psych 215 Feb11

What is highway hypnosis?

A state where a driver becomes less aware of their surroundings due to the repetitiveness of driving.

What is maladaptive daydreaming?

A disorder where individuals daydream for excessive periods and create elaborate worlds and characters.

What is dissociative amnesia?

A condition where a person cannot remember important information, often related to traumatic events.

What symptoms can PTSD include?

Symptoms can include memory loss, flashbacks, and depersonalization.

What is complex PTSD?

A more severe form of PTSD that may arise from prolonged trauma.

What triggers the fight or flight response?

A perceived threat processed by the amygdala after sensory input reaches the thalamus.

How does stress affect the immune system?

High levels of stress can suppress the immune system, making one more susceptible to illness.

What is the diathesis-stress model?

A psychological theory suggesting that mental illness develops due to a combination of predisposed vulnerabilities and stressors.

What constitutes a stressor?

Anything that triggers a stress response in an individual.

What is the significance of the red line in the diathesis-stress model?

It represents the threshold at which mental illness develops.

What are some examples of healthy coping mechanisms mentioned?

Physical exercise, social support, and mindfulness practices.

What can result from chronic activation of stress responses?

Long-term health issues, including anxiety, depression, and other physical ailments.

What happens during a dissociative episode?

A person may be unresponsive or lose focus, often occurring in individuals with autism or PTSD.

How can stress vary between individuals in similar situations?

Stress responses are influenced by individual experiences and coping mechanisms.

What are intrusive symptoms in PTSD?

Symptoms that include intrusive memories, nightmares, and flashbacks related to the trauma.