General Psychology Lecture Review: Psychological Disorders and Treatments

These flashcards cover key concepts in psychological disorders and treatments based on the recent lecture notes.

What are dissociative disorders characterized by?

They involve disruptions of identity, memory, or conscious awareness.

What is dissociative identity disorder (DID)?

A psychological disorder characterized by the occurrence of two or more distinct identities in the same individual.

How often is the DSM, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, updated?

Approximately every five years.

What does the diagnosis-stress model explain?

It explains how a predisposition or vulnerability to a disorder interacts with environmental stress to potentially lead to the development of psychological disorders.

What is the difference between a structured and an unstructured interview in psychological assessment?

A structured interview follows a script of questions, while an unstructured interview allows the clinician to guide the conversation more freely.

What is the primary focus of psychodynamic therapy?

It focuses on understanding and addressing unconscious conflicts and traumas contributing to psychological disorders.

What role does stress play in the context of dissociative disorders?

Stress can exacerbate or trigger symptoms, with individuals often showing symptoms during high-stress periods.

What are common types of assessment methods in psychology?

Self-reports, observations, and interviews.

What are the potential treatment approaches discussed in the lecture?

Behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, drug therapy, and family systems therapy.

Why is comorbidity significant in psychological assessment?

Comorbidity complicates diagnosis as individuals may experience multiple disorders simultaneously, making it difficult to classify them within distinct categories.