Abnormal Behavior and Treatment of Abnormal Behavior

These flashcards cover key concepts related to abnormal behavior, psychological disorders, their treatments, and preventative strategies.

Psychological Disorder

A syndrome marked by clinically significant disturbance in cognition, emotion regulation, and behavior, causing distress and dysfunction.

Maladaptive Behavior

Behavior that is harmful or interferes with daily life and causes significant distress.

DSM-5

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; used to diagnose disorders, guide treatment, and standardize communication among professionals.

Biopsychosocial Approach

A perspective that sees disorders as resulting from the interaction of biological, psychological, and social-cultural factors.

Stress-Vulnerability Model

A model suggesting that people have genetic vulnerabilities that may be triggered by stressful experiences.

Cultural-Specific Disorders

Disorders that appear in specific cultures and may be linked to cultural norms and experiences.

Panic Disorder

A psychological disorder characterized by recurrent panic attacks and the constant fear of having another attack.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A condition involving obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors) that the person feels driven to perform.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and other symptoms affecting daily functioning.

Bipolar Disorder

A mood disorder with alternating episodes of depression and mania, where the person experiences extreme mood swings.

Schizophrenia

A psychotic disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and diminished emotional expression.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

A personality disorder marked by a lack of conscience and disregard for others' rights, often involving deceitful and harmful behaviors.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A therapy that combines cognitive and behavioral techniques to change negative thinking patterns and behaviors.

Humanistic Therapy

A therapeutic approach focused on growth potential, self-awareness, and self-acceptance, often through client-centered methods.

Biomedical Therapy

Treatment of psychological disorders that involves medication or medical procedures to directly affect brain functioning.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

A treatment for severe depression involving controlled electric shocks to the brain, often resulting in rapid improvement.

Preventive Mental Health

An approach that focuses on reducing psychological disorders before they begin by identifying risk factors and improving life conditions.

Resilience

The ability to cope with stress, recover from adversity, and adapt after trauma.

Posttraumatic Growth

Positive psychological changes that occur after struggling with extreme life crises, such as greater appreciation of life and deeper spirituality.