Comprehensive Guide to Psychological Disorders: Types, Causes, and Models

What is a psychological disorder?

A condition involving problems with thinking, emotions, or behavior due to dysfunction in psychological, biological, or developmental processes.

What does psychopathology study?

It examines symptoms, causes (etiology), treatment, and the actual experience/symptoms of mental disorders.

What are common misconceptions about mental illness?

Mental illness is not less important than physical illness, people do not choose to have it, and it cannot be fixed by 'positive thinking.'

What are examples of behaviors that indicate a psychological disorder?

Excessive hand washing, hearing voices, extreme depression, trouble eating/sleeping, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of suicide.

What are normal reactions that do not qualify as disorders?

Nervousness when talking to someone, feeling homesick, and normal sadness after rejection.

What is the key principle distinguishing atypical behavior from a disorder?

Atypical behavior does not equal disorder; the intensity and impact on life are crucial.

What criteria do psychologists use to identify a psychological disorder?

Behaviors or experiences that are atypical, distressing, dysfunctional, and dangerous.

How do cultural norms affect the perception of psychological disorders?

The same behavior can have different meanings depending on cultural context, affecting whether it is considered a disorder.

What was Thomas Szasz's argument regarding mental illness?

He argued that mental illness is a social construct and symptoms are 'problems in living' rather than real diseases.

What is the harmful dysfunction model proposed by Jerome Wakefield?

It defines a psychological disorder as a harmful dysfunction, recognizing that no single definition fully explains disorders.

What does dysfunction refer to in the context of psychological disorders?

A breakdown in internal mental processes, such as thinking, perception, or learning.

What does 'harmful' mean in the context of psychological disorders?

It refers to negative consequences judged by cultural standards, including emotional distress and problems in daily life.

What are the four components of the American Psychiatric Association's definition of a psychological disorder?

Disturbance, dysfunction, distress or impairment, and not culturally expected.

What is the '4 D's' memory aid for identifying psychological disorders?

Deviance (unusual behavior), Dysfunction (something broken), Distress (emotional pain), Danger/Disability (life problems).

Why is diagnosis important in psychology?

It provides a common language for professionals, aids communication, and guides treatment.

What is the DSM-5?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the main system used in the U.S. for diagnosing mental disorders.

What does the DSM-5 include for each disorder?

Description, symptoms (criteria), prevalence, and risk factors.

What is comorbidity?

The presence of two or more disorders at the same time.

Why does comorbidity matter in diagnosis?

It complicates diagnosis, as symptoms can overlap and treatment becomes more challenging.

What is an example of common comorbidity?

OCD and depression, or anxiety and depression.

What is the significance of observing a person during diagnosis?

It is crucial to observe them when not using drugs and not in withdrawal for an accurate diagnosis.

What is the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)?

A classification system published by the World Health Organization that categorizes all diseases, not just mental disorders.

How does the ICD differ from the DSM?

ICD is global and used for diagnosis and health tracking, while DSM is U.S.-based, more detailed, and used for research.

What is compassionate language in the context of mental illness?

Using respectful terms, such as 'person with schizophrenia' instead of labeling individuals by their disorders.

What was the supernatural perspective on psychological disorders?

The belief that disorders were caused by spirits, demons, possession, or black magic.

What is the biological perspective on psychological disorders?

The view that disorders arise from genetic factors, brain problems, or chemical imbalances.

Which disorders are considered to have high heritability?

Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism.

What does the psychological (psychosocial) perspective focus on?

Learning, thinking patterns, environment, and stress.

What is the diathesis-stress model?

A model stating that a disorder develops from a combination of vulnerability (diathesis) and stress.

What defines anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive, persistent fear or worry that disrupts daily life.

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

A condition marked by constant, uncontrollable worry lasting 6 months or more, with symptoms like tiredness and irritability.

What is a specific phobia?

An intense fear of a specific object or situation, recognized as irrational by the individual.

What is agoraphobia?

The fear of situations where escape might be difficult, often leading to avoidance behaviors.

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

A fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations, often leading to avoidance behaviors.

What characterizes Panic Disorder?

Repeated panic attacks and a fear of experiencing more attacks.

What are the symptoms of a panic attack?

Sudden intense fear, heart racing, sweating, dizziness, and feelings of impending doom.

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

A disorder characterized by obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors).

What are common themes of obsessions in OCD?

Germs, doubt, order, and harm.

What is Body Dysmorphia Disorder (BDD)?

A condition where an individual is obsessed with perceived flaws in their appearance.

What defines Hoarding Disorder?

An inability to discard items, resulting in clutter and impairment in functioning.

What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

A disorder that develops after exposure to a traumatic event, characterized by flashbacks, avoidance, and anxiety lasting over a month.

What are key symptoms of PTSD?

Flashbacks, intrusive memories, avoidance of reminders, negative mood, and hyperarousal.

What factors increase the risk of developing PTSD?

Severity of trauma, trauma caused by others, lack of social support, and history of trauma or mental illness.

What are protective factors against PTSD?

Social support, which can reduce the risk of developing the disorder.

What are mood disorders?

Psychological disorders characterized by significant disturbances in mood or emotional state.

What are the main types of mood disorders?

Depression and mania

What is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

A condition characterized by a very sad mood and/or loss of interest lasting for at least 2 weeks with 5 symptoms.

What are common symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder?

Sleep changes, appetite/weight changes, low energy, feelings of guilt/worthlessness, trouble concentrating, and agitation or slowing down.

What is Persistent Depressive Disorder?

A long-term depression lasting at least 2 years, more chronic than MDD.

What is a manic episode?

A period lasting at least 1 week characterized by an abnormally elevated, irritable mood and increased energy.

What are the signs of a manic episode?

Talking very fast, little need for sleep, grandiosity, easily distracted, risky behavior, and taking on too many tasks.

What is the role of genetics in mood disorders?

Genetics, along with serotonin and norepinephrine, play a significant role in the development of mood disorders.

What is Beck's Theory regarding depression?

It posits that negative thoughts about the self, world, and future contribute to depression.

What is schizophrenia?

A psychotic disorder that causes major problems in thought, perception, emotion, and behavior.

What are positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and abnormal motor behavior.

What are negative symptoms of schizophrenia?

Flat emotion, avolition, alogia, asociality, and anhedonia.

What is the genetic risk factor for schizophrenia?

There is a strong genetic component; risk increases if a family member has it.

What is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)?

A disorder characterized by 2 or more distinct personalities and memory gaps between identities.

What is dissociative amnesia?

An inability to remember important personal information, usually following trauma.

What are neurodevelopmental disorders?

Disorders that start in childhood and affect learning, behavior, and social skills.

What are the main symptoms of ADHD?

Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

A condition characterized by problems in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.

What are the three clusters of personality disorders?

Cluster A: Odd/Eccentric, Cluster B: Dramatic/Emotional/Erratic, Cluster C: Anxious/Fearful.

What are the main features of Borderline Personality Disorder?

Unstable relationships, self-image, mood, and impulsive behavior.

What characterizes Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Ignoring others' rights, manipulative behavior, impulsivity, and lack of guilt.

What is the importance of early detection in schizophrenia?

Early detection helps in treatment and management of the disorder.

What is the significance of the Diathesis-Stress Model in understanding schizophrenia?

It explains that schizophrenia often results from a combination of genetic vulnerability and environmental stress.

What is the common misconception about the causes of autism?

Vaccines do NOT cause autism.

What is the impact of mood disorders on suicide risk?

Mood disorders significantly increase the risk of suicide.

What are the common causes of childhood disorders like ADHD and autism?

Strong genetic influences and brain development differences.

What is rumination in the context of depression?

The tendency to dwell on sadness and problems.

What are prodromal symptoms in schizophrenia?

Early warning signs such as paranoia, odd thoughts, and a drop in functioning.