in functioning, and (3) a response not typical or culturally expected.

Multidimensional Integrative Approach

Study of psychopathology that holds that disorders are products of multiple interacting factors.

Diathesis-Stress Model

Hypothesis that both genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors are needed to produce a disorder.

Gene-Environment Correlation Model

Hypothesis that individuals with genetic predispositions for disorders may also create environmental risks.

Epigenetics

Study of factors that can change phenotype expression without altering DNA.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals in the brain and influence mood and behavior.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation and functioning.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter implicated in attention, pleasure, and reward.

Norepinephrine

Part of the endocrine system, influencing physiological reactions.

GABA

Inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates anxiety and emotional responses.

Glutamate

Excitatory neurotransmitter important for brain function.

Learned Helplessness

Condition where individuals feel they have no control over their lives.

Positive Psychology

Focus on promoting positive attitudes and happiness.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Treatment aimed at modifying faulty thought processes.

Self-Instructions

Modifying what clients tell themselves regarding consequences of their actions.

Cognitive Restructuring

Technique of replacing negative thoughts with realistic and positive ones.

Emotional Dysregulation

Disruption in emotional regulation that can lead to various disorders.

Cultural Considerations in Disorders

The influence of societal norms and values on the expression and treatment of disorders.

Equifinality

The principle that different paths can lead to the same disorder.

Diathesis-Stress Interaction

The interplay of genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors that contribute to psychological disorders.

Schizophrenia

A severe psychological disorder marked by disorganized thought, hallucinations, and delusions.

Hallucinations

Sensory experiences in the absence of external stimuli.

Delusions

Firmly held false beliefs that are inconsistent with reality.

Avolition

Inability to initiate or persist in goal-directed activities.

Anhedonia

Lack of pleasure or interest in activities once found enjoyable.

Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Excesses or distortions of normal functioning, including hallucinations and delusions.

Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Absences of normal emotions, motivations, or behaviors.

Disorganized Symptoms

Erratic behavior patterns and incoherent speech seen in some patients.

Comorbidity

The occurrence of two or more disorders in a single individual.

Substance Use Disorder

Continued use of a substance despite significant consequences.

Substance Intoxication

Physiological reaction to ingested substances, which can impair functioning.

Tolerance

Needing more of a substance to achieve the same effect.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Adverse physical responses experienced when decreasing or stopping substance use.

Risk Factors for Substance Use Disorder

Biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the likelihood of developing a disorder.

Alcohol Use Disorder

A problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to significant impairment.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A therapeutic approach that helps change dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and thoughts.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

A form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on the psychosocial aspects of treatment.

Anorexia Nervosa

Eating disorder characterized by extreme weight loss and an intense fear of weight gain.

Bulimia Nervosa

Eating disorder involving episodes of binge eating followed by purging.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Eating disorder marked by recurrent episodes of binge eating without compensation.

Obsession

Recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are intrusive.

Compulsion

Repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform.

Attachment Disorders

Disruptions in a child's ability to form normal social relationships.

Adjustment Disorder

Emotional and behavioral symptoms occurring in response to a specific stressor.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

An anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event.

Acute Stress Disorder

Anxiety disorder that occurs within three days to one month after a traumatic event.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Therapy focused on unconscious processes governing behavior.

Family Therapy

Therapy that focuses on interactions within family systems.

Exposure Therapy

Therapeutic technique for overcoming anxiety by facing the feared object or context.

Crisis Intervention

Immediate and short-term psychological care for individuals experiencing an acute mental health crisis.

Self-Help Groups

Peer-led support groups for individuals dealing with similar issues.

Cognitive Distortions

Inaccurate thoughts that reinforce negative thinking.

Erroneous Beliefs

False beliefs that shape our perceptions of reality.

Functional Impairment

Significant difficulties in performing daily activities due to mental or physical health issues.

Suicide Risk Factors

Characteristics or circumstances that increase the likelihood of suicide.

Self-Harm

Deliberate harm to oneself, often as a coping mechanism for emotional distress.

Resilience

The ability to recover from stress, adversity, or trauma.

Therapeutic Alliance

The relationship between therapist and client that helps facilitate healing.