Psychology Chapter 13 – Psychological Disorders: Defining Mental Illness (Pages 420–427)

These flashcards review key concepts from pages 420–427 on defining mental illness, including the DSM, comorbidity, and the bio-psycho-socio-cultural model.

What does abnormal psychology (psychopathology) study?

The scientific study of mental disorders, including theory, research, diagnosis, and treatment.

How is mental illness defined?

As health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking, or behavior (or a combination of these) that are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work, or family activities.

Approximately what percentage of adults experienced mental illness in 2020?

About 21% of adults.

According to the bio-psycho-socio-cultural model, what four categories of factors can cause psychological disorders?

Biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors.

Besides being unusual, what must a behavior also be to qualify as a psychological disorder?

It must be maladaptive and cause distress.

In the context of psychological disorders, what is comorbidity?

When an individual diagnosed with one psychological disorder is simultaneously diagnosed with one or more additional psychological disorders.

What is the purpose of diagnostic criteria for mental disorders?

To help practitioners determine whether a person’s behavior should be considered a psychological disorder.

Which document provides a common language and standard criteria for classifying psychological disorders?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

In what year was the first edition of the DSM published?

1952.

How many times has the DSM been revised, and when was the most recent revision?

It has been revised five times, most recently in 2013.

Why are DSM revisions made?

To incorporate new scientific knowledge and changes in cultural norms about disorder.

Name one major criticism of the DSM.

It is criticized for the nature of its categorization system and for focusing primarily on Western forms of illness.

How can having a DSM diagnosis affect a patient’s insurance coverage for therapy?

Insurance is more likely to cover therapy costs when a DSM diagnosis is present, compared with paying out of pocket without a diagnosis.

What four areas does the DSM approach systematically assess in an individual?

The psychological disorder itself, any relevant medical condition, psychological and cultural factors, and the person’s functioning in everyday life.