Psychological Disorders

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to psychological disorders, their classifications, and associated risks.

What is a psychological disorder?

A disturbance in people's thoughts, emotions, or behaviors that causes distress or suffering and impairs their daily lives.

Dysfunctional behaviors

Behaviors that are maladaptive and lead to distress or sufferance.

Biopsychosocial approach

The interaction of a person's biological, psychological, and social-cultural environment that helps form their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings.

DSM-5

The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a manual used for classifying psychological disorders.

Anxiety disorders

Psychological disorders characterized by excessive fear or worry, including panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

A disorder characterized by unwanted and repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and actions (compulsions) that interfere with everyday life.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

A disorder characterized by haunting memories, nightmares, and hypervigilance following a traumatic event.

Substance use disorder

A disorder characterized by continued substance use despite significant life disruption.

Depressants

Psychoactive drugs that reduce neural activity and slow body functions, including alcohol and opioids.

Bipolar disorder

A psychological disorder marked by alternating periods of hopelessness or depression and overexcited states of mania.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

A disorder characterized by persistent, uncontrollable worry and anxiety about a variety of topics.

Panic disorder

A psychological disorder characterized by intense fear that something bad is about to happen, along with physical symptoms.

Phobia

A persistent, irrational fear of a specific object or situation, leading to avoidance behavior.

Somatic symptom disorder

A disorder involving physical symptoms that cannot be explained by any other medical condition.

Risk of harm to self and others

Concerns related to individuals with psychological disorders that may lead to self-harm or potential violence towards others.