PSYC 101 LOEB FINAL

What general criteria are used to determine psychopathology? Why is one criterion usually insufficient in determining that someone is mentally ill?

Deviance, dysfunction, distress, and danger. One criterion alone (e.g., deviance) may not indicate a disorder without causing dysfunction or distress.

Explain the role of subjectivity and why this increases disagreement between clinicians when clinicians diagnose a patient.

Diagnosis often depends on clinician interpretation and patient self-report, which are subjective, leading to variability and disagreement.

Explain what the DSM-V is. How does this help clinicians to be more accurate in diagnoses? Does the DSM-V completely prevent clinicians from making errors in diagnoses?

The DSM-V is a standardized classification system for mental disorders. It increases diagnostic consistency but cannot eliminate errors due to human judgment.

What do “prevalence,” “lifetime prevalence,” “onset,” and “etiology” mean?

Prevalence: % of people currently with the disorder. Lifetime prevalence: % who’ve ever had it. Onset: when it starts. Etiology: causes.

How many of those who seek therapy actually have a diagnosable mental disorder?

About 50% meet diagnostic criteria.

What are the obstacles for people seeking treatment?

Stigma, cost, lack of access, cultural barriers, and shortage of professionals.

How important is the therapist's degree when considering a therapist?

Degree matters, but the therapeutic relationship and skill level are more important.

What sorts of people are trained to practice counseling?

Psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, licensed counselors, and some nurse practitioners.

What are the different approaches to therapy and how do they connect to etiological perspectives?

Cognitive (thoughts), behavioral (learning), psychodynamic (unconscious), humanistic (self-growth), biological (medications).

What is CBT? Is it different from DBT?

CBT addresses thoughts and behaviors. DBT is a type of CBT emphasizing emotional regulation, effective for borderline personality disorder.

What’s the difference between systematic desensitization and flooding?

Systematic desensitization: gradual exposure + relaxation. Flooding: immediate, intense exposure.

How might treatment from the cognitive perspective differ from the behavioral perspective?

Cognitive targets thoughts. Behavioral targets learned actions and reinforcements.

What are the biological treatments for depression?

SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, MAOIs, ECT, ketamine. Vary in how fast they work and side effects.

Are biological treatments effective? How do they compare with CBT?

Often effective. CBT may be equally or more effective long-term with fewer side effects.

What are anxiolytics and antipsychotics?

Anxiolytics reduce anxiety (e.g., benzodiazepines). Antipsychotics treat psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.

Do some drugs treat more than one type of psychopathology? Examples?

Yes. SSRIs treat depression, anxiety, OCD. Antipsychotics are used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Difference between traditional neuroleptics and atypical antipsychotics?

Traditional: more dopamine-blocking, more side effects. Atypical: broader targets, fewer motor issues.

What is a partial agonist?

A drug that activates a receptor but with less intensity than a full agonist—often more stable effects.

Common treatments per mental disorder?

Depression: SSRIs, CBT. Anxiety: CBT, benzos. Schizophrenia: antipsychotics. Bipolar: mood stabilizers, lithium.

Why is ECT controversial?

Due to its history and potential for memory loss, despite high effectiveness.

What does “small therapeutic index” mean and which drug is it an issue for?

Small difference between effective and toxic dose—especially an issue with lithium.

Quickest way to treat depressive symptoms?

ECT or ketamine, both rapid-acting options.

What is spontaneous remission and why is it a problem in evaluating treatments?

When symptoms improve without treatment. Makes it hard to assess therapy/med effectiveness.

Pros and cons of talk therapy?

Pros: addresses root issues, no drugs. Cons: slower, costlier, may not work for everyone.

Pros and cons of biological treatments?

Pros: fast-acting, accessible. Cons: side effects, may not resolve underlying issues.

What is “fee-for-service” vs. “managed care”?

Fee-for-service: full choice, higher cost. Managed care: cheaper, limited access and sessions.

What was deinstitutionalization? Was it successful?

1960s shift from hospitals to community care. Partially successful—many lacked follow-up, leading to homelessness.

Diversity issues in mental health treatment?

Stigma, language barriers, underrepresentation, cultural misunderstanding.

What do we know about homelessness and mental health?

High rates of severe mental illness, limited access to care worsens conditions.