Class Session on March 4th, 2026 - Chapter 14 Overview

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on mental illness diagnoses, specifically focusing on anxiety disorders, phobias, OCD, PTSD, and mood disorders.

What disorders are primarily focused on in Chapter 14 during this session?

Anxiety disorders, phobias, OCD, PTSD, and an introduction to mood disorders.

What is the DSM criteria for diagnosing phobias?

Excessive, disproportionate fear or anxiety regarding a specific object or situation, lasting at least six months and causing significant distress or impairment.

What is the lifetime prevalence rate for specific phobias?

10% of the population.

What distinguishes social anxiety disorder (social phobia) from normal social nervousness?

It involves overwhelming anxiety about being judged or evaluated in social situations that causes significant distress and avoidance.

What are the core features of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing the anxiety caused by obsessions.

How does childhood expression of phobias differ from adulthood?

Children may express fear through crying, tantrums, freezing, or clinging rather than through adult-like panic attacks.

What are the categories of symptoms required for a PTSD diagnosis?

1. Intrusion Symptoms, 2. Avoidance Symptoms, 3. Cognitive/Mood Changes, 4. Arousal/Reactivity Symptoms.

What is a Major Depressive Episode (MDE) and its criteria?

A discrete episode requiring symptoms to persist for at least two weeks, including depressed mood or loss of interest, among others.

What is the difference between a Major Depressive Episode and Major Depressive Disorder?

A major depressive episode is a specific occurrence, while Major Depressive Disorder is the diagnosis requiring a history of at least one MDE.

What is the recommended action if students feel anxiety during presentations?

Students are encouraged to reach out for support; accommodations and scaffolding are available.

What does the term 'agoraphobia' refer to?

A phobia involving anxiety across multiple situations, contrasting with specific phobias that focus on one specific object or situation.

How long must symptoms persist for social anxiety disorder (social phobia) diagnosis?

Symptoms must persist for at least six months.

What can excessive compulsions in OCD lead to?

Compulsions can consume significant time and interfere with daily functioning, causing physical harm in some cases.

Describe the four categories of PTSD symptoms. What do they include?

1. Intrusion Symptoms (e.g., recurrent memories), 2. Avoidance Symptoms (e.g., avoiding reminders), 3. Cognitive/Mood Changes (e.g., negative beliefs), 4. Arousal/Reactivity Symptoms (e.g., sleep disturbance).