Abnormal Psych ch 2 part 1

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the Developmental Psychopathology Perspective lecture. Each card defines a term as used in the notes.

Developmental psychopathology perspective

An integrative framework that uses a developmental lens to understand how interacting biological, psychological, and social factors over time contribute to abnormal functioning.

Model (paradigm)

A set of assumptions and concepts that guide scientists’ observations, questions, and interpretations in a field.

Biological model

A perspective that explains abnormal behavior as the result of brain processes, neural activity, genetics, hormones, and other physiological factors.

Brain circuit

A network of interconnected brain structures that work together to produce a particular behavioral, cognitive, or emotional response.

Fear circuit

A key brain circuit involving structures such as the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, insula, and amygdala that underlies fear reactions.

Neurotransmitter

A chemical released by a neuron that crosses the synapse to influence the activity of a receiving neuron.

Synapse

The tiny gap between neurons across which neurotransmitters travel to convey signals.

Receptor

A site on a neuron that receives a neurotransmitter and helps determine whether the neuron will fire.

Endocrine system

Glands that release hormones into the bloodstream to regulate growth, reproduction, stress responses, and other bodily functions.

Hormone

Chemicals released by endocrine glands into the bloodstream to regulate various body processes.

Cortisol

A stress hormone released by the adrenal glands; abnormal secretion levels are linked to anxiety and depression.

Genetics

The study of how heredity and genes contribute to mental disorders, often involving multiple interacting genes.

Evolutionary perspective

Theory that certain human traits and responses evolved to aid survival, which can influence vulnerability to mental disorders.

Psychotropic drugs

Medications that primarily affect mood, thinking, or behavior.

Drug therapy

Biological treatment involving medications to treat mental disorders, often used in conjunction with other therapies.

Anxiolytics (anti-anxiety drugs)

Medications that reduce tension and anxiety.

Antidepressants

Drugs that help improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.

Mood stabilizers (antimanic)

Medications that stabilize mood, particularly in bipolar disorder, preventing extreme swings between mania and depression.

Antipsychotics

Drugs that help reduce psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

A biological treatment in which a controlled electric current induces a brain seizure, often reducing severe depression after several sessions.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

A noninvasive brain stimulation technique using magnetic fields to modulate neural activity.

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)

A brain stimulation method in which a device implanted in the neck delivers electrical signals to the vagus nerve.

Deep brain stimulation

A treatment where electrodes implanted in specific brain areas deliver electrical impulses to aid mood and other symptoms.

Psychosurgery

Brain surgery for mental disorders, historically including lobotomy and today involving more precise techniques like deep brain stimulation in select cases.

Lobotomy

A historical psychosurgical procedure cutting connections in the frontal lobes to treat mental illness.

Psychodynamic model

Oldest modern psychological model; posits that behavior is driven by unconscious conflicts and early relationships.

Id

Instinctual drives and impulses that operate on the pleasure principle.

Ego

The rational part of personality that operates on the reality principle, mediating between id impulses and external demands.

Superego

The moral conscience; internalized values and ideals learned from caregivers.

Defense mechanisms

Unconscious strategies the ego uses to manage anxiety and internal conflict.