Chapter 15 (Exam 3)

Psychopathology

The study of psychological disorders, including their symptoms, causes, and treatment

Psychological disorder

A condition characterized by abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors causing significant distress or disability

Harmful dysfunction

The concept that a disorder must be harmful and reflect a dysfunction (biological, psychological, or developmental)

DSM 5

The classification system used by most U

S

mental health professionals to diagnose disorders

Comorbidity

The co occurrence of two or more disorders in the same individual

Diathesis Stress Model

A model suggesting that a disorder develops from an underlying vulnerability (diathesis) combined with stressful life events

Anxiety Disorders

Characterized by excessive and persistent fear and anxiety

Specific Phobia

Excessive, distressing, and persistent fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation

Social Anxiety Disorder

Extreme anxiety and avoidance of social situations where one could be negatively evaluated

Panic attack

A period of extreme fear or discomfort that develops abruptly and peaks within 10 minutes

Panic Disorder

Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, plus at least one month of concern about future attacks

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

A relatively continuous state of excessive, uncontrollable, and pointless worry for at least 6 months

Obsessions

Persistent, unintentional, and unwanted thoughts and urges that are highly intrusive

Compulsions

Repetitive and ritualistic acts carried out to minimize the distress from obsessions

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A disorder involving intrusive, unwanted thoughts and/or the need to engage in repetitive behaviors

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Disorder developing after a traumatic event, with symptoms like flashbacks and avoidance

Flashbacks

States during which an individual relives a traumatic event and behaves as if it were occurring

Mood Disorders

Characterized by massive disruptions in mood and emotions

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Characterized by depressed mood most of the day and loss of interest in activities for at least two weeks

Mania

A distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and increased activity

Bipolar Disorders

Involves mood states that fluctuate between depression and mania

Depressive schemas

Beck's concept of mental predispositions (themes of loss, failure, rejection) that make one prone to depression

Hopelessness Theory

A cognitive theory that a specific negative thinking style leads to hopelessness, which then leads to depression

Rumination

The repetitive and passive focus on the fact that one is depressed and on the symptoms of depression

Schizophrenia

A severe disorder (1% prevalence) characterized by major disturbances in thought, perception, emotion, and behavior

Hallucinations

Perceptual experiences that occur in the absence of external stimulation (e

g

, hearing voices)

Delusions

Beliefs that are contrary to reality (e

g

, paranoid, grandiose)

Negative Symptoms (Schizophrenia)

Decreases and absences in certain behaviors, emotions, or drives (e

g

, avolition, anhedonia)

Avolition

A negative symptom of schizophrenia marked by a lack of motivation

Dopamine hypothesis

The theory that an overabundance of dopamine or too many dopamine receptors are responsible for schizophrenia

Dissociative Disorders

Characterized by an individual becoming split off, or dissociated, from their core sense of self

Dissociative Amnesia

The inability to recall important personal information

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Disorder where an individual exhibits two or more separate personalities or identities

Personality Disorders

Characterized by a pervasive and inflexible personality style that differs from cultural expectations

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self image, and mood, as well as marked impulsivity

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)

Characterized by a complete lack of regard for other people’s rights or feelings; lack of remorse