Week 9 | Day 1 | PSYA02

Psychological Disorders

Patterns of deviant and dysfunctional behaviors, thoughts, and/or feelings causing distress

DSM

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders for classifying psychological disorders

Diagnostic Criteria

Common features shared by most DSM disorders

Onset

Age or situational period when disorder symptoms first appear

Prognosis

Likely course or development of a disorder

Risk Factors

Biological, psychological, and social traits increasing disorder likelihood

Etiology

Biological, psychological, and social causes of a disorder

Comorbidities

Other disorders frequently co-occurring with the primary disorder

Anxiety Disorders

Mental illnesses characterized by excessive fear or anxiety

Fear vs. Anxiety

Fear is immediate danger, anxiety is future-oriented

Pathological Anxiety

Severe anxiety interfering with normal function and survival fitness

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Anxiety disorder with excessive worry not focused on specific threats

Phobic Disorders

Disorders with excessive fear of specific objects, activities, or situations

Panic Disorder

Sudden occurrence of psychological and physical symptoms associated with terror

Preparedness Theory

Evolutionary adaptation leading to fear of certain stimuli

Restlessness

Symptom of GAD characterized by inability to relax or be still

Fatigue

Symptom of GAD involving extreme tiredness or lack of energy

Concentration Deficiency

Symptom of GAD marked by difficulty focusing or paying attention

Irritability

Symptom of GAD causing easily annoyed or provoked behavior

Muscle Tension

Symptom of GAD involving physical tightness or strain in muscles

Sleep Disturbance

Symptom of GAD characterized by disruptions in normal sleep patterns

Social Phobia

Maladaptive fear of being publicly humiliated or embarrassed

Recurrent Panic Attacks

Multiple sudden occurrences of psychological and physical symptoms associated with terror