Major Psychological Disorders to Know for AP Psychology (AP)

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness,hopelessness, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities.

Bipolar Disorder

A mental health condition marked by extreme mood swings, including manic and depressive episodes.

Manic Episodes

Increased energy, euphoria, reduced need for sleep,grandiosity, impulsive behavior, racing thoughts.

Depressive Episodes

Similar to MDD symptoms, including sadness,hopelessness, and loss of interest.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

A chronic disorder characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A mental health disorder characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts(obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety

Obsessions

Fears of contamination, harm, or losing control; intrusive thoughts that cause significant anxiety.

Compulsions

Ritualistic behaviors such as excessive cleaning, checking,counting, or organizing to alleviate anxiety.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A mental health disorder triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, characterized by flashbacks, avoidance, and heightened arousal.

Schizophrenia

A severe mental disorder characterized by distortions in thinking, perception,emotions, language, and sense of self.

Positive Symptoms

Hallucinations (hearing voices), delusions (false beliefs), and disorganized thinking.

Negative Symptoms

Lack of motivation, emotional flatness, and social withdrawal.

Cognitive Symptoms

Impaired memory, attention, and decision-making

Eating Disorders

Serious mental health disorders characterized by unhealthy eating behaviors and preoccupation with body image.

Anorexia Nervosa

Extreme restriction of food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, distorted body image

Bulimia Nervosa

Binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, excessive exercise, or fasting.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity

Genetic Factors

Hereditary predisposition; often runs in families.

Neurobiological Factors

Differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas related to attention and impulse control

Environmental Factors

Prenatal exposure to tobacco or alcohol, lead exposure, and early childhood trauma.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A developmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction.

Substance Use Disorders

Disorders characterized by the harmful use of psychoactive substances leading to significant impairment or distress.

Panic Disorder

A type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panicattacks.

Social Anxiety Disorder

An intense fear of social situations that may lead to embarrassment or humiliation.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

A personality disorder characterized by unstable moods, behavior, andrelationships.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

A severe dissociative disorder characterized by the presence of two or moredistinct personality states or identities.

Specific Phobias

Intense, irrational fears of specific objects or situations, leading to avoidancebehavior.