Fundamentals of Psychological Disorders - Module 2: Models of Abnormal Psychology (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, structures, processes, and treatments from Module 2.

Uni-dimensional model

A single factor is proposed as the cause of psychopathology; often too simplistic to explain mental disorders.

Multi-dimensional model

An approach that integrates multiple, interacting causes of psychopathology over time.

Model (in psychology)

A representation or framework used to understand, explain, or predict mental illness.

Biological model

View that mental illness results from brain anatomy/chemistry, including genetics, neurotransmitters, and hormones.

Nervous system

Network of cells that transmits signals between the brain and body.

Central nervous system (CNS)

Brain and spinal cord; the body's control center.

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

All nerves outside the CNS; connects the CNS to the body.

Somatic nervous system

Branch of the PNS that controls voluntary movement and relays sensory information to the CNS.

Autonomic nervous system

Branch of the PNS that regulates involuntary bodily functions; subdivides into sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

Sympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic system that prepares the body for fight-or-flight (arousal).

Parasympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic system that calms the body after arousal.

Neuron

Nerve cell; basic unit of the nervous system.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures that receive signals from other neurons.

Axon

Long projection that transmits signals away from the neuron.

Myelin sheath

Fatty layer that insulates the axon and speeds neural transmission.

Axon terminals

End of the axon where neurotransmitters are released into the synapse.

Glial cells

Support cells that nourish, protect, and insulate neurons and remove waste.

Synapse

Gap between neurons where neurotransmitters cross the chemical bridge.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers that bind to receptors to transmit signals.

Reuptake

Process by which presynaptic neurons take back neurotransmitters from the synaptic space.

Enzymatic degradation

Breakdown of neurotransmitters by enzymes in the synaptic space.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter involved in motor control and reward mechanisms.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and pain; low levels linked to depression.

Norepinephrine

Neurotransmitter that increases arousal and regulates mood and alertness.

GABA

Primary inhibitory neurotransmitter; helps regulate anxiety and arousal.

Glutamate

Primary excitatory neurotransmitter; important for learning and memory.

Medulla

Brainstem region that regulates breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Pons

Brainstem structure that relays signals and aids in sleep and arousal.

Reticular formation

Ridge of neurons involved in arousal and attention.

Cerebellum

Brain structure governing balance, coordination, and certain learning processes.

Thalamus

Major sensory relay center for most senses (except smell).

Hypothalamus

Regulates drives, autonomic functions, and the endocrine system via the pituitary.

Amygdala

Brain region evaluating emotional significance of stimuli and generating emotional responses.

Hippocampus

Memory formation and spatial navigation; gateway to memory.

Frontal lobe

Brain region containing the motor cortex; involved in planning, decision-making, and personality.

Parietal lobe

Contains the somatosensory cortex; processes touch and body awareness.

Occipital lobe

Contains the visual cortex; processes visual information.

Temporal lobe

Contains the auditory cortex; involved in memory and emotion.

Substantia nigra

Dopamine-producing region in the basal ganglia; degeneration linked to Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease

Neurodegenerative disorder involving dopamine loss affecting movement.

Genes

Units of heredity made of DNA; influence susceptibility to mental illness.

Hormonal imbalances

Disorders in hormone levels that can affect development and mood.

Adrenal glands

Endocrine glands that release cortisol in response to stress.

Cortisol

Stress hormone; prolonged elevation can affect mood, memory, and health.

Pituitary gland

Master endocrine gland; regulates other glands and many body processes.

Melatonin

Hormone regulating sleep-wake cycles, produced by the pineal gland.

Biological model treatments

Interventions like psychotropic medications, ECT, and psychosurgery used to address biological factors.

Psychopharmacology

Study and use of medications to treat mental illness; includes antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, stimulants, and mood stabilizers.

Antidepressants

Drugs that alleviate depressive symptoms; commonly SSRIs like fluoxetine and citalopram.

SSRIs

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; a common class of antidepressants.

Benzodiazepines

Anxiolytic drugs (e.g., diazepines) that increase GABA activity; risk of tolerance.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase alertness and attention; used for ADHD (e.g., methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine).

Antipsychotics

Drugs that treat psychosis and severe mood disorders (e.g., chlorpromazine, quetiapine).

Mood stabilizers

Medications that stabilize mood in bipolar disorder (e.g., lithium).

ECT

Electroconvulsive therapy; controlled electric stimulation to induce seizures for treatment.

Psychosurgery

Brain surgery to treat mental disorders; historically controversial.

Behavioral model

Model of psychopathology focusing on learning processes and observable behavior.

Learning

Relatively permanent change in behavior due to experience.

Respondent conditioning

Classical conditioning; learning by association between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus.

Operant conditioning

Learning from consequences; behavior strengthened or weakened by reinforcement or punishment.

Reinforcement

Consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior.

Punishment

Consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior.

Positive reinforcement

Adding something desirable to increase a behavior.

Negative reinforcement

Removing an undesirable stimulus to increase a behavior.

Positive punishment

Adding an aversive consequence to decrease a behavior.

Negative punishment

Removing a desirable stimulus to decrease a behavior.

Reinforcement schedules

Rules for when and how often reinforcement occurs (e.g., FR, VR, FI, VI).

Observational learning

Learning by watching others; modeling behaviors observed in a model.

Bandura

Pioneer of observational learning; demonstrated modeling with the Bobo doll.

Cognitive model

Model focusing on thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and how they shape behavior and emotion.

Schemas

Mental frameworks that organize knowledge and guide perception of people and events.

Cognitive errors

Irrational or biased patterns of thought that contribute to psychopathology.

Cognitive therapies

Therapies (e.g., CBT) that modify maladaptive thoughts to improve emotions and behavior.

Unconditional positive regard

Rogers’ idea of accepting a person without judgment to foster growth.

Client-centered therapy

Humanistic therapy emphasizing empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard.

Existential perspective

View focusing on free will, meaning, authenticity, and facing anxiety as part of life.

Multicultural factors

Race, ethnicity, culture, and related experiences that affect mental health and treatment.