IPSYO—Psychological Disorders

What is the DSM-5 and how is it used in clinical psychology?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) is published by the APA. It is the standard classification system for mental disorders in the U.S. It outlines diagnostic criteria, prevalence rates, comorbidity, and risk factors for each disorder. It uses a categorical model (either a disorder is present or not) and encourages a biopsychosocial approach to diagnosis

List and briefly define the five major categories of psychological disorders as recognized by the DSM-5.

1. Anxiety Disorders – Excessive fear or anxiety (e.g., GAD, phobias, panic disorder).

2. Mood Disorders – Disturbances in emotional state (e.g., MDD, bipolar disorder).

3. Psychotic Disorders – Impaired reality testing (e.g., schizophrenia).

4. Personality Disorders – Enduring, inflexible maladaptive personality traits.

5. Neurodevelopmental/Other Disorders – Includes ADHD, ASD, OCD, trauma-related disorders, etc.

What are the symptoms of GAD, and how is it distinct from phobias?

GAD involves chronic, excessive worry across multiple domains (e.g., school, health) for 6+ months, often without specific triggers. Unlike phobias, GAD lacks a focused object of fear. Symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.

What are the diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder?

To diagnose MDD, at least 5 symptoms (including depressed mood or anhedonia) must be present for at least 2 weeks:

• Depressed mood

• Loss of interest or pleasure (anhedonia)

• Weight/appetite changes

• Sleep changes

• Fatigue

• Feelings of worthlessness/guilt

• Difficulty concentrating

• Suicidal thoughts

What are the characteristics of Bipolar I Disorder?

Characterized by at least one manic episode, which may or may not be followed by a depressive episode. Mania includes elevated/irritable mood, inflated self-esteem, decreased sleep, pressured speech, and impulsivity. Lasts at least 1 week, or requires hospitalization.

What are the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia?

Positive symptoms: hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech/behavior.
Negative symptoms: flat affect, alogia (reduced speech), avolition (lack of motivation), anhedonia.
Requires 2+ symptoms for 1 month, with 6 months of disturbance overall.

What are the key features of BPD?

BPD is marked by emotional instability, impulsive behavior, fear of abandonment, unstable interpersonal relationships, and chronic feelings of emptiness. Self-harm and suicidality are common. Associated with early trauma and attachment disruptions.

What is the Diathesis-Stress Model of mental illness?

This model posits that psychological disorders develop due to a genetic vulnerability (diathesis) and environmental stressors. Neither alone is sufficient. The greater the predisposition, the less stress needed to trigger the disorder.

What are three biological factors contributing to mental illness?

1. Neurotransmitter imbalances (e.g., dopamine in schizophrenia, serotonin in depression)

2. Genetics (e.g., heritability of bipolar disorder ~80%)

3. Brain structure abnormalities (e.g., enlarged ventricles in schizophrenia)

What psychological theories explain the development of disorders?

• Cognitive-behavioral theory: Maladaptive thought patterns and reinforcement.

• Psychodynamic theory: Unconscious conflicts and early experiences.

• Humanistic theory: Incongruence between self-concept and experience.

What are sociocultural risk factors for mental illness?

• Poverty, trauma, discrimination

• Cultural stigma or lack of access to care

• Cultural expression may influence symptom presentation (e.g., somatization in Asian cultures)

What are the main types of psychotherapy?

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Targets distorted thinking and behavior.

2. Psychodynamic Therapy – Focuses on unconscious processes and early life.

3. Humanistic Therapy – Emphasizes self-actualization and empathy (e.g., Carl Rogers' client-centered therapy).

4. Family/Group Therapy – Addresses systemic issues or shared experience.

What classes of drugs are commonly used for psychological disorders?

1. Antidepressants – SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine), SNRIs

2. Anxiolytics – Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam), but risk dependency

3. Antipsychotics – Typical (e.g., haloperidol) and atypical (e.g., clozapine)

4. Mood stabilizers – Lithium for bipolar disorder

5. Stimulants – For ADHD (e.g., methylphenidate)

How effective is psychotherapy compared to medication?

• CBT is often as effective as medication, especially for anxiety and depression.

• Combined treatment (medication + therapy) is typically most effective for severe disorders.

• Some disorders (e.g., schizophrenia) require medication as a baseline treatment.

What are major ethical concerns in diagnosing/treating psychological disorders?

• Overdiagnosis and medicalization of normal behavior

• Stigma and labeling

• Informed consent and confidentiality

• Cultural competence in treatment delivery