Unit 9 Clinical Psychology

AP PSYCH TEST PREP

Psychological disorder

A condition characterized by abnormal thoughts, behaviors, or emotions that cause significant distress or impairment in functioning.

Maladaptive behavior

Patterns of behavior that hinder an individual's ability to adjust to their environment, leading to distress or impairment in functioning.

Violation of cultural standards

actions that significantly deviate from accepted norms and expectations of a society, often leading to social disapproval or dysfunction.

Personal Distress

An individual's suffering or discomfort due to their psychological condition, often affecting emotional well-being.

Deviance

behavior that is different from the norm or violates social rules and expectations.

Biophysical approach

A theoretical perspective in clinical psychology that considers biological, psychological, and social factors in mental health. It emphasizes the interplay between these domains in understanding and treating psychological disorders.

Diathesis-stress model of mental illness

A psychological theory that explains the development of mental disorders as a result of the interaction between a predispositional vulnerability (diathesis) and stressful life events.

How does diathesis connect to nature vs. nurture

The diathesis-stress model illustrates how genetic predispositions (nature) interact with environmental factors (nurture) to influence the likelihood of developing mental illness.

Behavioral approach

A perspective in psychology that emphasizes the study of observable behaviors and the processes of learning. It suggests that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning and can be modified through reinforcements or punishments.

Cognitive approach

A psychological perspective that emphasizes mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving in understanding behavior and mental disorders.

Biological approach

logical approach to psychology that emphasizes the role of biological factors in behavior and mental processes. s

Psychodynamic Approach

A psychological perspective that emphasizes the importance of unconscious processes and early life experiences in shaping behavior and thoughts. It is rooted in the theories of Sigmund Freud.

Humanistic Approach

A psychological perspective that highlights personal growth, self-actualization, and the inherent goodness of people. It focuses on individual potential and stresses the importance of self-exploration and self-discovery.

Evolutionary Approach

A psychological perspective that considers the biological basis of behavior and mental processes as adaptations shaped by natural selection. It seeks to understand how evolutionary principles influence human thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Sociocultural Approach

A psychological perspective that examines how social and cultural factors influence behavior, thoughts, and emotions. It considers the impact of societal norms, values, and traditions on individual psychology.

General characteristics of Anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive fear, worry, and anxiety that interfere with daily functioning. Symptoms may include restlessness, rapid heart rate, and avoidance behaviors.

Generalized Anxiety disorder

A type of anxiety disorder characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, including health, finances, and social interactions, often leading to physical symptoms such as fatigue and irritability.

Panic Disorder

A type of anxiety disorder marked by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort that trigger severe physical and emotional reactions.

Panic attacks

are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes and can lead to physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness.

Specific phobic disorder

A type of anxiety disorder characterized by an intense, irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that leads to avoidance behavior and significant distress.

Agoraphobia

An anxiety disorder involving intense fear and avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable in case of a panic attack.

Social Anxiety Disorder

A chronic mental health condition characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in social situations. This disorder can lead to significant distress and avoidance of social interactions.

Acrophobia

An intense fear of heights that leads to avoidance of high places, causing significant distress. A

Arachnophobia

is an intense fear of spiders and other arachnids, leading to avoidance of places where they might be encountered and causing significant distress.

ataque de nervios

A culturally specific syndrome predominantly found in Latin American populations, characterized by a surge of overwhelming anxiety often accompanied by emotional distress, trembling, and feelings of losing control.

Taijin Kyofusho

A cultural syndrome primarily observed in Japan, characterized by extreme fear of interpersonal relationships and the belief that one's body or behavior is offensive to others.

General characteristics of obsessive-compulsive disorder

include persistent unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or rituals (compulsions) performed to alleviate anxiety.

Hoarding

is a psychological disorder characterized by the excessive accumulation of items, resulting in significant clutter and impairment in daily functioning.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

is a mental disorder involving obsessive focus on perceived flaws in physical appearance, leading to significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning.

Anorexia nervosa

is an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to self-starvation and excessive weight loss.

Bulimia nervosa

is an eating disorder marked by recurring episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise. This cycle can lead to serious health complications.

PTSD

(Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

ADHD

(Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.

ASD

(Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication challenges, and restricted or repetitive behaviors. Symptoms can vary widely among individuals.

Major Depressive disorder

is a common and serious mood disorder that negatively affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. Symptoms include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia)

is a chronic form of depression characterized by a low mood lasting for at least two years, along with other symptoms similar to major depression but less severe.

BiPolar disorder

is a mental health condition marked by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood shifts can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, and behavior.

Mania

a state of abnormally elevated arousal, affect, and energy level, which can lead to impulsive behaviors and poor decision making.

bipolar l

is a mental health disorder involving periods of depression and elevated mood, which can significantly disrupt daily life.

bipolar ll

a form of bipolar disorder characterized by at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but no full manic episodes.

Psychosis

a mental health condition characterized by a disconnection from reality, often including delusions or hallucinations.

Delusions

false beliefs that are resistant to reasoning or contrary evidence, often seen in psychosis.

Hallucinations

sensory experiences that appear real but are created by the mind, commonly experienced in psychosis.

Diminished/inappropriate emotions

refers to an emotional response that is reduced or not suitable for the situation, often observed in various mental health disorders such as schizophrenia.

The onset of schizophrenia

typically occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood, characterized by a range of symptoms including delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking.

Chronic

is typically gradual and may occur during late adolescence or early adulthood, leading to significant impairment in functioning and requiring lifelong management.

Acute

refers to a sudden onset of symptoms that are severe and can lead to a short-term crisis, often requiring immediate intervention.

Dopamine hypothesis

is a theory suggesting that schizophrenia is linked to an overactivity of dopamine transmission in certain brain areas.

Hallucinations

are sensory perceptions that occur without external stimuli, often experienced as hearing voices or seeing things that are not present.

Delusions of persecutions

are false beliefs that one is being targeted, harassed, or harmed by others, despite a lack of evidence.

Delusions of grandeur

are false beliefs that one has exceptional abilities, wealth, or fame, often leading to an inflated sense of self-importance.

Word salad

is a confusing and nonsensical mixture of words and phrases, often characteristic of certain psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia. It reflects a disorganized thought process that affects communication.

disorganized thinking

is a cognitive disturbance often seen in various mental health disorders, where an individual has trouble organizing thoughts, leading to incoherent speech or behavior.

Disorganized motor behavior

refers to a range of abnormal behaviors and movements that are unpredictable and may include agitation, silliness, or catatonia, commonly seen in certain psychiatric conditions.

Catatonia (exciment and stupor)

is a state of abnormal motor activity characterized by lack of movement (stupor) or excessive movement (excitement), often associated with severe psychiatric or medical conditions.

Flat affect

is a noticeable reduction in emotional expressiveness, often observed in individuals with certain psychological disorders, where there is a lack of emotional response or responsiveness to external stimuli.

Movement

refers to the manner in which a person expresses themselves through gestures, posture, and general physical motion, playing a key role in nonverbal communication.

Dissociative Amnesia

is a condition characterized by an inability to recall important personal information, usually related to trauma or stress, impacting the individual's memory and identity.

Disassociative fugue

is a subtype of dissociative amnesia where an individual not only forgets their personal information but may also travel away from home and assume a new identity, often triggered by stress or trauma.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder)

is a severe mental health condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities, each with its own pattern of perceiving and interacting with the world. This disorder often stems from severe trauma during early childhood.

Antisocial personality disorder

is a chronic mental health condition characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others. Individuals with this disorder may engage in deceitful, manipulative, or harmful behaviors without remorse, often beginning in childhood or adolescence.

Narcissistic personality

disorder is a mental health condition marked by an inflated sense of self-importance, a strong need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. It often leads to interpersonal issues and can stem from various factors, including childhood experiences.

Histrionic personality

disorder is characterized by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior. Individuals with this disorder often feel uncomfortable when they are not the center of attention and may exhibit dramatic behaviors to gain approval.

borderline personality

disorder is a mental health condition characterized by intense emotions, unstable relationships, and a distorted self-image. Individuals with this disorder may experience rapid changes in mood and engage in impulsive behaviors, often struggling with fears of abandonment.

paranoid personality

disorder is characterized by a pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others, leading to a belief that others are out to harm or deceive them. Individuals with this disorder often interpret benign remarks or events as threatening.

Free association

is a psychoanalytic technique used to explore the unconscious mind by having patients verbalize thoughts without censorship or filtering.

Resistance

is a phenomenon in psychotherapy where a patient exhibits reluctance or refusal to discuss certain thoughts, feelings, or experiences, often indicating underlying anxiety or conflict.

Transference

is a psychological phenomenon in therapy where patients project feelings or attitudes from past relationships onto the therapist, often mirroring unresolved issues.

Dream Analysis

is a therapeutic technique in which therapists interpret the content of dreams to gain insight into a patient's unconscious thoughts and emotions.

Psychotropic medication

refers to drugs used to manage psychiatric disorders by altering brain chemistry to alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.

Insight therapy

is a therapeutic approach that aims to help patients understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors through self-reflection and self-exploration, leading to personal growth and behavioral change.

client centered therapy

is a humanistic therapeutic approach developed by Carl Rogers, which emphasizes creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their feelings and thoughts openly, fostering self-acceptance and personal growth.

unconditional positive regard

is a key concept in client-centered therapy, referring to accepting and supporting a person regardless of what they say or do, promoting self-acceptance and healing.

active listening

is a communication technique used in therapy where the therapist fully concentrates, understands, responds, and remembers what the client is saying, helping to validate the client's feelings and encourage open dialogue.

counterconditioning

is a behavioral therapy technique that involves modifying a person's response to a stimulus by associating it with a new, positive response, often used to treat phobias and anxiety disorders.

exposure therapies

involve exposing patients to their feared objects or situations in a controlled way to help them confront and overcome their anxiety.

systematic desensitization (joseph wolf)

is a type of exposure therapy that gradually exposes clients to anxiety-provoking stimuli while teaching them relaxation techniques, aiming to reduce their fear response.

Hypnosis

is a therapeutic technique that involves inducing a trance-like state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility, often used for managing pain, anxiety, and certain behavioral issues.

Aversion therapy

is a form of behavioral therapy that uses negative reinforcement to decrease undesirable behaviors by associating them with unpleasant experiences.

Token economies

are a behavioral therapy intervention that uses tangible rewards or tokens to reinforce desired behaviors and discourage undesirable ones, often used in settings like schools or therapeutic communities.

reveal beliefs

that influence behaviors and emotions, often used in cognitive therapy to uncover underlying thoughts.

test beliefs

to evaluate their accuracy and influence on behaviors. This process aims to help individuals challenge negative thoughts and replace them with more positive, realistic beliefs.

change beliefs

through challenging cognitive distortions, ultimately aiming to modify unhelpful thinking patterns.

internalized sentences

are beliefs or messages learned from others that shape thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, often unconsciously.

internalized sentences

are subconscious beliefs formed from external messages that influence an individual's mental processes and reactions.

cognitive triad

is a concept from cognitive psychology that refers to the three key elements of negative thinking, which include negative views of the self, the world, and the future.

cognitive restructuring

is a therapeutic process used in cognitive-behavioral therapy that aims to identify and challenge distorted thought patterns, replacing them with more positive and realistic ones.

fear hierarchies

are tools used in therapy to help individuals confront and manage their fears by organizing them in a rank-ordered list from least to most anxiety-inducing.

dialectical behavior therapy

is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes balancing acceptance and change, primarily used to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder and emotional regulation issues.

group therapy

a form of psychotherapy where one or more therapists treat a group of individuals collectively, allowing participants to share experiences and support each other.

Thorazine

is an antipsychotic medication used primarily to treat schizophrenia and severe agitation. It helps to manage symptoms by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain.

Lithium

is a mood stabilizer commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. It helps to reduce the frequency and severity of manic episodes and is effective in stabilizing mood.

Tardive Dyskinesia

is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements, often a side effect of long-term use of antipsychotic medications.

Benzodiazepines

are a class of medications primarily used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. They work by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.

What neurotransmitters are impacted by anti depressant drugs and how

they primarily affect serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, increasing their availability and improving mood. Some antidepressants may also influence dopamine.

Electroconvulsive therapy

is a medical treatment that involves delivering small electric currents to the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure. It is primarily used for severe depression and other mental health conditions when other treatments have failed.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder and has shown efficacy in patients who do not respond to conventional treatments.

Psychosurgery

is a neurosurgical intervention used to treat severe mental disorders by altering brain function. This approach is rarely used today, reserved for cases unresponsive to other treatments.

Biofeedback

is a technique that teaches individuals to control physiological processes by providing real-time feedback from instruments that measure bodily functions. It is often used for conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, and hypertension.

Lobotomy

is a surgical procedure that involves severing connections in the brain's prefrontal lobe, historically used to treat severe mental disorders. However, it has largely fallen out of favor due to ethical concerns and the advent of safer treatments.