Psych reading quiz

Psychological Disorder

A pattern of thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that is deviant, distressing, and dysfunctional, and interferes with daily life.

Psychopathology

The scientific study of psychological disorders, including their symptoms, causes, and treatments.

Etiology

The cause or origin of a disorder (biological, psychological, or environmental factors).

Atypical (Deviation from Norm)

Behavior that is unusual or statistically rare compared to others in a society.

Dysfunction

Behavior that interferes with normal daily functioning (school, relationships, self-care).

Distress

Emotional suffering or discomfort caused by symptoms.

Stigma

Negative attitudes or discrimination toward people with psychological disorders.

American Psychiatric Association

A professional organization that creates guidelines and diagnostic standards for mental disorders.

Functional Impairment

When a disorder limits a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

A handbook used by clinicians to diagnose mental disorders based on symptoms.

Comorbidity

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

World Health Organization (WHO)

An international organization that tracks health trends and develops global health standards.

International Classification of Diseases (ICD)

A global manual used to classify diseases, including mental disorders.

Diagnosis & Classification Consequences

Can help guide treatment but may also lead to labeling, stigma, or misdiagnosis.

Diagnostic Tools Requirements

Diagnosis requires reliable criteria, trained professionals, and standardized tools (like interviews/tests).

Asylums

Early institutions for people with mental illness, often inhumane and overcrowded.

Dorothea Dix

Advocated for better conditions and humane treatment in mental hospitals.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

A treatment that uses electric currents to induce seizures, often for severe depression.

Deinstitutionalization

Movement to release patients from mental hospitals into community-based care.

Antipsychotics

Medications that treat symptoms of psychosis (like hallucinations).

Voluntary Treatment

Patient chooses to receive treatment.

Involuntary Treatment

Patient is treated without consent, usually due to danger to self or others.

APA Code of Ethics

Guidelines ensuring psychologists act professionally and ethically.

Ethical Principles

Standards guiding professional behavior in psychology.

Nonmaleficence

“Do no harm.”

Fidelity

Build trust and maintain professional relationships.

Integrity

Be honest and accurate.

Respect

Respect people’s rights and dignity.

Psychotherapy

Treatment using psychological methods (talk therapy).

Therapeutic Alliance

The trusting relationship between therapist and client.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Focuses on unconscious conflicts and past experiences.

Psychoanalysis

Freud’s method of exploring the unconscious mind.

Free Association

Saying whatever comes to mind without censorship.

Dream Interpretation

Analyzing dreams to uncover unconscious thoughts.

Transference

Projecting feelings about someone else onto the therapist.

Play Therapy

Children express emotions through play instead of words.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Uses learning principles to change behavior.

Counterconditioning

Replacing an unwanted response with a desired one.

Aversive Conditioning

Associating unwanted behavior with unpleasant stimuli.

Biofeedback

Learning to control body processes (heart rate, etc.).

Exposure Therapies

Gradually exposing someone to a feared object.

Systematic Desensitization

Exposure paired with relaxation techniques.

Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy

Using VR to simulate feared situations.

Token Economy

Reward system using tokens for desired behavior.

Cognitive Therapy

Focuses on changing negative thought patterns.

Cognitive Restructuring

Replacing negative thoughts with realistic ones.

Fear Hierarchies

Ranking fears from least to most intense.

Cognitive Triad

Negative views about self, world, and future.

Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

Challenges irrational beliefs.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Combines thinking and behavior changes.

Humanistic Approach

Focuses on personal growth and self-awareness.

Person-Centered Therapy

Client leads the session.

Active Listening

Therapist listens and reflects back feelings.

Unconditional Positive Regard

Accepting client without judgment.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Teaches emotional regulation and coping skills.

Biomedical Therapies

Treatments using medical or biological methods.

Psychotropic Medications

Drugs that affect mood and behavior.

Antipsychotic Medications

Treat psychosis.

Antidepressants

Treat depression.

Antianxiety Medications

Reduce anxiety.

Lithium

Mood stabilizer (used for bipolar disorder).

Stimulants

Increase alertness (used for ADHD).

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain.

Tardive Dyskinesia

Involuntary movements caused by long-term antipsychotic use.

Evidence-Based Treatment/Practice

Therapies proven effective through scientific research.

Individual Therapy

One-on-one therapy.

Group Therapy

Therapy with multiple people.

Couples Therapy

Focuses on romantic relationships.

Family Therapy

Treats family dynamics.

Hypnosis

Altered state of consciousness with increased suggestibility.

Posthypnotic Suggestion

Suggestion carried out after hypnosis ends.

Dissociation

Separation of consciousness from thoughts or identity.