AP Psychology Unit 12

abnormal behavior

behavior that deviates from a given norm or standard of behavior

- norm violation
- statistical rarity
- personal discomfort
- maladaptive behavior
- cultural differences
- genres differences

Frequency, intensity, and context

Supernatural forces

Looking at abnormal behaviors, this perspective has cures like exorcisms, beatings, and burnings

Hippocrates

Looking at abnormal behaviors, he thought it was caused by natural causes

- he observed and recorded mental disturbances
- wondering uterus
- Cure: diet, exercise, rest, abstinance

Institutions

Looking at abnormal behaviors, they thought it was caused by loss of reason

- 13th to 19th century physicians believed "lunatic" were unable to feel pain
- Cure; gyrating chair, ovarian compressor, tranquilizer chair, collapsing bridge

ADHD

a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development

- diagnosis requires 6-9 symptoms prior to age 12 in at least 2 settings

The Medical Model

Mental health difficulties are illnesses that have physical causes that can be diagnosed, treated, and, in most cases, cured, often through treatment in a hospital.

The Biopsychosocial Approach

disordered behavior results from a combination of genetics, cultural, personal, and environmental factors

Immigrant Paradox

immigrants in the US report fewer mental health issues than native-born Americans

Adaptive

allow someone to function or survive

maladaptive

prevents someone from being able to function in society

DSM-V

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

Prognosis

the expected outcome of a illness or condition

Cormorbid

having multiple conditions at the same time

risk factors

conditions that increase the likelihood of developing the disorder

Schizophrenia

a psychological disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and/or diminished, inappropriate emotional expression

- exists along a spectrum: positive, negative symptoms and chronic and acute schizophrenia

- can have difficulty using language to communicate because it affects working memory

positive symptoms of schizophrenia

hallucinations, delusions, suspicions, and inappropriate behaviors

- symptom of schizphrenia

negative symptoms of schizophrenia

the absence of appropriate behaviors

- blunt affect, lack of motivation, isolation, and social withdrawal

- symptoms of schizophrenia

chronic schizophrenia

develops slowly, causes a withdrawal from soicety, often has more negative symptoms

- prognosis is poor

- type of schizophrenia

acute schizophrenia

develops rapidly from environmental conditions, often featuring positive symptoms

- prognosis is good

- type of schizophrenia

prognosis

a forecast of the probable course and outcome of a disease or situation

poverty of content

conveys very little information but the person may say a lot.

- May even be grammatically correct but the ideas expressed are a fairly loose association

- "Naturally, I am growing my father's hair"

Neologisms

words are formed by combining parts of two or more regular words.

- can be unintelligible or clear and vivid

- belly bad luck \= stomachache

clanging

the pairing of words that have no relation beyond the fact that they rhyme or sound alike

- "well, when you go to the next planet from the planet beyond the planet that landed on the danded and planded on the standded. That's to keep the booger from eatin' the woogers"

schizophrenia prodrome

when the first symptoms of schizophrenia emerge, typically in early adulthood

- changes may be seen as natural personality shifts, or may not stand out among the typical transitions of this age

- Early warning signs of schizophrenia
\paranoia, confusion between fiction and reality, and a lack of concentration o ability to follow a train of thought
\irritability, angry outbursts, anxiety
\unblinking vacant expressions, awkward or unusually movements, inappropriate emotional responses, poor grooming, substance abuse, isolation, and disruption in communication

biological factors of schizophrenia

People with positive symptoms have more dopamine receptors in the brain.

- they also often have deteriorated brain tissue, a smaller cortex, and enlarged ventricles.

- the differences between schizophrenic and non-schizophrenics on chromosome pairs 9, 10, 11, 18, and 19.

Genetic factors of schizophrenia

1-2% of the US population had or will have schizophrenia, but rises to 10% if a close relative has the disorder, and identical twins have a 1 in 2 chance of developing schizophrenia if their sibling has it.

- it strikes adolescents & young adults, and is diagnosed slightly more often and more severe in males

Drugs

People with positive symptoms have more dopamine receptors in the brain.

- \_____ that block dopamine receptors can reduce symptoms
- Drugs like alcohol and cocaine that increase dopamine intensify symptoms

environmental factors of schizophrenia

Environmental conditions that can lead to schizophrenia are poor eating habits, stress, oxygen deprivation, older fathers, and infection during pregnancy (winter births)

- For institutional patients, it is lack of exercise, institutional food, and daily tranquilizers.

combination

Ultimately, Schizophrenia is most likely caused by a \_________________ of environmental, genetic, and biological factors

- there's no single cause or cure

- treatment is often long-term and may require hospitalization which may cause the patient to become burnt out

- 25% make a complete recovery, 10% remain the same, and 50-65% alternate between active and residual phases

catatonic schizophrenia

A type of schizophrenia marked by striking motor disturbances, ranging from muscular rigidity to random motor activity.

catatonia

a state of unresponsiveness to one's outside environment, usually including muscle rigidity, staring, and inability to communicate

delusional disorder

a psychotic disorder in which the primary symptom is one or more delusions

disorders

Treatment for Schizophrenia \________

- medication (anti-psychotics like haldol, which id dopamin-based)
- rational emotive therapy
- humanistic therapy

generalized anxiety disorder

an anxiety disorder in which a person is continually tense, apprehensive, and in a state of autonomic nervous system arousal

- persistent high levels of anxiety and excessive worry with symptoms present for at least 6 months

- Common areas od worry: family, money, work, and health

- Affects 5% of US population, 2x more common in women

social anxiety disorder

an anxiety disorder involving the extreme and irrational fear of being embarrassed, judged, or scrutinized by others in social situations

agoraphobia

fear or avoidance of situations, such as crowds or wide open places, where one has felt a loss of control and panic

- fear of bring away from a safe place
- linked with Panic Disorder

panic disorder

An anxiety disorder marked by unpredictable minutes-long episodes of intense dread in which a person experiences terror and accompanying chest pain, choking, or other frightening sensations.

- recurrent and unexpected panic attacks which involve feelings of terror, a pounding heart, and difficulty breathing

- These attacks lead to concern about future attacks or losing control

- affects 3.5% of Americans during their lifetime, more common in women

specific phobia

a disorder that involves an irrational fear of a particular object or situation that markedly interferes with an individual's ability to function and produces intense fear or panic

- parenting styles seem to be linked to social phobias if parents are overprotective, unsupportive, or overly focused on grooming

- Most of them arrive unexpectedly during adolescence or early adulthood

social phobia

a disorder that involves an irrational fear of being publicly humiliated or embarrassed

- the anxiety of being criticized by others

Selective Mutism (SM)

developmental disorder characterized by a consistent failure to speak in specific social situations despite speaking in other situations

Treatment

\____________ for anxiety disorders

- medication (anti-anxiolitics)
- behavioral therapy
- psychoanalysis
- rational emotive therapy
- humanistic therapy

OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

an anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted repetitive thoughts and/or actions

- intrusive, unwanted, repetitive thoughts (obsessions_ and rituals (compulsions) performed in a ritualized manner out of a feeling of urgent need

- Perversions like gambling, overeating, and drinking are NOT compulsions because they bring pleasure

- True compulsions are a way to relieve anxiety, and usually involve checking, counting, cleaning, and avoidance

Hoarding Disorder

a disorder in which individuals feel compelled to save items and become very distressed if they try to discard them

- resulting in an excessive accumulation of items

Body Dysmorphia Disorder (BDD)

characterized by self-image with defects or flaws in physical appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others.

trichotrillomania

a disorder in which people repeated pull out hair from their scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes

medication

Treatment for OCD disorders

- \_____________ (anti-depressants)
- behavioral therapy
- psychotherapy

Depressive disorders

general category of mood disorders in which people show extreme and persistent sadness, despair, and loss of interest in life's usual activities.

bipolar 1

full manic and major depressive episodes

bipolar 2

alternating periods of extremely depressed and mildly elevated moods

- less severe than bipolar 1

Bipolar 1 vs Bipolar 2

bipolar 1: severe mania with bouts of intense depression and may be psychotic
bipolar 2: hypomania with intense depression, still able to function at work/social

hypomania vs mania

hypomania: a milder form of elevated mood that are less severe and cause less impairment than full mania and (usually) don't require hospitalization

- mania is a mood disorder marked by a hyperactive, wildly optimistic state

Mood

Treatment for \_____ disorders

- medication (lithium for bipolar 1) (SSRI) (zolak)
- phototherapy
- electroconvulsive shock therapy

dissociative identity disorder (DID)

a rare dissociative disorder in which a person exhibits two or more distinct and alternating personalities.

- Formerly called multiple personality disorder (no medical/biological cure)

- usually, the host is unaware of the alters, but the alters are often co-conscious with the host

- probably a defense mechanism, and relieves traumatic pain

alters

Shorthand term for alter egos, the different personalities or identities in dissociative identity disorder

- each one has its own age, memories, gender, facial expressions, brain wave patterns, skills, and identity

DID treatment Stage 1

host gains mastery of the dissociation (becoming aware of the alters)

- DID treatment Stage

DID treatment Stage 2

traumatic memory is recovered and dealt with

- DID treatment Stage

DID treatment Stage 3

merging of the trauma and alters

- some alters may be highly cooperative, which can help
- DID treatment Stage

dissociative amnesia

Dissociative disorder characterized by the sudden and extensive inability to recall important personal information,

- usually of a traumatic or stressful nature.

Impersonalization

getting rid of human emotions

- dehumanized

dissociative

Treatment for \___________ disorders

- humanistic therapy
- psychotherapy
- psychoanalysis

Conversion Disorder

A rare somatoform disorder in which a person experiences very specific genuine physical symptoms for which no physiological basis can be found.

illness anxiety disorder

characterized by being consumed with thoughts about having or developing a serious medical condition

Factitious disorder

nonexistent physical or psychological disorder or disease deliberately faked for no apparent gain except possibly sympathy and attention

somatic

Treatment for \_______ disorders

- psychoanalysis
- placebo

paranoid personality disorder

type of personality disorder characterized by extreme suspiciousness or mistrust of others

schizoid personality disorder

a personality disorder characterized by little interest or involvement in close relationships, even those with family members

schizotypal personality disorder

a psychological disorder characterized by several traits that cause problems interpersonally, including constricted or inappropriate affect; magical or paranoid thinking; and odd beliefs, speech, behavior, appearance, and perceptions

- supersitious

boarderline personality disorder

condition marked by extreme instability in mood, identity, and impulse control

narcissistic personality disorder

characterized by a extreme sense of self-importance, a preoccupation with fantasies of success or power, and a need for constant attention or admiration

histrionic personality disorder

a personality disorder characterized by excessive emotionality and preoccupation with being the center of attention

- emotional shallowness; overly dramatic behavior

antisocial personality disorder

a personality disorder in which a person exhibits a lack of conscience for wrongdoing, even toward friends and family members

- maybe aggressive and ruthless or a clever con artist
- lacks conscience before 15, as he lies, fights, steals and displays unrestrained sexual behavior (about 1/2 become antisocial adults)

- has little autonomic nervous system arousal
- stress hormones are lower
- reduced activity in the frontal lobe

- Both factors of childhood trauma and altered neurotransmitter balance produce antisocial behavior

borderline personality disorder

a personality disorder characterized by lack of stability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotion (mood swings)

- impulsivity; angry outbursts; intense fear of abandonment; recurring suicidal gestures

avoidant personality disorder

A personality disorder characterized by consistent discomfort and restraint in social situations, overwhelming feelings of inadequacy, and oversensitivity to criticism.

- shyness and fear of rejection

dependent personality disorder

A personality disorder characterized by a pattern of clinging and obedience, fear of separation, and an ongoing need to be taken care of.

OCD personality disorder

a personality disorder characterized by a pervasive need for orderliness, perfectionism, & extreme conscientiousness

- different from the OCD stand-alone disorder (much less severe)

Personality

Treatment for \____________ disorders

- cognitive behavioral therapy

Cluster A personality disorders (weird)

1) paranoid personality disorder: pervasive mistrust of others and suspicions regarding their motives

2) Schizotypal PD: pattern of odd or eccentric thinking - may ideas of reference and magical thinking (superstitious ness)

3) Schizoid PD: pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression

Cluster B personality disorders (Wild)

1) Antisocial PD: disregard for and violation of the rights of others (no conscience)

2) Borderline PD: pervasive instability in interpersonal behaviour, mood, and self-image (fear of abandonment, interpersonal relationships are often intense and unstable) (splitting - view people as solely good or solely bad)

3) Histrionic PD: constant attention seeking

4) Narcissistic PD: grandiose sense of self-importance or uniqueness

Cluster C personality disorders (worried)

1) avoidant PD: shyness and fear of rejection (might stay in same situation despite wanting change)

2) dependent PD: continuous need for reassurance

3) Obsessive-compulsive PD: perfectionist and inflexible

GABA

An inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

- helps reduce anxiety in high amounts

Anxiety, fear

\_______ is a psychological experience characterized by future events, and \____ is characterized by concern about current circumstances

post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

a severe psychological reaction to a terrifying event that keeps returning the form of frightening, intrusive memories, nightmares, and flashbacks

- higher in those who have a sensitive limbic system and lower levels of cortisol and may have a genetic link

- Symptoms: psychogenic amnesia, detachment, and estrangement, making it similar to a dissociative disorder

- affects almost 8% of Americans

Posttraumatic growth

positive life changes and psychological development following exposure to trauma

Behavioral

\______________ perspective

- researchers have classically conditioned fear and anxiety in humans and animals

- Stimulus generalization can cause us to develop targeted anxieties, which can be reinforced through a feedback loop or by avoiding the situation

Cognitive

\___________ Perspective

- Anxiety based disorders can be developed through observational learning

- Those with active limbic systems may interpret physiological arousal as a threat, increasing the arousal and fear of the even in a feedback loop

Biological

\__________ Perspective

- compulsion may stem from taking adaptive behaviors or instinctive fears to excess

- several genes have been linked to anxiety issues

- The anterior cingulate cortex is more active in those with anxiety

mood disorders

psychological disorders characterized by emotional extremes

- the primary reason people seek mental help

- mild depression can be adaptive by slowing us down, forcing us to reassess our lives, and making us seek support

major depressive disorder

A mood disorder characterized by a depressed mood, loss of energy, helplessness and hopelessness, sleep and appetite distrubances

- may also include psychomotor retardation or agitation and cognitive disruption

- occurs if symptoms last 2+ weeks with no apparent reason

- considered the common cold of disorders, clinical depression affects 4% of men, 6% of women

Bipolar disorder

A mood disorder in which the person alternates between the hopelessness and lethargy of depression and the overexcited state of mania.

- manic episodes include euphoria, hyperactivity, and wild optimism that may result in irrational decisions or creativity

- ends with a plunge into depression, making it very difficult to treat

- 1% of population

- Rapid cycling is 4+ mood episodes per year, affecting 5-15% of people with bipolar disorder, primarily women

influences

Biological \__________ on mood disorders

- mood disorders have a strong genetic link, though research is in progress

- there's evidence of lower levels of serotonin and smaller frontal lobes in the brains of depressed individuals

- norepinephrine is linked to manic symptoms

Social Cognitive

\_______ \_________ explanation of mood disorders

- the cognitive triad of negative thoughts and negative experiences can lead one to think things will not improve

- learned helplessness can cause us to shut down, and rumination, or focusing on our problems can cause a negative spiral

Self-harm

deliberate and voluntary physical personal injury that is not life-threatening and is without any conscious suicidal intent

- more common among people in an unsupportive environment

- publicized instances often serve as catalysts to others

- people tend to discuss their plans before carrying them out

- Suicide rate is 20% among people with mood disorders
- 25% of all completed suicides are \>65, 5x higher than for younger men

- gender differences are present as well

left frontal lobe

Severely depressed individuals tend to show reduced brain activity in the \____ \_______ \_____

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that affects hunger, sleep, arousal, and mood.

- abnormally low levels are associated with depression

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in arousal, as well as in learning and mood regulation

- drugs that alleviate mania tend to reduce this neurotransmitter

paranoid disorder

A personality disorder characterized by a pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of the motives of others without sufficient basis

delusion

a false belief or judgment about external reality held despite evidence to the contrary

non-bizarre delusions

theoretically possible beliefs

- "the FBI is spying on me"

Bizarre delusions

clearly unlikely, although cultural differences must be taken into account

- "space aliens are erasing our memories"

delusion of persecution

the belief one is being spied upon or is the object os conspiracy