Psych Exam 2

Study Guide

What are neurodevelopmental Disorders?

Behavioral Disorders with onset during childhood, known or presumed to result at least in part from disruption of brain development.

What are the three types of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Inattentive type, hyperactive-impulsive type, and combined type.

What are some of the key diagnostic criteria for ADHD?

Symptoms present prior to age 12; symptoms present in two or more settings; clear evidence that symptoms interfere with or reduce the quality of social, academic, or occupational functioning.

How does medication fit in for ADHD?

Medication can improve compliance and decrease unwanted behaviors, but they do not affect learning or academics directly.

What is affected in a specific learning disorder?

Academic problems in reading, math, or writing. With an SLD, performance is substantially below expected levels based on age and/or demonstrated capacity. These problems have persisted for six or more months despite targeted intervention.

A 5-year-old named Leo is asked to describe his weekend. While speaking, he repeats sounds and words frequently and experiences interruptions of his speech flow. This is an example of which communication disorder?

Childhood-onset fluency disorder (a disturbance in the normal fluency and time patterning of speech)

What is a social (pragmatic) communication disorder?

persistent difficulties with the pragmatics or the social use of language nonverbal communication in naturalistic contexts, which affect the development of social relationships and social participation.

What is the difference between a Tic Disorder and Tourette’s Disorder?

A tic disorder involves either motor or verbal tics. Tourette’s disorder is characterized by multiple motor and one or more vocal tics present at some point during the illness.

Repetitive, seemingly driven, and apparently purposeless motor behavior (hand shaking, waving, body rocking, etc) that causes clinically significant distress or functional impairment suggests what motor disorder?

Stereotypic movement disorder

What are the two major characteristics needed in order to meet criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder?

(1) Impairment in social communication and social interaction and (2) restricted repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.

Name some reasons why the prevalence of autism seems to be increasing.

Example responses include: increased understanding of the autistic experience, changes in the diagnostic criteria (i.e., understanding of autism as a spectrum), understanding that anyone of any gender, age, race can be diagnosed, recognition that people can have co-existing conditions, reduction of stigma, and acknowledgement that autistic people can mask.

What are some goals of treatment for ASD? What’s an example of treatment?

The goal of treatment is improve communication, social engagement, and adaptive functioning, while reducing behaviors that interfere with learning or daily life. Example treatments may include social skills traning or applied behavior analysis.

How do you define Intellectual Disability?

Intellectual developmental disorder (intellectual disability) is a disorder with onset during the developmental period that includes both intellectual and adaptive functioning deficits in conceptual, social, and practical domains.

What are some areas of adaptive functioning?

Academic (language, memory, reasoning, reading), social (awareness of others’ thoughts/feelings, social judgment, interpersonal communication), and practical (skills fo daily living)

How do you evaluate the severity of an intellectual disability?

Severity is based on adaptive functioning and not IQ.

What are some examples of biological and environmental causes of intellectual disability?

Genetic influences (e.g., PKU), chromosomal influences (e.g., Down syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome), environmental influences (e.g., deprivation, abuse, neglect), or prenatal (e.g., exposure to substances)/perinatal (e.g., difficulties during labor and delivery)/postnatal (e.g., infections, head injury) challenges.

What are the diagnostic criteria for bulimia?

Recurrent episodes of binge eating, recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviors, symptoms occurring on average once a week for three months, self-evaluation is unduly influence by body weight and shape, and the disturbance does not occur exclusively during episodes of anorexia nervousa

What are some examples of health consequences of bulimia nervousa?

Electrolyte imbalance, dental problems, damage to esophagus

What behaviors are characteristic of binge eating disorder?

Recurrent binge eating episodes (eating too much food than normal, feeling loss of control). These are not followed by compensatory behaviors, meaning the person does not try to counteract the effects of binge eating with a maladaptive behavior.

What are some characteristics of a binge eating episode? How many do you need for diagnosis?

Eating much more rapidly than normal, eating until feeling uncomfortably full, eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry, eating alone because of feeling embarrassed about how much one is eating, feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or guilty after. Three or more of these to be true in order to qualify a a binge eating episodes (under binge eating disorder).

How can compensatory behaviors be harmful to an individual?

Compensatory behaviors can consist of vomiting, taking laxatives, starvation, and excessive exercise. These behaviors can negatively impact individuals physiologically and psychologically.

An individual feels very stressed about gaining too much weight, which has led to excessive weight loss for the last 3 months. They have lost weight primarily through dieting, fasting, and/or excessive exercise. As a result, they have low body weight for their age/gender, which has affected their physical health. Despite this, they still believe they are "not thin enough" and persist with the same behaviors. Which eating disorder is being displayed in this example?

Anorexia nervosa, restricting type *excessive weight loss and restriction of food intake without binger eating or purging behavior).

What are some examples of health consequences of anorexia nervosa?

excessive weight loss, damage to organ systems (heart), amenorrhea)

What are some examples of health consequences of binge eating disorder?

Excessive weight gain, heart disease, adult-onset diabetes, sleep apnea

A 12-year-old child has avoided all foods with a crunchy texture for the past few years because they fear choking. The child's diet now consists only of soft, smooth foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, and pudding. Despite seemingly normal weight, the child's growth rate has slowed, and they have been unable to attend school without a packed lunch. What is the most likely diagnosis?

AFRID

If someone does not meet the full criteria for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, they may be diagnosed with which disorder?

Partial-syndrome eating disorder

When is the typical nset of an eating disorder?

Adolescence through young adulthood

What are some common misconceptions and false narratives that have been perpetuated about who is impacted by eating disorders?

Primarily thin, white, heterosexual, cisgender womem in western cultures.

What are examples of the consequences of misconceptions about who is impacted by eating disorders?

Stigma (public and self), difficultly accessing appropriate resources/treatments, difficulty receiving appropriate diagnoses.

What are some psychological causes of eating disorders?

Lack of (or too much) awareness of internal cues/sensations (hunger), more attention paid to external appearance, and high need for control and perfectionism (especially for anorexia)

What are some family factors that might impact the development and maintenance of eating disorders?

Enmeshment (too much closeness/over involvement), conflict avoidance/poor emotional expression, parental modeling of unhealthy eating behaviors, and family stress

How has the media contributed to the development and maintenance of eating disorders?

The media shapes cultural expectations about what the “perfect” body looks like. These expectations impact how we perceive ourselves and can lead us to compare our bodies to others.

What is the Maudsley Method

it is an evidence-based treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa that actively involves parents in helping their child restore weight and normalize eating behaviors, with increasing independence as recovery progresses

Eating disorders require multifaceted treatment.

True (medical professionals, psychologists, nutritionists)

What are some protective factors that help folks with anorexia have better chance of successful recovery?

Early treatment, conflict-free parent-child relationships, less weight loss, and absence of binge eating and purging.

How can cognitive behavioral therapy be used to treat bulimia?

CBT can be used to challenge dysfunctional beliefs about self, appearance, and dieting. CBT can also help individuals prepare strategies for coping with expected relapses and developing realistic expectations.

Taking moderate amounts of a substance with no major functional impairments is referred to as what?

Substance use

What term describes the reversible behavioral, psychological, and physiological changes that occur following substance use?

Substance intoxication

What is the difference between tolerance and withdrawal?

Tolerance refers to the diminished effects from the same dose of a substance/more needed to achieve intoxication. Withdrawal refers to a set of physiological and behavioral symptoms that result from discontinuation of a substance.

When does substance use become a substance use disorder?

Substance use becomes a substance use disorder when a pattern of substance use causes clinically significant impairment or distress, as indicated by at least two DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria within a 12-month period (e.g., loss of control over use, continued use despite negative consequences, or difficulty fulfilling responsibilities).

What are some categories of symptoms associated with substance use disorders?

Impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological criteria (tolerance/withdrawal)

What are depressants?

Drugs that slow the CNS, cause relaxation, reduce concentration, and impair thinking (alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates)

What are withdrawal symptoms of depressats?

Withdrawal symptoms from depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines) may include anxiety, agitation, insomnia, sweating, tremors, increased heart rate, and, in severe cases, seizures or delirium. Withdrawal can be life-threatening.

Caffeine is an example of what type of substance?

A stimulant. Stimulant increases feelings of energy and power, and speed up the CNS.

What re symptoms of intoxication associated with cocaine and amphetamines?

Cocaine and amphetamine intoxication can cause increased energy, alertness, euphoria, reduced appetite, increased heart rate and blood pressure, dilated pupils, agitation, and anxiety. Severe intoxication may cause paranoia, hallucinations, seizures, or cardiac complications.

What are symptoms of intoxication associated with cocaine and amphetamines?

Cocaine and amphetamine intoxication can cause increased energy, alertness, euphoria, reduced appetite, increased heart rate and blood pressure, dilated pupils, agitation, and anxiety. Severe intoxication may cause paranoia, hallucinations, seizures, or cardiac complications.

What are symptoms of withdrawal associated with cocaine and amphetamines?

Withdrawal from cocaine and amphetamines can cause fatigue, depression, increased appetite, sleep disturbances (e.g., excessive sleeping or insomnia), vivid dreams, psychomotor agitation, and difficulty concentrating. Individuals may also experience irritability and strong cravings for the substance.

Substances that produce perceptual illusions and distortions (even in small doses) are known as..?

Hallucinogens

How does biology play a role in the development of substance use disorders?

Biological factors such as genetics, differences in brain chemistry, and the brain's reward system can increase vulnerability to substance use disorders. Substances activate the brain's reward pathways (particularly dopamine), reinforcing substance use and contributing to cravings, tolerance, and dependence.

An individual had a job interview for a big role at a company, and they were very confident that they would receive the position. After some time, they were notified that they were not selected for the role in favor of a candidate deemed stronger. They were very upset and frustrated by this failure; they then went to the bar and drank until 2:00am. What is a mechanism through which the behavior (i.e., drinking) was reinforced?

Negative reinforcement. Drinking may have temporarily reduced the individual's feelings of disappointment, frustration, and distress, increasing the likelihood that they will drink again when experiencing negative emotions.

There is no single treatment appropriate for all individuals when treating substance use disorders.

True

Coexisting mental health disorders must be addressed before treating substance use disorders

False, coexisting disorders can be treated concurrently

Treatment needs to be voluntary for patients in order to be effective.

false

What are examples of medical approaches to reducing the effects of opioids?

Medical approaches include methadone and buprenorphine, which reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and naltrexone, which blocks the effects of opioids. Naloxone can also be administered during an opioid overdose to rapidly reverse its life-threatening effects

What is motivational interviewing and what are the four components of it?

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, client-centered approach that helps individuals explore and resolve ambivalence about changing their behavior. The four processes are engaging (building a trusting relationship), focusing (identifying a specific goal for change), evoking (helping individuals identify their own motivations for change), and planning (developing a plan to make changes)

What does OARS stand for in MI, and how is it used?

OARS stands for Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, and Summaries. These four communication skills help build rapport, explore ambivalence, and strengthen an individual's motivation for behavior change.

What is relapse prevention, and how does it help individuals with substance use disorders?

Relapse prevention is an approach that helps individuals identify high-risk situations, develop coping strategies to prevent returning to substance use, and understand the difference between a lapse (a brief return to use) and a relapse (a more sustained return to problematic use).

What is the primary goal of AA?

Abstinence

What is the goal of harm reduction? What are some examples of harm reduction strategies?

The goal of harm reduction is to minimize the negative health, social, and psychological consequences of substance use without necessarily requiring individuals to reduce or stop using substances. Examples include needle exchange programs, overdose prevention education, and access to naloxone.

What is gambling disorder?

Gambling disorder is a behavioral addiction characterized by persistent, recurrent gambling behavior that causes clinically significant distress or impairment. Symptoms may include difficulty controlling gambling, needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money, chasing losses, and continuing to gamble despite negative consequences. Gambling disorder is the only nonsubstance-related disorder currently classified under Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders in the DSM-5-TR

How would you define a personality disorder?

An enduring pattern of inner experiences and behaviors that deviates markedly from the expectations of an individual’s culture. Personality disorders can be ego-syntonic, which means individuals do not view their personality traits as abnormal. Additionally, deviation must occur in at least two of the following areas: cognition, affect/emotion, interpersonal functioning, and impulse control.

What are the five traits in the Five Factor Model?

Openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

What are the three different cluster types in personality disorders? What is each known for?

A) Odd/Eccentric Cluster (peculiar thinking and behavior), (B) Dramatic/Erratic Cluster (intense emotional and impulsive behavior), (C) Anxious/Fearful Cluster (anxiety and preoccupation about relationships)

A woman named Julie is at a party and wears a very expensive dress to draw attention to herself. People also notice that she exaggerates her emotions in conversation and acts more touchy with people, even when they have just met. Eventually, everyone goes about their business during the party, but Julie becomes more uncomfortable because no one seems to be paying her focused attention. What disorder might Julie have?

Histrionic Personality Disorder

What are some symptoms associated with narcissistic personality disorder?

Symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder include an inflated sense of self-importance (grandiosity), a strong need for admiration, a sense of entitlement, lack of empathy, fantasies of success or power, exploiting others for personal gain, and arrogance. Individuals may also be highly sensitive to criticism and have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships.

Which personality disorder is characterized by instability in self-image, emtions, interpersonal relationships, and impulsive behavior?

Borderline Personality Disorder

How would you describe Dialectical Behavior Therapy? What are the four modules?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment originally developed for individuals with borderline personality disorder that combines cognitive-behavioral strategies with acceptance and mindfulness techniques. DBT focuses on helping individuals regulate emotions, manage distress, and improve relationships. The four skills modules are mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

What is the difference between antisocial personality and psychopathy?

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is a DSM-5-TR diagnosis characterized by a persistent pattern of violating the rights of others, including deceitfulness, impulsivity, aggression, and disregard for rules and social norms. Psychopathy is a related but distinct construct characterized by interpersonal and emotional traits such as superficial charm, manipulation, callousness, and lack of remorse or empathy. Although there is considerable overlap, not everyone with ASPD meets criteria for psychopathy, and psychopathy is not a separate DSM-5-TR diagnosis.

What are some biopsychosocial factors that may increase the likelihood of developing antisocial personality disorder?

Biological factors include genetic predisposition and differences in brain functioning (e.g., reduced activity in areas involved in impulse control and emotion regulation). Psychological factors include impulsivity, aggression, and difficulties with empathy and emotion regulation. Social and environmental factors include childhood abuse or neglect, harsh or inconsistent parenting, exposure to violence, and association with delinquent peers.

Sarah is a college student who prefers spending time alone reading and writing rather than interacting with others. She has little interest in forming close friendships or romantic relationships and rarely experiences loneliness. Others describe her as emotionally distant and indifferent to praise or criticism. Which personality disorder is most consistent with Sarah's presentation?

Schizoid Personality Disorder

Tyler is described as a socially isolated individual who has difficulty relating to peers and prefers solitary activities, such as role-playing and exploring paranormal phenomena. He has one close real-life friend but primarily interacts with online acquaintances, often purchasing ghost-hunting equipment from them. Tyler reports seeing ghosts and attempting to photograph them, experiences that dominate his daily life and cause distress. He also reports occasional unusual perceptual experiences, such as hearing a voice calling his name, and visual distortions, like seeing his surroundings turn black and white for brief periods. His speech is often vague or confusing, and he struggles to maintain coherent conversations, particularly in social settings. This is an example of which personality disorder?

Schizotypal Persoanlity Disorder

A man named Alex is working at a company and believes that his teammates are trying to undermine his work. When a teammate offers constructive feedback, Alex interprets it as a personal attack and becomes defensive. Alex often avoids sharing personal information, fearing it will be used against him, and holds grudges for perceived slights, even if others are unaware of any offense. In relationships, Alex may suspect a partner of infidelity without evidence, leading to jealousy and controlling behavior. Alex’s distrust is pervasive, affecting work, friendships, and family interactions, and he rarely sees his own role in conflicts, believing he is always right. This is an example of which personality

disorder?

Paranoid Personality Disorder

What is the difference between OCD and OCPD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce distress. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is characterized by a pervasive pattern of perfectionism, rigidity, and a need for order and control. Individuals with OCD typically experience their symptoms as unwanted (ego-dystonic), whereas individuals with OCPD often view their behaviors as appropriate or necessary (ego-syntonic).

What are the four symptoms of avoidant personality disorder?

1) avoiding social situations due to fear of criticism or rejection, (2) feelings of inadequacy or inferiority, (3) reluctance to form relationships unless certain of being liked or accepted, and (4) extreme sensitivity to criticism, rejection, or disapproval

Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of needed to be cared for that leads to submissive or clingy behavior and fears of separation?

Dependent Personality Disorder

Why is treatment of personality disorders challenging?

Treatment for personality disorders can be challenging because personality traits and patterns of behavior are deeply ingrained, often develop over many years, and are difficult to change. Individuals may lack insight into their difficulties, view their behaviors as normal or appropriate (ego-syntonic), and have difficulty recognizing the need for treatment. Interpersonal difficulties, low motivation for change, and co-occurring mental health disorders can also complicate treatment.

How can treatment help individuals with personality disorders?

Treatment can help individuals with personality disorders develop healthier patterns of thinking and behavior, improve emotion regulation and interpersonal relationships, increase self-awareness, and develop more effective coping strategies. Although personality traits can be difficult to change, psychotherapy can reduce symptoms, improve daily functioning, and enhance quality of life.