Mental Disorders

What were mental disorders initially attributed to?

Supernatural forces like possession by evil spirits, displeasure of gods, eclipses, planetary gravitation, curses, and sin.

What is the somatogenic hypothesis?

The argument that mental disorders have physiological causes like illness, genetic inheritance, brain damage, or brain imbalance.

What discovery in 1897 provided significant credibility to the somatogenic hypothesis?

The discovery that general paresis was a consequence of syphilis.

What is the psychogenic hypothesis?

The theory that mental disorder symptoms are caused by psychological processes.

Who was a prominent figure associated with early psychogenic theories?

Sigmund Freud, who described mental illness as resulting from inner conflicts and defense mechanisms.

What do more recent psychogenic theories often focus on?

Traumatic or stressful experiences, maladaptive learned associations and cognitions, or distorted perceptions.

What is the biopsychosocial model?

A holistic perspective that views mental disorders as influenced by psychological processes, biological factors, and sociocultural influences.

Describe the diathesis-stress model.

A model where a diathesis (predisposition, biological or psychological) and stress (trigger) are both necessary for the development of a mental disorder.

What is a common definition of a mental disorder according to the source?

Distressful and dysfunctional patterns of thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that cause so much pain and suffering that it interferes with a person's daily life.

What is the DSM?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, currently in its fifth edition (DSM-5), which provides definitions of specific mental disorders based on symptoms.

Who uses the DSM?

Clinicians, insurance companies, drug companies, policymakers, and the whole legal system.

What is one historical example of how the understanding of mental health has evolved as reflected in the DSM?

The classification of homosexuality as a psychological disorder was eliminated in 1973.

What is a criticism of the DSM mentioned in the source?

Concern that it inadvertently promotes over or misdiagnosis and treatment of certain behaviors.

What change was made in the DSM-5 regarding bereavement and major depressive disorder?

The bereavement exclusion was removed, meaning grief and sadness after a loved one's death can now constitute major depressive disorder.

Name three categories of disorders included in the DSM-5.

Anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders (among others listed).

What is the key characteristic of panic disorder?

Unexpected panic attacks, often leading to a fear of future attacks.

What is agoraphobia?

A fear of being in situations in which help might not be available or escape might be difficult or embarrassing, often associated with panic disorder.

What is the central feature of social anxiety disorder?

An intense fear of being watched and judged by others.

What characterizes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Continuous and pervasive feelings of anxiety, tension, and apprehension for over six months.

What are the defining features of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) often accompanied by repetitive actions (compulsions) performed to relieve anxiety.

What are the four major symptom clusters of PTSD in the DSM-5?

Reliving the event, avoiding situations associated with the event, excessive physiological arousal, and pervasive negative changes in emotions and beliefs.

What are some key symptoms of major depressive disorder?

Depressed mood, significant weight or appetite changes, sleep disturbances, decreased interest in activities, feelings of worthlessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

What are the two main phases characteristic of bipolar disorder?

Dark lows of depression and bouts of mania (intense hyperactivity and sometimes skewed self-perception).

What are the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

What are the negative symptoms of schizophrenia?

Blunted affect, reduced speech, and social withdrawal.

What is the key characteristic of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)?

Exhibiting two or more distinct and alternating identities.

Name the three eating disorders most widely studied and described in the DSM-5.

Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

What is a defining characteristic of anorexia nervosa?

Maintaining a starving diet that leads to abnormally low body weight and an intense fear of becoming fat.

What is the key behavioral cycle in bulimia nervosa?

Binge eating followed by fasting or purging (often by vomiting or using laxatives).

According to the source, what is one way gender can influence the development and course of a mental disorder?

Differing demands placed on males and females by society and their culture, and differences in willingness to talk about feelings which can affect symptom expression.