AP Psych Unit 5 | Perspectives on Mental Disorders

abnormal psychology

the study of unusual patterns of behavior, emotion, and thought

• explores the causes, symptoms, and treatments of psychological disorders to understand and improve mental health

clinical psychology

the branch of psychology that assesses, diagnoses, treats, and prevents mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders

• utilizes various therapeutic methods and interventions to improve individuals’ mental health and well-being

psychology student syndrome

psychology students studying abnormal behavior can also become convinced that they have some mental disorder

avoid:

• diagnosing w/o comprehensive assessment and professional certificiation

• overgeneralization

• oversimplification

• disclosing personal information

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR)

comprehensive classification system used by mental health professionals to diagnose and categorize mental disorders in the U.S.

• provides standardized criteria and descriptions for consistent use across clinical settings

international classification of mental disorders (ICD)

global standard for reporting and categorizing diseases, including mental and behavioral disorders

• used by healthcare professionals to diagnose conditions and track health trends worldwide

deviation

significant departure from accepted social behaviors and cultural expectations

• used as a criterion to identify and diagnose abnormal behaviors and psychological disorders in clinical settings

distress

intense and prolonged emotional suffering that impairs and individual’s ability to function in daily life

• often used as a key criterion for diagnosis

dysfunction

the disruption in cognitive emotional, or behavioral functioning that significantly impairs an individual’s ability to perform normal daily activities

stigma

the negative stereotypes and social disapproval directed at individuals with mental disorders

• often leads to discrimination and barriers to seeking or receiving mental healthcare

• may lead to:

  • discrimination

  • social isolation

  • employment challenges

  • worsening mental health

  • reluctance to seek help

  • reduce self-esteem

  • limited access to resources

  • harassment and violence

biological perspective

mental disorders are caused by physiological and genetic factors

• focuses on how brain function, neurochemistry, and genetics contribute to psychological conditions

• key focus:

  • brain function

  • neurochemistry

  • genetics

  • neurotransmitters

• treatment approach: pharmacological interventions (medication)

behavioral perspective

suggests that mental disorders arise from maladaptive learned behaviors and associations

• focuses on how inappropriate conditioning and reinforcement of behaviors contribute to psychological issues

• key focus:

  • conditioning

  • reinforcement

  • learned associations

  • avoidance

• treatment approach: behavioral therapy

psychodynamic perspective

mental disorders stem from unresolved unconscious conflicts and impulses, often originating in childhood, that influence current behavior and emotional states

• key focus:

  • unconscious mind

  • childhood experiences

  • defense mechanisms

  • id/ego/superego

• treatment approach: psychodynamic therapy

humanistic perspective

emphasizes that mental disorders arise when individuals’ innate potential for self-fulfillment and personal growth in blocked, often due to failures in achieving self-acceptance and meaningful personal goals

• key focus:

  • self-actualization

  • authentic self

  • unconditional positive regard

  • intrinsic goals

• treatment approach: humanistic therapy

cognitive perspective

proposes that mental disorders are caused by maladaptive thought patterns, including dysfunctional beliefs, attitudes, and emotional responses, which negatively affect behavior and emotional well-being

• key focus:

  • dysfunctional beliefs

  • cognitive distortions

  • negative self-talk

• treatment approach: CBT

evolutionary perspective

suggests that mental disorders can arise from behaviors and mental processes that are maladaptive, reducing an individual’s chances of survival and reproduction in a given environment

• key focus:

  • natural selection

  • adaptive traits

  • exaggerated responses

  • ancestral environment

• treatment approach: exposure therapy

sociocultural perspective

mental disorders stem from maladaptive social and cultural relationships and dynamics

• emphasizes the influence of societal norms and interactions on mental health

• key focus:

  • social norms

  • cultural context

  • discrimination

  • social support networks

• treatment approach: culturally-tailored therapy

eclectic approach

combining techniques and theories from multiple therapeutic orientations to tailor treatment to the unique needs of individual clients

• enhances flexibility and effectiveness in therapy

biopsychosocial model

psychological disorders result from a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors

• emphasizes the comprehensive and interconnected nature of influences on mental health

diathesis-stress model

psychological disorders arise from a predisposing genetic vulnerability (diathesis) combined with stressful environmental factors (stress), triggering the onset of mental health issues