Psychology Chapters 5–9: Stress, Anxiety, Mood & Eating Disorders

What field studies interactions among psychological processes, the nervous system, and the immune system?

Psychoneuroimmunology

What does the cumulative effect of stress illustrate?

The effects of stress can be cumulative or self-perpetuating.

What enzyme is involved in maintaining telomere length?

Telomerase

Which PTSD symptom category fits a veteran feeling detached and blaming himself after a traumatic event?

Negative alterations in cognitions and mood.

What PTSD symptom category is relevant for a veteran experiencing unwanted memories of a trauma?

Intrusion.

What PTSD symptom category is illustrated by a person avoiding driving near a traumatic accident location?

Avoidance.

Which PTSD symptom category fits a person who becomes irritable and reacts strongly to sudden noises after trauma?

Arousal and reactivity.

What treatment involves a therapist asking a client with PTSD to recount the traumatic event repeatedly?

Prolonged exposure.

What process may maintain fear when a person avoids trauma reminders?

Avoidance is blocking new learning that the reminders can be safe.

What distinguishes fear from anxiety?

Fear responds to an immediate threat; anxiety involves anticipation of a possible future threat.

Which disorder is consistent with a student experiencing persistent fear of elevators?

Specific phobia.

What treatment approach is used when a therapist helps a client gradually approach a feared elevator?

Exposure therapy.

Which disorder should be considered for a student who avoids class presentations due to fear of judgment?

Social anxiety disorder.

What theory explains the pattern of interpreting a racing heart as proof of impending death?

The cognitive theory of panic.

Which disorder is consistent with a person having repeated unexpected panic attacks and worrying about future attacks?

Panic disorder.

Which disorder should be considered for a person who worries excessively about various aspects of life?

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

What are the obsession and compulsion for a person with unwanted thoughts about contaminating their family?

Obsession: unwanted contamination thought; Compulsion: repeated handwashing.

What treatment involves encountering contamination-related triggers while resisting the urge to wash?

Exposure and response prevention (ERP).

What classification issue does severe difficulty discarding possessions illustrate?

Why hoarding may be classified as a distinct disorder rather than simply an OCD symptom.

What cultural influence might explain community worries about failing family obligations?

Collectivistic cultural values.

What broad mood episode should be considered for a person with depressed mood and loss of interest?

A depressive episode.

Which bipolar diagnosis is distinguished by a history of a full manic episode?

Bipolar I disorder.

Which diagnosis fits a person with major depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes but no full manic episode?

Bipolar II disorder.

What disorder should be considered for a person with recurring hypomanic and depressive symptoms that don't meet full criteria?

Cyclothymic disorder.

Which diagnosis should be compared for a person with a chronic pattern of depressed mood?

Persistent depressive disorder.

What learning concept explains a person believing nothing they do can improve their circumstances?

Learned helplessness.

What treatment helps a depressed client schedule small, manageable activities?

Behavioral activation.

Which treatment approach helps a client identify unhelpful thoughts and change behavior patterns maintaining depression?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

What treatment focuses on a client's interpersonal conflicts and relationship difficulties while treating mood symptoms?

Interpersonal therapy.

What condition involves a person developing depressive symptoms following childbirth?

Postpartum depression.

What concept describes a person who intentionally injures themselves to regulate distress without intent to die?

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI).

What intervention involves assessing immediate safety and needs during an acute crisis?

Crisis intervention.

Why might CBT and medication have different outcomes after treatment ends?

CBT was associated with lower relapse rates over a one-year follow-up after both treatments were discontinued.

Which eating disorder involves a person being significantly underweight and intensely afraid of gaining weight?

Anorexia nervosa.

What disorder is characterized by recurrent binge episodes without regular compensatory behaviors?

Binge-eating disorder.

Which eating disorder involves binge episodes followed by purging to prevent weight gain?

Bulimia nervosa.

What diagnosis fits a person who restricts food due to intolerance of most food smells?

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

What diagnostic limitation occurs when screening for eating disorders only by focusing on thinness?

Some presentations may be overlooked, contributing to fewer men receiving diagnoses.

What family-based treatment approach is suggested for a 16-year-old with anorexia?

The Maudsley model.

What concept illustrates slower metabolic rate and less fullness after prolonged food restriction?

Starvation mode or adaptive responses to restriction.

What learning process may maintain the behavior of restricting food to feel closer to an ideal of thinness?

Operant reinforcement through perceived cognitive satisfaction.

What learning process may maintain binge eating due to brief soothing from particular foods?

Operant reinforcement through physical soothing.

How should the risk of weight gain be explained for a person with genetic risk and environmental influences?

Using a biopsychosocial model.

What outcome is expected for a person using an FDA-approved weight-loss medication?

Some weight loss, but less than hoped for.

What pathway illustrates a person interpreting a setback as proof they are defective?

Unhelpful causal attributions contributing to shame and social isolation.

What learning-related explanation accounts for the persistence of avoiding anxiety-provoking situations?

Avoidance can be reinforced by short-term relief.

What disorder-related concept applies to a person who experiences repeated uncontrollable setbacks?

Learned helplessness.

What broad theme demonstrates the interaction of social causes and consequences of psychopathology?

Social causes and consequences of psychopathology can interact and maintain difficulties.