AP Psychology Unit 5 - Mental and Physical Health

American Psychological Association

A scientific and professional organization that represents psychology in the United States. It's responsible for setting ethical guidelines for psychological research

Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

A handbook published by the American Psychiatric Association that provides standardized criteria and classification for diagnosing mental disorders

World Health Organization (WHO)

The United Nations' specialized agency for international public health responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, and monitoring and assessing health trends worldwide

International Classification of Disorders (ICD)

A comprehensive system used to classify and code various medical conditions, including psychological disorders. It serves as a standardized diagnostic tool for professionals worldwide

Dysfunction

An impairment or disturbance in an individual’s behavior

E.g. your cleaning habits interfere with your work and relationships

Distress

Emotional or mental suffering, typically caused by life stressors or internal conflicts

E.g. not being able to clean your room causes anxiety and panic

Deviant

Not typical of one’s society’s normal behavior

E.g. cleaning your room when you wake up, right before school, after school, after dinner, before you go to bed

Stigma

Negative social attitudes or beliefs associated with a particular characteristic or condition, often leading to discrimination and prejudice against individuals or groups

Diathesis-Stress Model

A psychological concept that suggests that the development of psychological disorders is influenced by both a genetic predisposition (diathesis) and environmental stressors (stress)

Diathesis

Genetic predisposition (In the Diathesis-Stress Model)

Stress

Environmental stressors or life events (In the Diathesis-Stress Model)

Racism

Prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination directed towards individuals or groups based on their race or ethnicity

Ageism

Prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination directed towards individuals or groups based on their age

Discrimination

The negative behavior or action taken against an individual based on their group membership

Eclectic

A therapeutic approach that combines techniques from various forms of therapy based on the individual's specific needs and circumstances

Maladaptive Behavior

Actions or patterns of behavior that are ineffective, disruptive, or harmful to an individual's well-being and ability to function in society

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

A group of conditions characterized by impairments in brain function that affect cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral development

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity

Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with it than girls

Autism Spectrum Disorder

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by problems with social interaction and fixed patterns of behavior, interests, and activities

Anxiety Disorders

A group of mental disorders characterized by significant feelings of anxiety and fear

Specific Phobia

An anxiety disorder characterized by fear or anxiety towards a specific situation or object. Includes symptoms such as intense fear, avoidance behavior, physical symptoms, and distress

Agoraphobia

An anxiety disorders characterized by intense fear of specific social situations, especially ones where escape may be difficult. Includes symptoms such as fear of open or crowded spaces, avoidance, panic symptoms, and functional impairment

Panic Disorder

An anxiety disorder characterized by unanticipated and reoccurring panic attacks. Includes symptoms such as panic attacks, persistent concern, and behavior changes

Social Anxiety Disorder

An anxiety disorder characterized by an intense fear of social situations where the person may be exposed to potential embarrassment. Includes symptoms such as intense fear, physical symptoms, avoidance, and distress

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

An anxiety disorder characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life. Includes symptoms such as persistent worry, restlessness, muscle tension, sleep disturbances, and irritability

Acrophobia

A specific phobia characterized by a fear of heights

Arachnophobia

A specific phobia characterized by a fear of spiders

Panic Attack

An abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort that reaches its peak within minutes and includes symptoms like heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath

Culture-Bound Syndromes

Psychological or behavioral disorders that are specific to particular cultural or ethnic groups, often influenced by the beliefs and practices of that culture

“Ataque de Nervios” (Attack of Nerves)

A culture-specific syndrome observed in Latin American/Caribbean communities. Characterized by sudden onset of emotional distress and physical symptoms, often in response to a traumatic/stressful event

Taijin kyofusho

An anxiety disorder unique to Japanese culture. It is characterized by an intense fear of offending or embarrassing others through one’s appearance or behavior. Includes symptoms such as preoccupation with appearance/behavior, avoidance of social situations, physical symptoms, persistent worry, and fear of negative evaluation

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A mental health disorder characterized by the presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both. Includes symptoms such as obsessions, compulsions, and avoidance

Obsessions

Persistent, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress

Compulsions

Repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to an obsession or according to rigid rules. These are intended to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared event

Hoarding Disorder

A mental health disorder characterized by persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. Symptoms include excessive accumulation (of items), difficulty discarding items, emotional distress, functional impairment, and indifference towards/denial of the disorder

Schizophrenic Spectrum Disorders

Mental health disorders characterized by abnormalities in perceptions or expressions of reality, often involving hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking and speech

Schizophrenia

A schizophrenic spectrum disorder characterized by disturbances in thinking, emotional responsiveness, and behavior. Involves symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking/speech, and disorganized motor behavior

Delusions

Beliefs that a person firmly holds onto, despite clear evidence to the contrary. These beliefs are not influenced by reality and remain persistent even when they're irrational

Delusions of Grandeur

Delusions where a person believes that they have exceptional abilities

Delusions of Persecution

Delusions where a person believes that they are going to be harmed by someone or something

Disorganized thinking or speech

A positive symptom of schizophrenia characterized by fragmented or illogical thoughts and speech patterns or when an individual's speech becomes incoherent, illogical, or difficult to follow

Hallucinations

A positive symptom of schizophrenia characterized by false perceptions

Word Salad

A positive symptom of schizophrenia characterized by severely disorganized and incomprehensible speech or writing

Disorganized Motor Behavior

Unusual and atypical movements or actions exhibited by individuals, often seen in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia

Negative Symptoms

A reduction or absence of normal behaviors and functions that are typically present in healthy individuals

Positive Symptoms

Abnormal experiences or behaviors that are added to a person's normal repertoire of thoughts and actions

Flat Affect

A negative schizophrenia symptom characterized by a lack of emotional reactivity on the part of an individual

Catatonic Excitement

A subtype of catatonia (and a positive schizophrenia symptom) characterized by extreme agitation, hyperactivity, and an inability to control movements or behaviors

Catatonic Stupor

A subtype of catatonia (and a negative schizophrenia symptom) characterized by a marked decrease in responsiveness to the environment, often seen in individuals experiencing severe forms of schizophrenia

Acute

A sudden onset of very intense symptoms

Chronic

When symptoms persist over a long period of time

Dopamine Hypothesis

A theory that suggests an excess of dopamine activity in certain brain areas is associated with the development and symptoms of schizophrenia

Depressive Disorders

Mental health disorders characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and worthlessness and a lack of desire to engage in formerly pleasurable activities

Major Depressive Disorder

A depressive disorder that includes symptoms such as a depressed mood, loss of pleasure in normally pleasurable activities (Anhedonia), sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, cognitive impairment, psychomotor agitation, and suicidal ideation

For a person to be diagnosed with this disorder, they must meet 5 requirement from the DSM-5, and they must last for at least 2 weeks

Persistent Depressive Disorder

A depressive disorder that includes symptoms such as chronic depressed mood, appetite and weight changes, sleep disturbances, fatigue, low self esteem, difficulty concentrating, and hopelessness

For a person to be diagnosed with this disorder, they must meet 2+ requirements from the DSM-5, and they must last for at least 2 years

Bipolar Disorders

Brain disorders that cause changes in a person's mood, energy and ability to function. These disorders cause people to have extreme and intense emotional states that occur at distinct times, called mood episodes

Mania

A mood state characterized by abnormally elevated arousal, affect, and energy level (Seen in bipolar disorders)

Depression

A mood state characterized by periods of persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and other symptoms similar to major depressive disorder (Seen in bipolar disorders)

Rapid Cycling

A pattern of mood episodes in bipolar disorder where a person experiences four or more distinct mood swings within a year

Bipolar 1

A bipolar disorder characterized by the occurrence of at least one manic episode which may or may not be followed by one hypomanic or depressive episode

Bipolar 2

A bipolar disorder characterized by patterns of depressive and hypomanic episodes but does NOT include full blown manic episodes

Hypomania

A mood state characterized by persistent disinhibition and pervasive elevated (euphoric) or irritable mood but generally less severe than full mania

Dissociative Disorders

Mental disorders that involve experiencing a disconnection and lack of continuity between thoughts, memories, surroundings, actions and identity

Dissociative Amnesia

A dissociative disorder characterized by an inability to remember important personal information, often related to trauma/stress. Involves symptoms such as localized amnesia, selective amnesia, and generalized amnesia

Dissociative Fugue

A rare condition in which a person suddenly, without planning or warning, travels far from home or work and leaves behind their past life. They may even assume a new identity

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

A dissociative disorder characterized by the presence of 2+ distinct personality states within a single person. Includes symptoms such as the presence of multiple identities, recurrent gaps in memory, and disruptions in identity

Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

A group of mental health disorders that includes any mental health condition that's triggered by a traumatic event

Posttraumatic-Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A trauma and stressor related disorder characterized by persistent and distressing symptoms that interfere with an individual’s ability to function in daily life. Includes symptoms such as re-experiencing, distressing dreams, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, emotional numbness, negative beliefs, persistent distorted thoughts, reduced positive emotions, hypervigilance, irritability or aggression, difficulty with sleep, and difficulty concentrating

Personality Disorders

Types of mental disorders characterized by enduring patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that deviate from societal expectations. These patterns often lead to significant distress or impairment in various areas of an individual's life

Cluster A

A cluster of personality disorders characterized by odd or eccentric behaviors. Includes Paranoid Personality Disorder, Schizoid Personality Disorder, and Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Cluster B

A cluster of personality disorders characterized by dramatic, emotional, or erratic behaviors. Includes Antisocial Personality Disorder, Histrionic Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder

Cluster C

A cluster of personality disorders characterized by anxious and fearful behaviors. Disorders involve patterns of thinking and behaving that are pervasive, inflexible, and maladaptive, leading to significant distress or impairment. Includes Avoidant Personality Disorder, Dependent Personality Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD)

A Cluster A personality disorder marked by pervasive and unjustified mistrust and suspicion of others. Includes symptoms like suspicion, misinterpretation, reluctance to confide, defensiveness, and grudges

Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD)

A Cluster A personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression. Includes symptoms such as detachment, indifference to social norms, restricted emotional range, solidarity preference, and lack of pleasure

Schizotypal Personality Disorder (STPD)

A Cluster A personality disorder characterized by eccentric behavior, unusual beliefs or magical thinking, and social anxiety. Includes symptoms such as unusual beliefs, odd behavior, social anxiety, cognitive or perceptual distortions, and inappropriate affect

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)

A Cluster B personality disorder marked by a pattern of disregarding and violating the rights of others that includes problems such as deceitfulness, impulsivity, aggressive behavior, recklessness, lack of conscience, irresponsibility, and viewing other as prey

Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD)

A Cluster B personality disorder characterized by a consistent pattern of pervasive attention-seeking behaviors and exaggerated emotional displays. Includes symptoms such as excessive emotionality, attention-seeking behavior, dramatic presentation, suggestibility (easily influenced), overemphasis on physical appearance, and shallow interpersonal relationships

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)

A Cluster B personality disorder characterized by exaggerated ideas of self-importance and achievements, preoccupation with fantasies of success, and arrogance. Includes symptoms such as grandiosity, need for admiration, lack of empathy, exploitative relationships, arrogant attitudes, and envy

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

A Cluster B personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonality relationships, self-image, and affect, along with marked impulsivity. Includes symptoms such as fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, unstable self-image, impulsivity, emotional instability, and self-harm

Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD)

A Cluster C personality disorder marked by chronic feelings of inadequacy and extreme sensitivity to criticism. Includes symptoms like social inhibitions, feelings of inadequacy, hypersensitivity to negative evaluation, and reluctance to engage in new activities

Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)

A Cluster C personality disorder characterized by an excessive and pervasive need to be taken care of, leading to clinginess and fear of separation. Includes symptoms like excessive need for care, submissive and clinging behavior, fear of separation, and difficulty making decisions

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

A Cluster C personality disorder characterized by a spectrum of obsessions with rules, lists, schedules, and order, among other things. Includes symptoms like preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, rigidity and stubbornness, and over-commitment to work

Eating and Feeding Disorders

Mental disorders defined by abnormal eating habits that negatively affect a person's physical or mental health

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to severe restriction of food intake. Includes symptoms such as extreme restriction of food intake, intense fear of weight gain, distorted body image, excessive exercise, preoccupation with food and weight, physical symptoms

Bulimia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain. Includes symptoms such as binge eating, purging behaviors, excessive exercise, preoccupation with body and weight, and physical symptoms

General Adaptation Syndrome

The body's three-stage response to stress, proposed by Hans Selye. The stages include alarm reaction, resistance, and exhaustion

Alarm Reaction

According to the GAS, this is the initial response of your body when faced with a stressful situation

Resistance Stage

The second stage in the GAS where your body adapts and tries to cope with ongoing stress

Exhaustion Stage

The final stage of GAS when prolonged or severe stress depletes your body's resources

Problem-Focused Coping

A strategy used to deal with stressors by taking direct action to solve the problem causing the stress. It involves identifying and addressing the root cause of the problem

Emotion-Focused Coping

A stress coping strategy aimed at managing the emotional distress associated with a stressful situation rather than addressing the problem itself

Acute Stress

A type of stress that is immediate and intense but short-lived. It's like a sudden heavy downpour - it can be overwhelming, but it doesn't last forever

Chronic Stress

Long-term stress that persists over extended periods. It's like a constant drizzle - not as intense as acute stress, but its persistence can lead to serious health problems

Eustress

Positive stress, a motivational force that can enhance performance and lead to feelings of achievement and fulfillment

Distress

Negative stress that can be overwhelming, debilitating, and have detrimental effects on physical and mental well-being

Insight Therapy

Therapy that attempts to help a person understand their underlying motivations and defenses

Psychodynamic Therapy

Based on Freud’s ideas of Id, Ego, and Supergo, it is a type of therapy where a therapist tries to release and interpret repressed feelings in a patient by analyzing dreams, resistances, free associations, and transferences

Free Association

A method used in psychodynamic therapy where patients are encouraged to share whatever comes into their mind, regardless of how irrelevant or nonsensical it may seem

Often used through the Inkblot or TAT tests

Dream Analysis

A form of psychodynamic therapy that involves talking about your dreams and attempting to dissect what they mean

Psychoanalytic Therapy

A therapy similar to psychodynamic therapy, but it is less about Id/Ego/Superego and more about childhood and general relationships that unconsciously impact a person’s life experiences