Mental and Physical Health - Main Set 2025

active listening

Empathic listening in which the listener echoes, restates, and clarifies - part of client-centered therapy

antianxiety drugs

Drugs used to control anxiety and agitation

antidepressant drugs

Drugs used to treat depression; also increasingly prescribed for anxiety. Different types work by altering the availability of various neurotransmitters

antipsychotic drugs

Drugs used to treat schizophrenia and other forms of severe thought disorder

applied behavior analysis

Variations of applied behavior analysis may be used clinically as treatment for abnormal or problematic behaviors.

aversion therapies

Includes counterconditioning techniques that associate an unpleasant state (such as nausea) with an unwanted behavior (such as drinking alcohol) as well as operant techniques designed to discourage unhelpful behaviors

behavior therapy

Applies learning principles to the elimination of unwanted behaviors

biofeedback

A system for electronically recording, amplifying, and feeding back information regarding a subtle physiological state, such as blood pressure or muscle tension

biomedical therapy

Prescribed medications or medical procedures that act directly on the patient's nervous system

client-centered/person-centered therapy

A non-directive form of talk therapy where a client acts as an equal partner in the therapy process while the therapist remains non-directive—they don't pass judgment on one's feelings or offer suggestions or solutions

cognitive restructuring

A therapy that strives to help clients recognize maladaptive thought patterns and replace them with ways of viewing the world that are more in tune with reality

cognitive therapy

Teaches people new, more adaptive ways of thinking and acting; based on the assumption that thoughts intervene between events and our emotional reactions

cognitive triad

A thought that a set of three beliefs characterize major depressive episodes - negative beliefs about the self, the world, and the future.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A popular integrative therapy that combines cognitive therapy (changing self-defeating thinking) with behavior therapy (changing behavior)

counterconditioning

Uses classical conditioning to evoke new responses to stimuli that are triggering unwanted behaviors

cultural humility

an ongoing process of self-exploration and self-critique combined with a willingness to learn from others

Deinstitutionalization

the process, begun in the late 20th century, of moving people with psychological disorders out of institutional facilities

dialectical behavior therapy

a flexible, stage-based therapy that combines principles of behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and mindfulness. It establishes a "dialectic" between helping individuals to accept the reality of their lives and their own behaviors on the one hand and helping them learn to change their lives, including dysfunctional behaviors, on the other.

dream interpretation

A psychoanalytic technique in which the therapist interprets the symbolic meaning of the client's dreams.

DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)

The apa's diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders - widely used system for classifying psychological disorders

eclectic approach

Uses techniques from various forms of therapy

electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

A biomedical therapy for severely depressed patients in which a brief electric current is sent through the brain of an anesthetized patient

exposure therapies

Behavioral techniques that treat anxieties by exposing people to things they fear and avoid; they include strategies like systematic desensitization and flooding

fidelity

Psychologists are ethically obligated to establish relationships of trust with clients and/or research subjects.

free association

In psychoanalysis, a method of exploring the unconscious in which the person relaxes and says whatever comes to mind, no matter how trivial or embarrassing

group therapy

Therapy conducted with groups rather than individuals, permitting therapeutic benefits from group interaction

hypnosis

This has shown effectiveness in treating pain and anxiety, but does not is not supported to retrieve accurate memories or regress in age

integrity

Psychologists have an ethical obligation to promote accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness in the science, teaching, and practice of psychology.

lesioning

Tissue destruction of the brain, this may occur naturally (from disease or trauma), during surgery, or experimentally (using electrodes to destroy brain cells)

lithium

a medication used to treat bipolar disorders; its mechanism of action remains unclear

lobotomy

A now-rare psychosurgical procedure once used to calm uncontrollably emotional or violent patients - cuts the nerves connecting the frontal lobes to the emotion-controlling centers of the inner brain

meta-analysis

A procedure for statistically combining the results of many different research studies

nonmaleficence

Psychologists are ethically obligated to avoid and/or minimize psychological or physical harm that may come to clients or subjects

psychiatrist

A doctor of medicine who deals with psychological disorders who can provide medical treatment in addition to psychotherapy.

psychoactive medication

Drugs such as antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, lithium, or antipsychotic medications which interact with specific neurotransmitters in the CNS to address possible causes of psychological disorders; also known as psychotropic medications

psychodynamic therapy

Therapy deriving from the psychoanalytic tradition that views individuals as responding to unconscious forces and childhood experiences, and that seeks to enhance self-insight

psychosurgery

Surgery that removes or destroys brain tissue in an effort to change behavior

psychotherapy

Consists of interactions between a trained therapist and someone seeking to overcome psychological difficulties or achieve personal growth

psychotropic medication

Drugs such as antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, lithium, or antipsychotic medications which interact with specific neurotransmitters in the CNS to address possible causes of psychological disorders; also known as psychoactive medications

Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

A confrontational cognitive therapy, developed by albert ellis, that vigorously challenges people's illogical, self-defeating attitudes and assumptions

transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

The application of repeated pulses of magnetic energy to the brain; used to stimulate or suppress brain activity

respect for people's rights and dignity

Psychologists are ethically obligated to respect the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination. They are aware of and respect cultural and individual differences

systematic desensitization

A type of exposure therapy that associates a pleasant relaxed state with gradually increasing anxiety-triggering stimuli using an anxiety hierarchy created cooperatively with the patient

tardive dyskinesia

Involuntary movements of the facial muscles, tongus, and limbs; a possible neurotoxic side effect of long-term use of antipsychotic drugs that target certain dopamine receptors

therapeutic alliance

A bond of trust and mutual understanding between a therapist and client, who work together constructively to overcome the client's problem

token economy

An operant conditioning procedure in which people earn a token of some sort for exhibiting a desired behavior and can later exchange that tokens for various privileges or treats

unconditional positive regard

A caring, accepting, nonjudgmental attitude, which carl rogers believed would help clients to develop self-awareness and self-acceptance

acrophobia

an excessive, irrational fear of heights

agoraphobia

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

anorexia nervosa

An eating disorder in which a person (usually an adolescent female) maintains a starvation diet despite being significantly underweight; sometimes accompanied by excessive exercise

antisocial personality disorder

Lack of conscience for wrongdoing, even toward friends and family members. May be aggressive and ruthless or a clever con artist - usually men

anxiety disorders

Psychological disorders characterized by distressing, persistent anxiety or maladaptive behaviors that reduce anxiety.

arachnophobia

a persistent and irrational fear of spiders.

ataque de nervios

A culture-bound syndrome found among Latinos, characterized by shaking, uncontrollable shouting or crying, a sense of rising heat, loss of control, and verbal or physical aggression, followed by fainting or seizurelike episodes. Symptoms often occur following a stressful event related to the family, and most individuals quickly return to their previous level of functioning.

attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Marked by the appearance by age 7 of one or more of 3 key symptoms: extreme inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity

autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

A disorder that appears in childhood and is marked by deficient communication, social interaction, and understanding of others' states of mind.

avoidant personality disorder

a personality disorder characterized by (a) hypersensitivity to rejection and criticism, (b) a desire for uncritical acceptance, (c) social withdrawal in spite of a desire for affection and acceptance, and (d) low self-esteem.

behavioral perspective

The perspective that a disorder exists because maladaptive learned associations, acquired via classical conditioning, reinforcement of behavior, or through observational learning.

biological perspective

This perspective focuses on how the body (e.g., genes, hormones, brain systems) and the brain affect behavior and mental events.

biopsychosocial model

integration of biological, psychological, and social approaches to the study of mental health and specific mental disorders

bipolar disorders

A category of disorders in which a person alternates between the hopelessness and lethargy of depression and the overexcited state of mania.

bipolar I disorder

the most severe form of Bipolar Disorder, in which people experience a euphoric, talkative, highly energetic, and overly ambitious state that lasts a week or longer

bipolar II disorder

a less severe form of bipolar in which people move between depression and a milder hypomania

borderline personality disorder

A personality disorder characterized by lack of stability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotion; impulsivity; angry outbursts; intense fear of abandonment; recurring suicidal gestures.

bulimia nervosa

An eating disorder in which a person's binge eating (usually of high-calorie foods) is followed by compensatory behavior, such as vomiting, laxative use, fasting, or excessive exercise

catatonia

patterns of disorganized motor behavior often appearing in schizophrenia

catatonic excitement

periods of extreme restlessness and excessive and apparently purposeless motor activity

catatonic stupor

a state of significantly decreased reactivity to environmental stimuli and events and reduced spontaneous movement

cluster a

"This is the odd or eccentric cluster of personality disorders

cluster b

This is the dramatic, emotional, or erratic cluster and includes antisocial, histrionic, narcissistic, and borderline personality disorders.

cluster c

This is the anxious or fearful cluster and includes avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders.

cognitive perspective

Disorders are caused by faulty/illogical thinking or someone's interpretation of a situation.

compulsion

An uncontrollable urge to perform an act repeatedly to reduce anxious thoughts.

delusion

False beliefs that may accompany psychotic disorders.

delusions of grandeur

A fixed false belief that one is more powerful or important that one actually is.

delusions of persecution

A fixed false belief that others are threatening or conspiring against them.

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.

major depressive disorder

a serious depressive disorder that can affect how people feel, think, and function in their daily lives. It's characterized by a depressed mood or loss of interest in activities that lasts for at least two weeks and interferes with daily activities.

depressive disorders

a group of disorders characterized by an enduring sad, empty, or irritable mood, along with physical and cognitive changes that affect a person's ability to function

deviation from norms

This particular criteria of diagnosis involves behaviors and emotions that differ significantly from what is considered appropriate or typical for a social group.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

A widely used text for classifying psychological disorders.

diathesis-stress model

A diagnostic model that proposes that a disorder may develop when an underlying vulnerability is coupled with a precipitating event

disorganized thinking and speech

a positive symptom of schizophrenia and may manifest as speaking in ways such as speaking in a word salad (stringing together words in nonsensical ways).

dissociation

a split in consciousness, which allows some thoughts and behaviors to occur simultaneously with others

dissociative amnesia

Dissociative disorder characterized by the sudden and extensive inability to recall important personal information, usually of a traumatic or stressful nature.

dissociative disorders

A category of disorders in which one's conscious awareness becomes separated from previous memories, thoughts, and feelings.

dissociative identity disorder

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

distress

This particular criteria of diagnosis views that abnormality involves experiencing negative feelings like anxiety, isolation, confusion and fear.

dopamine hypothesis

Possible cause of schizophrenia suggest a biological link, such as imbalances with certain neurotransmitters

dysfunction

This particular criteria of diagnosis involves the abnormal behavior significantly interfering with everyday tasks and living your life.

eclectic approach

an approach in psychotherapy that uses techniques from various forms of therapy

evolutionary perspective

The study of the roots of behavior and mental processes using the principles of natural selection.

feeding and eating disorders

a category of psychological disorders in the DSM-5 that includes anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa

flat affect

total or near absence of appropriate emotional responses to situations and events

fugue

Sudden and purposeful need for travel; can sometimes occur in those experiencing dissociative amnesia

generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

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

hallucinations

False sensory experiences, such as seeing something in the absence of an external visual stimulus

histrionic personality disorder

A personality disorder characterized by excessive emotionality and preoccupation with being the center of attention; emotional shallowness; overly dramatic behavior

hoarding disorder

Persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value

humanistic perspective

A person isn't getting their basic needs met or aren't being given support to reach their full potential.