Abnormal Psychology Final

Facticious Disorder

disorder in which patients intentionally produce physical symptoms of an illness. many people with this give themselves medications induce problems like fevers; people with this often research their "ailments" and will eagerly undergo testing/treatment, even surgery; typically deny confrontation of faking it

Facticious disorder imposed on another

aka Munchausen syndrome by proxy: parents or caretakers make up or produce physical illnesses in their children, leading in some cases to repeated painful diagnostic tests, medication, and surgery

What is the difference between a conversion disorder and a somatic symptom disorder?

Conversion disorder involves neurological symptoms that cannot be explained by medical conditions, while somatic symptom disorder includes excessive focus on physical symptoms causing significant distress, regardless of the presence of a medical condition.

Explanation of factitious disorder

Psychodynamic: unmet psychological needs as a child result in the person’s maladaptive attention-seeking behaviors

Behavioral: the person's behavior is reinforced by the attention received from caregivers and medical professionals.

Cognitive: individuals have lower self-esteem, causing them to assume the patient role

Explanation behind conversion disorder

Psychodynamic: unconscious conflict manifests as neurological symptoms; the individual is often unaware of the psychological root.

Behavioral: the individual may gain attention or sympathy from others through physical symptoms.

Cognitive: individuals may misinterpret bodily sensations, leading to maladaptive coping strategies.

Explanation behind somatic disorder

Psychodynamic: unmet psychological needs express themselves through physical symptoms; the individual may not realize the connection.

Behavioral: behaviors may be reinforced by attention from others due to the physical symptoms.

Cognitive: individuals focus excessively on health concerns, interpreting normal bodily sensations as signs of severe illness.

What are psychophysiological disorder?

Conditions where psychological factors significantly affect physical health, leading to symptoms that can manifest as physical illnesses.

ex) hypertension, IBS, asthma, tension headaches, ulcers, lower back pain

Contributing factors to psychophysiological disorders

Stress, anxiety, and personality traits that influence how individuals perceive and respond to their physical health. Factors such as lifestyle choices, social support, and coping mechanisms also play a significant role in the development and management of these disorders.

Psychoimmunology

The study of the interaction between the immune system and psychological processes, examining how psychological factors can influence immune function and health.

Results of psychoimmunology relating to health

Research indicates that psychological stress can weaken immune responses, potentially leading to increased susceptibility to illnesses and affecting overall health. Additionally, positive mental states may enhance immune function and contribute to better health outcomes.

Social support on maintaining health

Improves stress management, enhances emotional well-being, and fosters healthy behaviors among individuals.

What psychological treatments are available and how do they help health?

Psychodynamic: allows people to be conscious of their fears and anxiety, eliminating anxiety from manifesting into physical symptoms

CBT: exposes features of the client’s initial events that triggered their physical symptoms, eventually reducing anxiety and the need to channel physical symptoms

Anorexia nervosa

Purposeful nutrient restriction often leads to low body weight, driven by fear of gaining weight, distorted body image, and excessive concern about body shape. It can result in severe health complications, including cardiac issues, bone density loss, and hormonal imbalances.

Restricting-type anorexia nervosa

A subtype of anorexia nervosa characterized by dieting, fasting, or excessive exercise without regular binge-eating episodes.

Bing-eating anorexia nervosa

A subtype of anorexia nervosa where individuals engage in episodes of binge-eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, excessive exercise, or fasting, while still maintaining low body weight.

Bulimia nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge-eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors, such as vomiting or excessive exercise, often leading to a normal or above-normal body weight. Symptoms take place at least weekly for a period of 3 months, and inappropriate influence of weight and shape on appraisal of oneself

How is bulimia different from anorexia and binge-eating disorder?

Bulimia nervosa differs from anorexia in that individuals with bulimia typically maintain a normal or above-normal weight, whereas those with anorexia have significantly low body weight. Unlike binge-eating disorder, which involves binge-eating without compensatory behaviors, bulimia includes purging or other compensatory actions following binge episodes.

Causes of eating disorders

Societal factors, family environment during development, and distorted ideal perception of self contribute to the development of eating disorders. Genetic predisposition and psychological factors, such as low self-esteem and depression, may also play significant roles.

What therapeutic approaches are used to treat a person with an eating disorder?

Treatment for anorexia:

• nutritional rehab with rewards for weight gain

• starts with 1,500 cal per day then increases

• recover mental with CBT and family involvement

Treatment for Bulimia:

• 43% seek treatment

• CBT: change their maladaptive attitudes toward food, eating, weight

• IPT

• Psychodynamic therapy

• Family therapy

• may relapse within 2 years

Is treatment for the eating disorders effective?

Treatment for eating disorders can be effective; however, success rates vary.

What is a drug?

a substance that alters physiological or psychological functions in the body. It can be used for medical treatment, recreational purposes, or to enhance performance.

What is substance intoxication?

The ingestion of a substance that causes psychological and physical effects to the body

Drug Classifications

Stimulant: increases the sensitivity of the CNS

• cocaine

• amphetamines

• caffine

Depressant: reduces tension and inhibitons while reducing motor activity and concentration

• alcohol

  • is a dual stimulant and depressant

• anxiolytic

• opioids

  • painkillers morphine, heroin, codeine, methadone, and fentanyl

Hallucinogen: causes changes in sensory perception

• LSD

• MDMA

• Psilocybin

• mesclaire

Cannabis: hallucinogenic, depressant, and stimulant

• weed derived from satvia

Effects of stimulants

cocaine

• short-term

  • energy

  • alertness

  • euphoria

• long-term

  • heart irregularities

  • brain seizures

  • having children makes them predisposed to addiction, irregularities in attention, learning, thyroid, DA, and 5-HT

amphetamines

• short-term

  • increased energy

  • alertness

  • euphoria

• long-term

  • open sores and loss of teeth

  • cognitive decline from neurotoxicity

  • hallucinations

  • anxiety

Effects of depressants

alcohol

• short-term

  • relaxation

  • sedation

• long-term

  • cardiovascular disease

  • liver damage

  • korskoff syndrome

anxiolytic

• short-term

  • calming

• long-term

  • cognitive and intellectual impairments

opioids

• short-term

  • pain relief

  • euphoria

  • narrows pupils and releases endorphins

• long-term

  • respiratory failure

  • increased addiction and overdose

Effects of hallucinogens

LSD

• short-term

  • sensory hallucinations

  • sweating

  • palpitaions

  • blurred vision

  • tremors

  • poor coordination

• long-term

  • flashbacks

  • mood disorders

  • effects serotonergic receptors

  • psychosis

MDMA

• short-term

  • stimulant

  • hallucenations

  • elevates mood

  • increases empathy

• long-term

  • mood disorders

  • memory impairment

  • muscle tension

  • increased heart rate

  • decreased sweat production

  • heatstroke

  • liver damage

Effects of cannabis

• short-term

  • relaxation

  • hallucinations

  • red eyes

  • increased heartbeat and appetite

  • dry mouth

  • dizziness

  • drowsiness

• long-term

  • cognitive impairment

  • respiratory issues

Korsakoff’s syndrome

The brain is deprived of vitamin B-12 and thiamine from the result of alcoholism, which impairs the ability to form new memories

Substance abuse

continued use of substance despite concurrent negative effects on physical health, mental health, and social relationships.

Substance dependance

compulsive need to intake a substance leading to increased tolerance and withdrawl symptoms

Delierium tremes

A severe form of alcohol withdrawal that includes confusion, hallucinations, and severe agitation, often requiring medical intervention.

Causes of substance abuse disorders

Psychodynamic: dependency on an external source for functionality. Tendency to be dependent, antisocial, impulsive, novelty-seeking, risk-taking, and depressive

Cognitive-behavioral: people are operantly conditioned in associating a substance as a positive reinforcement, or classically condition by the environment to intake a substance

Sociocultural: stressful socioeconomic conditions, peer influence, or a person may grew up in a culture that normalizes drug usage

Biological: genetic predisposition for drug addiction, neurotransmitter dependency of the dopamenergic pathway, or incentive-sensetization theory

Relapse prevention training

clients to gain control over their substance-related behavior

Detoxification

a systematic and medically supervised withdrawal from a drug gradually and reduce symptoms of withdrawal

Drug maintenance therapy

a treatment approach that involves the use of medications to help individuals manage their addiction and reduce withdrawal symptoms. This approach aims to stabilize patients by providing a controlled dose of a drug to prevent cravings and illicit use while enabling them to lead more productive lives.

How effective is Alcoholics Anonymous?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is effective for many individuals in achieving sobriety through peer support and a structured 12-step program, though outcomes vary based on personal commitment and participation.

Disorder of desire

A condition characterized by a persistent or recurrent lack of sexual desire or interest, which can lead to distress or interpersonal difficulties.

Disorder of excietment

A condition marked by a consistent inability to achieve or maintain adequate sexual excitement during sexual activity, often leading to distress or relationship issues. Can be seen in erectile dysfunction.

Disorder of orgasm

A condition characterized by difficulty reaching orgasm or delayed orgasm during sexual activity, often resulting in frustration or dissatisfaction in sexual relationships. Most women are able to reach orgasm, and men either ejaculate early or later.

Disorder of sexual pain

A condition involving pain during sexual intercourse or related activities, which can result in significant distress and avoidance of sexual activity. It may affect both men and women and can arise from various physical or psychological factors.

Paraphillia

A condition characterized by atypical sexual desires or behaviors, often involving non-consenting partners, inanimate objects, or specific body parts, that can lead to distress or impairment.

Exhibitionism

A paraphilia involving the exposure of one's genitals to unsuspecting individuals, often for sexual gratification. It may cause distress or legal consequences for the individual.

Frotteurism

A paraphilia characterized by the act of rubbing against a non-consenting person for sexual pleasure, typically in crowded places. It often involves furtive or secretive behavior.

Fetishism

A paraphilia involving intense sexual interest in specific objects, materials, or body parts, often leading to sexual arousal. This can include items like clothing or specific body features.

Transvestic

fetishism characterized by cross-dressing, where individuals derive sexual pleasure from wearing clothing typically associated with the opposite sex.

Pedophilia

a psychiatric disorder involving a primary or exclusive sexual attraction to prepubescent children. It raises significant moral and legal concerns due to the exploitation and harm caused to minors.

Voyeurism

A paraphilia characterized by obtaining sexual pleasure from observing others who are naked, undressing, or engaging in sexual acts, often without their knowledge.

Sexual sadism

is a paraphilia involving the act of inflicting pain or humiliation on another person for sexual pleasure.

Sexual masochism

is a paraphilia characterized by deriving sexual pleasure from experiencing pain or humiliation, often during consensual activities.

Gender dysphoria

is a psychological condition where an individual experiences significant discomfort or distress due to a mismatch between their experienced gender and assigned gender at birth. This condition may lead individuals to seek gender transition or other forms of affirmation.

Steps to change sexual characteristics

• hormone replacement therapy

• psychotherapy

• surgical intervention

Schizophrenia

is a severe mental disorder characterized by disruptions in thought processes, perception, emotional responsiveness, and social interactions. Symptoms may include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.

What is split and mind?

Split between thoughts and emotions, which causes disconnection from reality and impaired functioning.

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia

Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia

Social withdrawal, lack of motivation, emotional flatness, and reduced speech.

Disorganized symptoms of schizophrenia

incoherent speech, disorganized behavior, and difficulty in organizing thoughts, which disrupt daily functioning and communication.

Delusions of persecution

false belief that one is being targeted or plotted against by others

Delusions of grandeur

false belief that one has exceptional abilities, wealth, or fame.

Delusion of being controlled

false belief that one's thoughts, feelings, or actions are being controlled by external forces.

Explanation behind schizophrenia

Biological: Genetic, neurochemical, and structural brain abnormalities contribute to the onset of schizophrenia. Dopaminergic neurons continuously fire, resulting in the onset of schizophrenia.

Psychodynamic: Schizophrenia arises from unresolved unconscious conflicts and person’s environment, leading to a distorted sense of self and reality.

Cognitive-Behavioral: Schizophrenia results from maladaptive thinking patterns and behaviors that shape one's perception of reality, leading to ineffective coping mechanisms.

Sociocultural: Factors such as trauma, stigma, and socioeconomic status influence the development and experience of schizophrenia.

Developmental: genetic predisposition is only expressed during the compounding of environmental stressors, primarily during critical life stages.

What is the genetic link to schizophrenia?

Research indicates that genetics play a significant role in the development of schizophrenia, with higher concordance rates among identical twins compared to fraternal twins, suggesting a hereditary component. Specific genes and chromosomal regions have been implicated in increasing susceptibility to the disorder.

Role of dopamine in schizophrenia

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is believed to be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Abnormalities in dopamine transmission, particularly in the mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways, may contribute to the development of symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations.

Are there cultural differences in schizophrenia?

More marginalized people are diagnosed with schizophrenia. Cultural views may label a person with schizophrenia as crazy and would have a social stigma based on their diagnosis.

Milieu therapyl

therapeutic approach that focuses on creating a supportive and structured environment for individuals with mental health issues. It emphasizes the importance of the social and physical environment in the treatment process, aiming to improve the patient's overall well-being through interpersonal relationships and daily activities.

Token economy

A behavior modification system that uses reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors in individuals with mental health disorders. Tokens are earned for positive behaviors and can be exchanged for rewards.

How effective are antipsychotics?

70% effective in reducing symptoms of schizophrenia

Tardive dyskinesia

A movement disorder that can result from long-term use of antipsychotic medications, characterized by involuntary and repetitive body movements.

Dystonia

A neurological condition causing muscle contractions and spasms, often linked to antipsychotic treatment.

Agranulocytosis

A potentially serious side effect of antipsychotic medications, characterized by a dangerously low level of neutrophils in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of infections.

Therapy approaches effective for treating schizophrenia

CBT:

• cognitive remediation

  • a form of therapy focusing on improving cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and problem-solving skills.

• hallucination reinterpretation and acceptance

  • a therapeutic technique that helps individuals with schizophrenia understand and accept their hallucinations, reducing distress.

• Acceptance and commitment therapy

  • a form of therapy that encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings while committing to making changes aligned with their values.

Family therapy:

• A therapeutic approach involving family members to improve communication and support for individuals with schizophrenia, enhancing overall treatment outcomes.

• Helpful when combined with antipsychotics

Coordinated special care:

• An integrative approach that combines various mental health services, including medication management, therapy, and rehabilitation, to provide comprehensive support for individuals with schizophrenia.

What is personality?

Personality refers to the individual differences in characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. It encompasses a person's unique traits and consistent behavior over time and across situations.

What is a personality disorder?

A personality disorder is a type of mental health condition characterized by enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate from cultural expectations, leading to significant impairment or distress.

Paranoid personality disorder

distrust others and are suspicous of others motives where they think that everyone is trying to harm them. They remain cold and distant towards others and finds faults in others

Schizoid personality disorder

These people avoid social relationships as they prefer to be alone and are rarely emotionally effected.

Schizotypal personality disorder

This person struggles with interpersonal problems, as they have extreme discomfort in close relationships, odd patterns of thinking and perceiving, and are behaviorally eccentric. They are anxious around others and seek isolation. They also claim that they have extrasensory abilities.

Antisocial personality disorder

AKA psychopaths or sociopaths. They are impulsive and reckless. They tend to have less tissue in the frontal lobe, often as a result of a genetic predisposition. They lack regard for others and their actions.

Borderline personality disorder

People with this disorder exhibit mood instabilities where they often worry about losing people and how people perceive them. They act impulsively and destructively as a coping mechanism for their emotions. They have dichotomous thinking and identity shifts.

Histeronic personality disorder

These people tend to act grandly to get attention from others as a way of masking their low self-esteem. Therapy is difficult with them as they would act permissively towards the therapist. It is thought that they have exhibited this personality because, in childhood, they would need to act aggressively in order to receive attention from their parents.

Narcissistic personality disorder

A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy. Individuals often have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe they are superior to others.

Avoidant personality disorder

Characterized by feelings of extreme shyness, sensitivity to criticism, and avoidance of social situations. Individuals often desire relationships but fear rejection, leading to significant social inhibition.

Dependent personality disorder

Characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behaviors. Individuals with this disorder often fear separation and struggle with making everyday decisions without advice from others.

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

These people have high perfectionism in their standards and exhibit overconscientious behavior. They have rigid moral beliefs and are likely to experience a mood disorder. Freud calls them anal retentive and probably had restrictive helicopter parents.