Behavior Disorders Exam 2

What is the difference between a stressor and stress?

A stressor is an external event or condition that places demands on a person; stress is the internal psychological and physiological reaction to that demand.

How do acute stress disorder (ASD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) differ?

ASD occurs within the first month after trauma and lasts up to four weeks; PTSD involves similar symptoms that persist beyond a month and often become chronic.

What are core symptoms of ASD and PTSD?

Re-experiencing the event, avoidance of reminders, emotional numbing, hyperarousal, sleep disturbances, and intrusive memories or flashbacks.

What biological factors contribute to trauma-related disorders?

Dysregulation of the HPA axis, overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system, elevated cortisol and norepinephrine, and structural or functional changes in the amygdala and hippocampus.

What psychological factors increase risk for PTSD?

Previous anxiety or depressive disorders, maladaptive coping, cognitive distortions about control or blame, and classical conditioning linking neutral cues to trauma.

What sociocultural factors influence trauma outcomes?

Childhood adversity, social isolation, and cultural or gender norms affecting emotional expression and help-seeking.

What medications are commonly used for PTSD and ASD?

SSRIs, which help regulate serotonin levels and reduce anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and depressive symptoms.

What are two effective psychotherapies for PTSD?

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (gradual exposure to trauma memories or reminders) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (challenging self-blame and trauma-related beliefs).

What is a psychophysiological disorder?

A medical condition influenced or worsened by psychological stress, such as migraines or hypertension.

How can psychological stress affect the immune system?

Chronic stress suppresses immune responses, increasing susceptibility to infections and slowing recovery.

What are the stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome?

Alarm (initial arousal), Resistance (adaptation to stress), and Exhaustion (depletion of physical and emotional resources).

How does perceived control influence stress?

Having a sense of control reduces physiological stress responses and enhances coping effectiveness.

What psychological and social factors contribute to psychophysiological disorders?

Type A behavior, chronic worry, low social support, and stressful life conditions.

What is biofeedback training?

A technique that helps individuals gain awareness and control of physiological processes such as muscle tension or heart rate using monitoring devices.

Which disorders are considered dissociative disorders?

Dissociative Amnesia, Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder, and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).

What psychological factor is strongly associated with dissociative disorders?

Severe and prolonged childhood trauma, often involving abuse or neglect.

Why did reports of DID increase in the 1970s?

Increased professional awareness, media portrayals, and evolving diagnostic criteria contributed to higher recognition.

What childhood experiences are linked to DID development?

Chronic emotional or physical abuse and attachment disruptions during early development.

How are dissociative disorders typically treated?

Therapy focusing on trauma integration, identity stabilization, and reduction of dissociation—often through long-term psychotherapy.

Which disorders fall under somatic symptom and related disorders?

Somatic Symptom Disorder, Illness Anxiety Disorder, Conversion Disorder, and Factitious Disorder.

What is malingering?

Intentionally faking or exaggerating symptoms for external benefits such as money or avoidance of responsibility.

What distinguishes factitious disorder from malingering?

Factitious disorder is driven by an internal desire to be seen as ill, not by external incentives.

What are the subtypes of conversion disorder?

Motor symptom type (paralysis or tremor), sensory symptom type (loss of sensation or vision), and seizure-like episodes.

What are common treatments for somatic symptom disorders?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, stress reduction, relaxation training, and antidepressant medications when indicated.

What are the major types of mood disorders?

Unipolar depressive disorders and bipolar disorders, which include manic or hypomanic episodes.

How is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) different from Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)?

MDD involves more severe symptoms lasting at least two weeks; dysthymia involves chronic but less severe symptoms lasting two or more years.

What are the four categories of depressive symptoms?

Emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and physiological (or somatic) symptoms.

What are the DSM-5 criteria for MDD?

At least five of nine symptoms, including depressed mood or loss of interest, lasting at least two weeks and causing significant impairment.

What distinguishes MDD from Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder includes manic or hypomanic episodes, while MDD does not.

Which neurotransmitters are implicated in mood disorders?

Serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine imbalances are linked to mood dysregulation.

What cognitive and learning theories explain depression?

Learned helplessness, negative attributional styles, and cognitive distortions that reinforce hopelessness.

Why do women show higher rates of depression than men?

Biological vulnerability, greater exposure to chronic stressors, and sociocultural pressures.

How does social support buffer against depression?

Social connection provides emotional validation and reduces the physiological impact of stress.

What treatments are effective for unipolar depression?

Antidepressant medications (SSRIs, SNRIs), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and sometimes Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).

What are typical side effects of antidepressants?

Weight changes, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and sleep disturbances.

What is the goal of CBT for depression?

To identify and change maladaptive thoughts and behaviors maintaining depressive symptoms.

What is the focus of IPT for depression?

Improving communication skills, resolving interpersonal conflicts, and coping with life transitions.

How do psychotherapy and medication compare for treating depression?

Both are effective; combined treatment is most beneficial for moderate to severe depression.

What are the four symptom domains of Bipolar Disorder?

Emotional (euphoria/irritability), cognitive (racing thoughts), behavioral (increased activity), and physical (reduced need for sleep).

How do Bipolar I and Bipolar II differ?

Bipolar I includes full manic episodes; Bipolar II involves hypomanic and depressive episodes without full mania.

What is Cyclothymic Disorder?

A chronic, fluctuating mood disturbance with periods of hypomanic and mild depressive symptoms lasting at least two years.

What biological factors are linked to Bipolar Disorder?

Strong genetic component and neurotransmitter dysregulation involving serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

What is the standard treatment for Bipolar Disorder?

Mood stabilizers such as lithium or anticonvulsants, often combined with psychotherapy and lifestyle management.

Why is suicide studied in abnormal psychology?

Because suicidal behavior often co-occurs with mood, substance, and psychotic disorders and reflects severe psychological distress.

What is a psychological autopsy?

A retrospective analysis of an individual’s mental state and life circumstances prior to suicide.

Why are men more likely than women to die by suicide?

Men tend to use more lethal methods, leading to higher completion rates.

Which demographic groups have the highest and lowest suicide rates in the U.S.?

Highest among Native American and White populations; lowest among African American and Hispanic populations.

Which neurotransmitter is most associated with suicidal behavior?

Low serotonin levels are strongly linked to impulsive and suicidal actions.

Which psychological disorders carry the greatest suicide risk?

Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Use Disorders, and Schizophrenia.

What is a copycat suicide?

A suicide that occurs after exposure to another’s suicide, often through media or social contagion.

How can suicide be prevented?

Assessing risk, evaluating the lethality of plans, ensuring immediate safety, and connecting individuals with crisis and therapeutic support.