Psychology Disorder

DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)

The primary classification system used by U.S. mental health professionals to diagnose psychological disorders. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Psychological Disorder

A condition involving extreme thoughts, emotions, or behaviors that are disruptive to a person's life. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Supernatural Perspective

The belief that psychological disorders are caused by forces beyond scientific understanding, such as possession or black magic. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Biological Perspective

The view that psychological disorders are linked to genetics, neurotransmitters, hormones, and brain abnormalities. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Diathesis-Stress Model

The theory that psychological disorders develop from the interaction of a predisposition (diathesis) and environmental stress. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Diathesis

An underlying vulnerability or predisposition to developing a disorder. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Anxiety

Apprehension and worry about a potential future threat or negative event. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Fear

An immediate reaction to an imminent threat. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Anxiety Disorder

A disorder characterized by excessive and persistent fear, anxiety, and related behavioral disturbances. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Specific Phobia

An excessive, persistent, and irrational fear of a specific object or situation. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Agoraphobia

Intense fear and avoidance of situations where escape may be difficult or help unavailable during a panic attack. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Classical Conditioning

A learning process in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a response-producing stimulus. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Vicarious Learning

Learning a fear by observing others react fearfully. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Prepared Learning

The evolutionary tendency to more easily develop fears of certain stimuli, such as snakes or heights. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Social Anxiety Disorder

Extreme fear of social situations where one may be judged or evaluated negatively by others. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Safety Behaviors

Actions used to reduce anxiety in social situations, such as avoiding eye contact or rehearsing conversations. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Behavioral Inhibition

An inherited tendency to react with fear and restraint in unfamiliar situations. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Panic Attack

A sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within about 10 minutes. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Panic Disorder

Recurrent unexpected panic attacks accompanied by persistent worry about future attacks. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

Locus Coeruleus

A brainstem region that produces norepinephrine and may play a role in panic disorder. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

Catastrophic Thinking

The tendency to interpret normal bodily sensations as signs of severe danger. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

A disorder involving excessive, uncontrollable, and persistent worry about many aspects of life. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

Free-Floating Anxiety

A term for generalized anxiety that is not tied to a specific threat or situation. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

A group of disorders involving intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A disorder characterized by obsessions, compulsions, or both. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}

Obsessions

Intrusive, persistent, unwanted thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause distress. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

Compulsions

Repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared event. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

A disorder involving obsessive concern over perceived physical flaws that are minor or nonexistent. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}

Hoarding Disorder

A disorder characterized by persistent difficulty discarding possessions, resulting in excessive clutter. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}

Orbitofrontal Cortex

A brain region involved in learning and decision-making that is often hyperactive in people with OCD. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}

Negative Reinforcement

The strengthening of a behavior because it removes or reduces something unpleasant. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A trauma-related disorder that develops after exposure to actual or threatened death, injury, or sexual violence. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}

Flashback

A vivid re-experiencing of a traumatic event in which the person feels as though it is happening again. :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}

Trauma-and-Stressor-Related Disorders

A category of disorders caused by exposure to traumatic or highly stressful events. :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}

Risk Factors for PTSD

Factors such as severe trauma, lack of social support, and additional life stress that increase the likelihood of developing PTSD. :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}