psychopathy

What are the key components of normality in psychopathology?

Positive self-attitude, realizing potential, resistance to stress, autonomy, accurate perception of reality, adaptability to the environment, and adaptability to new environments.

What is demonology in the context of mental illness?

The belief that mental illness is a possession, tied to religious or spiritual beliefs, and although rare today, the language persists in phrases like 'She's demonic' or 'You should talk about your demons'.

What does somatogenesis refer to?

The bodily or physical origin of mental illness.

What are the symptoms of general paresis?

Fatigue, dizziness, personality change, cognitive deterioration, subtle motor symptoms, delusions, dementia, catatonia, and potentially death.

Who proposed the somatogenic hypothesis and what does it entail?

Richard von Krafft-Ebing proposed that mental illness arises from physical illness or infection, specifically highlighting syphilis infection affecting the meninges and brain.

What was Emil Kraepelin's contribution to the classification of mental illness?

He developed a new classification system focusing on clusters of symptoms (syndromes) rather than groups of similar symptoms, identifying categories like manic depression (bipolar disorder) and dementia praecox (schizophrenia).

What is psychogenesis?

The psychological origins of mental illness.

How did Sigmund Freud contribute to the understanding of hysteria?

Freud studied three paralyzed young women with no physical symptoms, whose symptoms disappeared under hypnosis.

What does the psychogenetic hypothesis suggest?

It posits that unconscious psychological processes are in conflict, leading to mental illness as a result of defensive behaviors and thoughts aimed at reducing that conflict.

What is the diathesis-stress model in modern approaches to psychopathology?

It suggests that mental disorders rarely have a single source; rather, a predisposition (diathesis) and a life event or trigger (stress) interact to cause the disorder.

What are the benefits of classification and diagnosis in mental health?

Access to treatment, a universal language for professionals and researchers, structured clinical sessions, and improved validity and reliability.

What stigma is associated with mental illness?

Stigma includes perceptions of violence, judgment in the workplace, and cultural or temporal biases that label anything 'abnormal' as part of an illness rather than a personality quirk.

What is the DSM and its purpose?

The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is a classification system for mental disorders, focusing on behavioral or psychological syndromes that cause distress or disability.

What is the ICD and how does it differ from the DSM?

The ICD (International Statistical Classification of Diseases) is used globally and was originally developed in Europe, while the DSM is primarily used in the USA.

What are the methods of diagnosis in psychopathology?

Clinical interviews and self-report measures.

What characterizes major depressive disorder?

Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and apathy about life, with a loss of interest in daily activities, occurring severely over an extended period.

What are the gender differences in major depressive disorder prevalence?

About 7-12% of men and 20-25% of women experience major depressive disorder.

What is dysthymia and how does it differ from major depressive disorder?

Dysthymia is a less severe but more chronic form of depression, often lasting longer than major depressive episodes, and is now referred to as Persistent Depressive Disorder in DSM V.

What is the significance of comorbidity in mood disorders?

Comorbidity refers to the presence of anxiety and psychotic delusions of worthlessness alongside mood disorders, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment.

What impact does childhood trauma have on mental health according to Freud?

Freud suggested that childhood trauma influences later life mental health, contributing to psychological conflicts and disorders.

What role does talking therapy play in modern approaches to mental health?

Talking therapy is used to address unconscious conflicts and promote understanding of psychological processes.

What is the iceberg theory in Freud's psychogenetic hypothesis?

The iceberg theory illustrates that most psychological processes are unconscious and that mental illness arises from conflicts within these processes.

What are some symptoms of depression as per the diagnostic criteria?

Symptoms include poor appetite or overeating, insomnia or hypersomnia, low energy or fatigue, low self-esteem, poor concentration or difficulty making decisions, and feelings of hopelessness.

What is the duration requirement for symptoms of depression in this context?

The person must have symptoms for at least 2 years, without being symptom-free for more than 2 months at a time.

What episodes must not have occurred for a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder?

There has never been a Manic Episode, a Mixed Episode, or a Hypomanic Episode.

What factors must be ruled out regarding the cause of depressive symptoms?

The symptoms should not be directly caused by a medical illness or by substances, including drug abuse or other medications.

What impact do the symptoms of depression have on an individual's life?

The symptoms may cause significant problems or distress in social, work, academic, or other major areas of life functioning.

Can a Major Depressive Episode occur during the 2-year period of symptoms?

Yes, a Major Depressive Episode may have been present during the first 2 years.

What is bipolar disorder characterized by?

Major depressive disorder with manic episodes.

What are three symptoms of a manic episode in bipolar disorder?

Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, and more talkative than usual.

What is the prevalence rate of schizophrenia?

Approximately 1%.

Who coined the term schizophrenia and what does it mean?

Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler; it means 'split mind'.

What are positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

Behaviors not frequently observed in the healthy population, such as delusions and hallucinations.

What is an example of a delusion in schizophrenia?

Belief that thoughts or actions are controlled by someone else.

What type of hallucination is most common in schizophrenia?

Auditory hallucinations, such as hearing voices.

What are negative symptoms of schizophrenia?

Absence of behavior usually evident in the healthy population, such as anhedonia and social withdrawal.

What cognitive deficits are associated with schizophrenia?

Deficits in planning, cognitive flexibility, verbal fluency, and working memory.

What is the '2 hit hypothesis' in relation to schizophrenia?

It suggests that schizophrenia arises from a genetic predisposition combined with environmental factors, such as cannabis abuse.

What biological factors are implicated in bipolar disorder?

Norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine.

What is the Theory of Learned Helplessness in relation to depression?

It suggests that individuals learn to endure pain in situations where they cannot escape, leading to a lack of effort to escape in the future.

What is rumination in the context of cognitive factors related to depression?

The tendency to repeatedly think about how miserable one is and all the bad things that happen.

What social factors can contribute to mental health issues?

War, poverty, discrimination, support networks, emigration, and cultural norms.

What is the role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in mood disorders?

It shows hypoactivity in response to negative stimuli.

What neurotransmitter is associated with the reward system in bipolar disorder?

Dopamine.

What are the characteristics of disorganized symptoms in schizophrenia?

Disorganized speech, inappropriate affect, and bizarre behavior.

What prenatal risk factors are associated with schizophrenia?

Influenza virus, maternal malnutrition, and birth complications.

What is the significance of social cognition in schizophrenia?

Social cognitive deficits are the best predictor of clinical outcomes.

What is the impact of socioeconomic status on schizophrenia prevalence?

Rates of schizophrenia are higher in individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

What is the effect of urban upbringing on schizophrenia risk?

Rates of schizophrenia are double in urban areas compared to rural areas.

What is the relationship between bipolar disorder and substance abuse?

Bipolar disorder is highly co-morbid with drug and alcohol abuse.

What percentage of individuals with bipolar disorder commit or attempt suicide?

20%.

What are the three chapters under which anxiety disorders are classified?

Anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders.

What is the prevalence of anxiety disorders in the population?

20-30% of the population report symptoms of anxiety.

What are the emotional responses associated with fear and anxiety?

Fear is the emotional response to real or perceived imminent threat, while anxiety is the anticipation of future threat.

How do fear and anxiety differ in terms of physiological responses?

Fear is associated with surges of autonomic arousal necessary for fight or flight, while anxiety is associated with muscle tension and vigilance.

What is the role of avoidance behaviors in anxiety disorders?

Avoidance behaviors can reduce the level of fear or anxiety.

What are panic attacks and how do they relate to anxiety disorders?

Panic attacks are a particular type of fear response that feature prominently within anxiety disorders but can also occur in other mental disorders.

What is the Dopamine Hypothesis in relation to certain disorders?

It suggests that there is an abnormally high level of activity in networks sensitive to the dopamine neurotransmitter.

What evidence supports the Dopamine Hypothesis?

Evidence comes from classic antipsychotic drugs and the effects of overdosing amphetamines.

What common genetic factor is associated with low IQ?

Common genetic factors.

What are the shared and specific risk factors related to anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders have both shared and specific risk factors that contribute to their development.

What is the biological basis of anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders may have a biological basis involving neurotransmitter systems, particularly dopamine.

What is the significance of comorbidity in anxiety disorders?

Comorbidity indicates that anxiety disorders often occur alongside other mental health issues, complicating diagnosis and treatment.

What is the difference between fear and anxiety in terms of behavior?

Fear is linked to escape behaviors, while anxiety is linked to cautious or avoidant behaviors.

How does the family environment relate to poverty in the context of psychological disorders?

Family environment can influence the impact of poverty on psychological disorders.

What factors contribute to within-city variations in psychological disorders?

Factors such as poverty, family environment, and migration contribute to within-city variations.

What is a phobia?

An intense irrational fear coupled with great effort to avoid the feared object or situation.

Does knowledge of the irrationality of a phobia diminish the fear?

No, knowledge that the fear is groundless does not diminish the fear.

What are specific phobias?

Extreme, irrational fears of particular objects or situations.

What therapeutic techniques can help treat specific phobias?

Relaxation techniques, exposure therapy, cognitive therapy, and meditation.

What physiological symptoms are associated with blood injection injury phobias?

Slow pulse, low blood pressure, slack muscles, and fainting.

What is social phobia also known as?

Social anxiety disorder.

What characterizes social phobia?

An intense fear of being watched and judged by others, often leading to negative evaluation.

At what age does social phobia typically emerge?

In childhood or adolescence.

What is a common risk associated with social phobia?

High risk of substance abuse.

What defines panic disorder?

The occurrence of unexpected panic attacks.

What are some symptoms of panic disorder?

Restricted breathing, dizziness, tingling, sweating, trembling, heart palpitations, and chest pains.

What is agoraphobia?

Fear of being in situations where help might not be available or escape might be difficult.

What is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Continuous and pervasive feelings of anxiety.

What are common symptoms of GAD?

Feelings of inadequacy, oversensitivity, difficulty concentrating, and questioning of decisions.

What are obsessions in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Recurrent unwanted and disturbing thoughts.

What are compulsions in OCD?

Ritualistic behaviors performed to deal with obsessions.

What triggers acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

An identifiable and horrific event.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

Re-experiencing symptoms, arousal symptoms, avoidance symptoms, emotional numbness, loss of interest, and angry outbursts.

What is the biological basis of anxiety disorders?

Malfunctioning autonomic nervous system and unique biological underpinnings revealed by neuroimaging studies.

What is the role of classical conditioning in specific phobias?

Specific phobias may result from experiencing a negative event that leads to fear of a linked object or cue.

What is vicarious conditioning?

Acquiring a conditioned response merely by observing someone else's fear.

What factors influence the development of PTSD in Vietnam War veterans?

Severity of trauma, level of social support, and early trauma.

What is the diathesis-stress model?

A theory suggesting that psychological disorders develop due to a combination of genetic predisposition and stress.

What are the three main factors involved in mental disorders?

Biological, Psychological, Environmental.

What does the emphasis on treatment depend on?

The illness and underlying causes.

What is a key characteristic of Bipolar Disorder?

It involves major depressive disorder with manic episodes.

What is the significance of the symptoms during a manic episode?

Three (or more) symptoms must persist to a significant degree, or four if the mood is only irritable.

What are some serious consequences associated with Bipolar Disorder?

High co-morbidity with drug/alcohol abuse, excessive gambling, and a 20% suicide attempt or completion rate.

How do suicide attempts differ between men and women with Bipolar Disorder?

Women attempt more but use less effective methods; men attempt less but succeed more.

What can the manic phase of Bipolar Disorder lead to?

Psychotic episodes.

Which neurotransmitters are implicated in the biological basis of Bipolar Disorder?

Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and Dopamine.

What is a notable risk associated with mood disorders?

Considerable suicide risk.

What component is important in understanding mood disorders?

An important hereditary component.

What is unclear about the link between neural abnormalities and symptoms in Bipolar Disorder?

The link between abnormalities and symptoms is unclear.