Key Terminology & Concepts in Psychopathology

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts in psychopathology, crucial for understanding behavioral issues and their treatment.

Behavior excess vs. deficit

Too much of a behavior (excess) vs. too little (deficit).

Comorbidity

Having more than one disorder at the same time.

Chronic vs. acute

Chronic refers to long-term conditions, while acute refers to short-term or rapid onset.

Continuity vs. discontinuity

Continuity is smooth, gradual change, whereas discontinuity is abrupt, stage-like change.

Developmental course

The path symptoms take over time.

Transformation

How symptoms shift into different forms as children grow.

Cultural relativism

What is considered 'normal' depends on cultural norms.

Diathesis-stress model

Disorder develops from a combination of vulnerability and a stress trigger.

Differential diagnosis

The process of ruling out look-alike conditions.

Disorder

A recognized condition.

Syndrome

A cluster of symptoms.

Treatment

An intervention or therapy.

Reactivity

The intensity of an emotional response.

Dysregulation

The inability to control emotions.

Etiology

The cause of a disorder.

Prognosis

The expected outcome or course of a disorder.

Frequency, intensity, duration

Key measures to determine whether behavior is problematic.

Internalizing vs. externalizing

Internalizing symptoms are turned inward (like anxiety, depression), while externalizing symptoms are turned outward (like aggression, defiance).

Regression

A return to an earlier stage of development.

Delay

A slower than expected development process.

Asynchrony

Uneven skills across different areas.

Precocity

Advanced or early ability compared to peers.

Deviation

An atypical developmental pathway.

Adaptational failure

The inability to meet age-expected demands.

Maladaptive

Behavior that interferes with functioning and does not support growth.

Multidetermined

Indicating that many causes can contribute to an outcome.

Multifinality

The concept where the same cause leads to different outcomes.

Equifinality

Different causes leading to the same outcome.

Reciprocal determinism

The mutual influence between a child and their environment.

Reinforcement

When a behavior increases as a result of a reward or the removal of discomfort.

Risk

Factors that increase the likelihood of developing problems.

Vulnerability

An inherent weakness that increases risk.

Resilience

The capacity to cope with stress and adversity.

Protective factors

Elements that buffer against risk.

Proximal vs. distal

Proximal causes are immediate and near, while distal causes are distant and background.

Structured interviewing

Interviews with high control and consistency.

Semi-structured interviewing

Interviews that mix structured and open-ended elements.

Unstructured interviewing

Interviews that allow for free flow of conversation.

Transactions

The ongoing interactions between a child and their environment.

Sensitive periods

Windows of time during which experiences have a significant impact on development.

Developmental cascades

The process where one problem leads to another over time.

Typical vs. atypical

Distinguishing between normative and unusual development.

Rapport

The trust established between a client and the practitioner.

Scope of practice

The legal boundaries of what a practitioner is trained to do.

Scope of competence

The personal qualifications of a practitioner.

Informed consent

Agreement given with an understanding of what it entails.

Confidentiality

The practice of keeping information private.

Countertransference

When a therapist's personal feelings are projected onto the client.

Secrets policy

Guidelines about what information can or cannot be kept confidential.

Boundaries

Professional limits established in the therapist-client relationship.

Psychopathology

The study of abnormal behavior and mental disorders.

Developmental view of disorders

The perspective that disorders unfold over time, influenced by growth and context.

Influences on psychopathology

Factors including family, peers, biology, culture, stress, and socioeconomic status.

Diagnosis purpose

Helps with treatment and communication but may risk stigma and oversimplification.

Empirical vs. DSM

Empirical refers to data-driven dimensions, while DSM refers to categories.

Child assessment

Considers development, family, school, and cultural contexts.

Models of psychopathology

Various perspectives including biological, psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, family-systems, ecological.

Assessment approaches

Methods such as interviews, observations, tests, to gain a fuller picture.

Tests in assessment

Types of testing include objective, projective, neuropsychological, IQ, and achievement tests.

Standardized tests

Tests that are administered in the same way for everyone.

Assessment questions

Questions regarding symptoms, history, and functioning to guide in diagnosis and treatment.

Culture in diagnosis

The influence of culture on perceptions of normality and symptom expression.

Treatment perspectives

Various approaches including behavioral, cognitive, psychodynamic, family-systems, biological.