Psychological Disorders and Panic Disorders

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to psychological disorders, including definitions, classifications, and diagnostic criteria.

Psychological Disorder

A syndrome characterized by clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior.

Four D's of Psychological Disorder

The criteria for identifying a psychological disorder: Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, and Danger.

Dysfunction

Impairment in daily functioning or everyday activities due to a psychological disorder.

Distress

Subjective experience of suffering or discomfort due to psychological symptoms.

Deviance

Behaviour that is considered abnormal or outside of societal norms, often culturally specific.

Panic Attack

An acute episode characterized by intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes and includes physical symptoms.

Panic Disorder

A mental health condition involving recurrent and unexpected panic attacks along with persistent concern about future attacks.

Diathesis-Stress Model

A psychological theory that explains the development of disorders as a result of the interaction between pre-existing vulnerabilities and external stressors.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

A condition characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life lasting for more than six months.

Phobic Disorders

An anxiety disorder characterized by a persistent, irrational fear of a specific object or situation.