Mental Disorders - Chapter 15

Forty flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, symptoms, causes, diagnoses, and treatments of mental disorders from Chapter 15 of Lea Carlson's lecture notes.

What is the definition of mental health?

The condition of being sound mentally and emotionally, characterized by the absence of mental disorder and by adequate adjustment.

What authoritative guide is used by health care professionals in the U.S. for diagnosing mental disorders?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

According to the DSM, what characterizes a mental disorder?

A syndrome characterized by clinically significant disturbances in an individual
’s cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior that reflects a dysfunction in the psychological, biological, or developmental processes underlying mental functioning.

What is the leading cause of disability worldwide?

Depression.

Name one of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders listed.

Mood disorders (or Personality disorders, Eating disorders, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Phobias, Anxiety disorders, Panic disorders, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Autism spectrum disorders).

What role do genes play as a risk factor for mental disorders?

Genes may influence the development of some mental disorders, and having a parent or sibling with a mental disorder may increase the risk.

Name two environmental factors that can contribute to the onset of mental disorders.

Exposure to alcohol, illegal drugs, infection, toxins, brain injury, oxygen deprivation, poor nutrition, poverty, abuse, or neglect.

What type of life events can have a traumatic effect on emotional well-being and increase the risk for mental disorders?

Traumatic life events such as the death of a parent, war, or a tragic accident.

Describe one early warning sign of a mental disorder related to social interaction.

Withdrawing from friends and family.

What type of changes in daily habits can be an early warning sign of a mental disorder?

Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits, or deterioration in personal hygiene.

What is a recognized cognitive early warning sign of a mental disorder?

Confused thinking or decreased ability to concentrate.

What is generally believed to be the cause of mental disorders?

An interaction between biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

How do genetics contribute to mental disorders, rather than inheriting the disorder directly?

A person inherits the vulnerability to develop a mental disorder, but does not inherit the mental disorder itself.

What biological factor, involving chemical signals that help brain cells communicate, may be involved in some mental disorders?

An imbalance of neurotransmitters.

What is the first step in diagnosing mental disorders?

A complete medical history, physical exam, and lab testing to rule out an underlying medical condition as the cause of symptoms.

What is a Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation (CSE) used for?

In diagnosing mental disorders, it involves interviewing the patient covering a wide range of topics.

What assessment tool provides insight into what additional assessment is needed during diagnosis of mental disorders?

The Mental Status Exam (MSE).

During a Mental Status Exam, what domain involves inquiries about 'How are you feeling?' or 'Have you been depressed lately?'

Mood.

What is psychotherapy in the context of treating mental disorders?

Talking to a licensed and trained mental health care professional to help patients understand behaviors, emotions, and ideas that contribute to their mental disorder.

While medications don't cure mental disorders, what is their primary function?

To improve signs and symptoms.

What is psychosis?

A loss of contact with reality that usually includes delusions and hallucinations.

Define delusions.

False beliefs about what is taking place or who one is.

When are brain stimulation treatments generally reserved for mental disorders?

For situations where medication and psychotherapy have not worked.

In what situations is hospitalization recommended for mental disorder patients?

When patients can't care for themselves or when they are in immediate danger of harming themselves or someone else.

What is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

A condition where patients have a constant sense of hopelessness and despair that is disabling and prevents them from functioning normally.

Name a common symptom of MDD related to sleep.

Insomnia or excessive sleep.

What is a personality disorder?

A deeply ingrained, inflexible pattern of relating, perceiving, and thinking that is serious enough to cause distress or impaired functioning.

Which personality disorder is characterized by a lack of remorse for one's behavior and no regard for the safety of themselves or others?

Antisocial personality disorder.

Which personality disorder involves hypersensitivity to criticism or rejection, feeling inadequate, and extreme shyness?

Avoidant personality disorder.

Which personality disorder is characterized by unstable interpersonal relationships, impulsivity, and abrupt, extreme mood changes?

Borderline personality disorder.

What is a common characteristic of individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder?

Preoccupation with orderliness and rules, striving for perfection, and inflexibility that makes adapting to change difficult.

What type of behavior defines an eating disorder?

An unhealthy relationship with food.

What is anorexia nervosa characterized by?

Extreme thinness, an intense fear of gaining weight, extremely restricted eating, and a distorted body image.

What is bulimia nervosa characterized by?

Cycles of extreme overeating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, use of laxatives, fasting, and excessive exercise.

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

A persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity, which becomes evident in preschool or early elementary years.

What type of medication is often used in ADHD treatment and how does it generally work?

Stimulant medication, which increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

What is the overarching characteristic of anxiety disorders?

Excessive fear and anxiety.

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) linked to?

Developing after a traumatic or terrifying event, with symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.

How does Bipolar Disorder manifest regarding mood?

It causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks, fluctuating between mania and depression.

What mental disorder distorts the way a person thinks, acts, expresses emotions, perceives reality, and relates to others, and is often treated with antipsychotic medications?

Schizophrenia.