Abnormal Psychology: Organized Study Notes

Somatic Symptom Disorder

Excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to physical symptoms.

Illness Anxiety Disorder

Preoccupation with having/acquiring a serious illness.

Conversion Disorder

Neurological-like symptoms (paralysis, blindness, seizures) without organic cause.

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Two or more distinct identities.

Dissociative Amnesia

Inability to recall important autobiographical information.

Anorexia Nervosa

Restriction of energy intake → low body weight.

Bulimia Nervosa

Binge eating + compensatory behaviors (vomiting, exercise, laxatives).

Binge Eating Disorder

Recurrent binge episodes without compensatory behaviors.

Obesity

BMI ≥ 30.

Substance Use Disorder

Impaired control, social impairment, risky use, tolerance, withdrawal.

Depressants

Alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates.

Stimulants

Cocaine, amphetamines, nicotine.

Opioids

Heroin, morphine, prescription painkillers.

Hallucinogens

LSD, psilocybin, PCP.

Schizophrenia

At least 6 months of symptoms (1 month active phase).

Schizoaffective Disorder

Mood episode + psychotic symptoms.

Brief Psychotic Disorder

Sudden onset of positive symptoms.

Delusional Disorder

Non-bizarre delusions.

Cluster A Personality Disorders

Paranoid PD, Schizoid PD, Schizotypal PD.

Cluster B Personality Disorders

Antisocial PD, Borderline PD, Histrionic PD, Narcissistic PD.

Cluster C Personality Disorders

Avoidant PD, Dependent PD, Obsessive-Compulsive PD.

ADHD

Inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Social communication deficits.

Specific Learning Disorders

Impairments in reading, writing, or mathematics.

Delirium

Acute confusion & rapid onset.

Major Neurocognitive Disorder (dementia)

Significant cognitive decline from baseline.

Alzheimer's Disease

Memory impairment → language → executive function.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Unconscious conflicts, insight, early childhood experiences.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Most evidence-based approach across disorders.

Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD)

A mental health disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of disregard for the rights of others, often manifesting as deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

A mental health disorder marked by instability in moods, behavior, self-image, and functioning, often leading to intense episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety.

Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD)

A personality disorder characterized by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior, often leading to a need for approval and a tendency to be easily influenced by others.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)

A personality disorder defined by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and a lack of empathy, often resulting in a sense of entitlement and exploitative behavior.

Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD)

A mental health disorder characterized by a pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others, leading to a belief that others are out to harm or deceive them.

Schizoid Personality Disorder

A personality disorder characterized by a pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression, often preferring solitary activities.

Schizotypal Personality Disorder

A personality disorder characterized by acute discomfort in close relationships, cognitive or perceptual distortions, and eccentric behavior, often leading to social anxiety and odd beliefs.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Unconscious conflicts, insight, early childhood experiences

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Most evidence-based approach across disorders

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Characterized by extreme shyness, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation, leading to social inhibition.

Dependent Personality Disorder

Marked by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, resulting in submissive behavior and fears of separation from those who provide support.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

Involves a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control, often at the expense of flexibility and efficiency.