Abnormal Psychology

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to abnormal psychology, including definitions of psychological disorders, assessment methods, and treatments.

Psychological Disorder

A psychological dysfunction within an individual associated with distress or impairment in functioning and a response that is not typical or culturally expected.

4 D's of Psychological Disorder

Includes: Psychological Dysfunction, Distress or Impairment, Atypical or Not Culturally Expected (Deviance), and Dangerousness.

Psychopathology

The scientific study of mental disorders.

Epidemiology

The study of the distribution of diseases, disorders, or health-related behaviors in a given population.

Prevalence

The number of active cases of a disorder in a population during a given period of time.

Point Prevalence

The proportion of actual, active cases of a disorder in a given population at a specific point in time.

Clinical Assessment

The systematic evaluation and measurement of psychological, biological, and social factors in an individual presenting with a possible psychological disorder.

Diagnosis

The process of determining whether the particular problem afflicting the individual meets all criteria for a psychological disorder.

Incidence

The number of new cases occurring over a given period of time.

Sign

A manifestation of disease that physicians observe.

Symptom

Subjective representation of the complaints of the patient.

Syndrome

A group of symptoms that occur together more often than by chance.

Agonist

A substance that effectively increases the activity of neurotransmitters.

Antagonist

A substance that decreases or blocks neurotransmitter activity.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers of the body that transmit signals across synapses.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter involved in the body reward system, pleasure, and learning.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep patterns, sexuality, appetite, and pain.

Anxiety

An emotional response marked by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of psychotherapy that helps individuals change both counterproductive behaviors and dysfunctional ways of thinking.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A mental disorder characterized by unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and/or actions (compulsions) executed to alleviate anxiety.

Bipolar Disorder

A mental disorder characterized by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

Down Syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21, leading to developmental delays and physical disabilities.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A developmental disorder affecting communication and behavior, characterized by difficulties in social interaction and restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior.

Negative Schema

An enduring negative cognitive system regarding certain aspects of life.