Mental Health and Psychopathology Review

A set of flashcards covering key concepts in psychopathology and mental health from the lecture notes.

What are the three layers of the mind according to Freud?

Conscious, preconscious, and unconscious.

How does the preconscious mind differ from the unconscious mind?

The preconscious contains memories and information that can be accessed consciously, while the unconscious holds desires and drives that cannot be accessed directly.

According to Freud, how is personality best described?

Dynamic, developed during early childhood through psychosexual stages.

What might the trait theory emphasize about personality?

That personality is consistent and enduring over time.

Define psychopathology based on the Oxford textbook of psychiatry.

The study of abnormal states of mind.

What are the two types of psychopathology outlined in the lecture?

Descriptive psychopathology and experimental psychopathology.

What is the assumption behind the biomedical model of psychopathology?

Mental disorders are biologically based and should be treated primarily through biological means.

What is the purpose of diagnostic classification systems like DSM and ICD?

To categorize mental disorders and guide treatment.

What is 'maladaptiveness' in the context of psychopathology?

Behaviors that interfere with a person's lifestyle and quality of life.

What is a common tool used to assess depression?

The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9).

What does 'GAD-7' stand for?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale, a common tool for assessing anxiety.

What is a key factor in differentiating anxiety from depression?

While anxiety and depression can co-occur, they are often treated as separate entities in clinical research and practice.

What does the term 'maladaptive behavior' imply in psychopathology?

Behaviors that may be judged as deficient based on social norms.

What historical perspective about madness did Hippocrates contribute?

He argued that madness could be understood as a disorder of the body, subject to natural causes rather than supernatural.

What are antidepressants primarily aimed at treating?

Depression, anxiety, OCD, and other mood disorders.

How do selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) function?

They increase serotonin levels in the brain by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in synaptic clefts.

What is the primary criticism of the DSM's categorical system of mental health disorders?

It can oversimplify complex mental health issues by forcing them into distinct categories.

What does 'statistical deviance' refer to in defining abnormality?

Behaviors or traits that significantly deviate from the norm, such as very low IQ scores.

What is a major criticism of using the DSM to classify mental health disorders?

It can be influenced by socioeconomic and cultural biases.

Who are two early key figures in the development of psychological thought around madness?

Hippocrates and John Locke.

What does the term 'psychoneurosis' refer to in the context of anxiety?

Anxiety that might be expressed either directly or controlled unconsciously through defense mechanisms.

What is the 'medical model' of mental illness?

A perspective that treats mental health issues as diseases similar to physical health issues.

What is one key factor that challenges the effectiveness of psychiatric medications?

Variability in individual responses and the subjective nature of mental health symptoms.

What does the 'diathesis-stress model' explain?

It suggests that mental disorders develop through the interaction of a predisposition (diathesis) and environmental stressors.

What role does neurotransmitter functioning play in the biomedical model?

Neurotransmitter imbalances are thought to contribute to mental health problems and are targeted by pharmacological interventions.

What is significant about mood stabilizers?

They are used to treat mood disorders and help manage conditions such as bipolar disorder.

What are some common side effects of antidepressants?

Nausea, weight gain, and decreased libido.

Why is it important to ask about the cultural context of mental health issues?

Cultural norms shape the understanding and interpretation of distress and abnormal behavior.

What are the theoretical foundations of psychodynamic approaches in understanding psychopathology?

They emphasize unconscious processes, early childhood experiences, and the interplay of drives and defenses.

What are two major differences between the ICD and DSM?

The ICD is globally accepted and free, while the DSM is primarily an American product sold for profit.

What is the main purpose of mental health classifications like DSM and ICD in treatment?

To create a common language among practitioners for diagnosing and treating psychological difficulties.

What historical view considered mental struggle a moral failing?

The view during the Middle Ages, influenced by religion, that labeled madness as possession or a result of sin.