Psychology Flashcards: Disorders, Sleep, and Brain

Psychological Disorder

Unhealthy thoughts, emotions, or behaviors that disrupt daily life.

DSM-5

The main manual used to diagnose psychological disorders in the U.S.

Panic Attack

Sudden intense fear with racing heart and sweating (not repetitive handwashing).

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Mild but long-lasting depression (2+ years).

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Overly dramatic and attention-seeking behavior.

Anxiety Disorders

Ongoing fear or worry (e.g., panic attacks, phobias).

Agoraphobia

Fear of leaving home or being in crowds.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Repeated thoughts and behaviors to reduce anxiety.

PTSD

Stress disorder following trauma; includes flashbacks and avoidance.

Manic Episode

Extreme excitement, little sleep, and risky behavior in bipolar disorder.

Dissociative Disorders

Memory loss, identity confusion, or separation from reality.

ADHD

Trouble focusing, sitting still, and controlling impulses.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Problems with social skills and communication.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Inflated self-image and need for admiration.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Unstable moods and intense relationships.

Circadian Rhythms

Body's 24-hour cycle controlling sleep and alertness.

Altered State

Changes in awareness (e.g., drugs, hypnosis).

Automatic Processes

Easy tasks that require little attention.

Controlled Processes

Demanding tasks that need focus.

REM Sleep

Stage of sleep where most dreaming happens; body is paralyzed but brain is active.

Sleep Apnea

Breathing stops repeatedly during sleep, often waking the person up; blockage of airways.

Narcolepsy

Sudden uncontrollable sleep attacks during the day; sudden attacks of sleep; cataplexy causes muscle weakness.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

Acting out dreams physically.

Stage 1 Sleep

Light sleep; slowed heartbeat and breathing.

Latent Dream Content

Hidden meaning behind a dream.

Melatonin

Sleep hormone released by the pineal gland.

Dopamine

Movement and reward; low levels cause Parkinson's.

Endorphins

Natural painkillers released during exercise or labor.

Central Nervous System

Includes the brain and spinal cord; controls thinking and movement.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Activates fight-or-flight response.

Forebrain

Controls emotions and motivation.

Corpus Callosum

Connects the two hemispheres.

Left Hemisphere

Controls language and right-side movement.

Occipital Lobe

Processes vision.

Parietal Lobe

Processes touch and body sensations.

Broca's Area

Helps produce speech.

Hypothalamus

Regulates hunger, thirst, and temperature; damage can cause overeating.

Hippocampus

Helps form new memories.

Cerebellum

Controls balance and coordination.

Medulla

Controls breathing and heartbeat.

Pons

Helps regulate sleep and arousal.