Unit 5: Mental and Physical Health Study Guide

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

A three-stage process (alarm, resistance, exhaustion) that describes the body’s physiological response to stress.

Eustress

Positive stress that motivates individuals to perform better.

Distress

Negative stress that can lead to anxiety and health problems.

Emotion-focused coping

Managing emotional responses to stress rather than changing the stressor.

Problem-focused coping

Addressing the cause of stress directly to reduce its impact.

Locus of control

The degree to which people believe they control their fate (internal vs. external).

Mindfulness

A practice of being present in the moment to reduce stress.

Diathesis-Stress Model

Suggests that a predisposition to a disorder is triggered by stress.

Fight-or-Flight Response

An automatic reaction to perceived threats involving adrenaline release.

Cortisol

A stress hormone that helps the body respond to stress but can be harmful in excess.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The part of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body after stress.

Hypertension

High blood pressure often linked to chronic stress.

Abnormal Behavior

Behavior that is atypical, maladaptive, disturbing, and unjustifiable.

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

The manual used to classify and diagnose psychological disorders.

Stigma

Negative social attitudes associated with psychological disorders.

Biopsychosocial Model

Explains disorders as a result of biological, psychological, and social factors.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Persistent, excessive worry about various aspects of life.

Panic Disorder

Recurrent panic attacks with intense fear and physiological symptoms.

Phobia

Irrational fear of specific objects or situations.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Persistent anxiety and flashbacks following a traumatic event.

Major Depressive Disorder

Prolonged sadness, loss of interest, and other symptoms affecting daily life.

Bipolar Disorder

Alternating periods of depression and mania.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Lack of empathy and disregard for others’ rights.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Exaggerated self-importance and need for admiration.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Instability in relationships, emotions, and self-image.

Schizophrenia

A disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.

Delusions

False beliefs not based in reality.

Hallucinations

Sensory experiences without an external stimulus.

Dopamine Hypothesis

Suggests that excess dopamine activity is linked to schizophrenia.

Anorexia Nervosa

Severe restriction of food intake due to fear of weight gain.

Bulimia Nervosa

Binge eating followed by purging.

Binge-Eating Disorder

Frequent binge eating without purging.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that play a role in mood and behavior.

Dopamine

Linked to schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease.

Serotonin

Associated with depression and mood regulation.

GABA

Inhibitory neurotransmitter linked to anxiety disorders.

Twin Studies

Research showing genetic influence on psychological disorders.