Untitled Flashcards Set

Mental & Physical Health 🌱🧠

Introduction – Understanding Psychological Disorders
Psychological disorders refer to patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that cause distress, dysfunction, or deviation from societal norms.

• Studies use a variety of perspectives to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Key Topics Covered

• Defining Disorders

  • The classification of disorders often hinges on functionality, distress, and deviation from norms.

  • Examples: A person with severe anxiety may have difficulty working, while someone with schizophrenia may experience a break from reality.

• Diagnostic Tools

  • The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) and ICD (International Classification of Diseases) offer standardized criteria for diagnosing mental disorders, focusing on symptoms, duration, and severity.

• Treatment Perspectives

  • Multiple approaches (behavioral, cognitive, psychodynamic, biological) provide different methods of treatment for mental disorders.

• Models of Interaction

  • Biopsychosocial Model and Diathesis-Stress Model emphasize multi-factorial approaches, highlighting how genetics, stress, and environment interact in shaping mental health.

Identifying Psychological Disorders – Defining Abnormal Behavior

Factors in Diagnosing Disorders

1. Level of Dysfunction ⚖

   • The degree to which behavior disrupts daily functioning is a key indicator.

   • Ex: Severe anxiety preventing an individual from going to work.

2. Perception of Distress 😢

   • The emotional or psychological pain experienced by the individual.

   • Ex: Persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, or apathy.

3. Deviation from Social Norms ❗

   • Behaviors that violate societal expectations or deviate from cultural norms.

   • Ex: Aggressive outbursts or extreme withdrawal from social situations.

Consequences of Diagnosing – Pros and Cons 🩺🔍

Gratitude – A Positive Experience

• Definition: The act of recognizing and appreciating positive aspects of life.

  • Ex: Keeping a gratitude journal or expressing thankfulness to others.

  • Benefits: Increases life satisfaction and reduces stress by shifting focus toward positivity and fostering healthy relationships.

Diagnostic Tools and Systems – Classifying Disorders

Key Tools

1. DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual)

   • Standardized criteria for diagnosing mental disorders based on symptoms, severity, and duration.

2. ICD (International Classification of Diseases)

   • A global system created by the WHO for consistent diagnosis and treatment across countries.

Eclectic Approach 🔄

• An approach that combines multiple perspectives to offer a comprehensive treatment plan.

• Ex: Combining cognitive therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes for effective treatment.

Treatment Perspectives – Behavioral and Psychodynamic Approaches

Behavioral Perspective 🛠

• Focus: Learned behaviors and associations causing disorders.

• Example: Phobias formed through classical conditioning.

• Treatment: Behavioral therapies (e.g., exposure therapy) to unlearn maladaptive behaviors.

Psychodynamic Perspective 🌀

• Focus: Unconscious conflicts, early childhood experiences, and unresolved issues.

• Example: Repressed memories influencing adult behavior.

• Treatment: Psychoanalysis to uncover and address hidden psychological issues.

Other Perspectives – Humanistic and Cognitive

Humanistic Perspective 🌸

• Focus: Fulfilling personal potential and the role of social support in mental health.

• Example: Depression caused by isolation and lack of purpose.

• Treatment: Encourages self-growth and self-actualization.

Cognitive Perspective 🧠

• Focus: Maladaptive thoughts and beliefs that affect emotions and behaviors.

• Example: Negative self-talk causing anxiety or depression.

• Treatment: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to challenge and reframe negative thoughts.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Transforming Thoughts and Behaviors

What is CBT?

• Goal-oriented and evidence-based therapy focused on identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviors.

• Core Principles:

  1. Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors Are Connected: Negative thoughts often lead to emotional distress and maladaptive actions.

  2. Changing Thoughts Can Change Feelings and Behaviors: Focuses on problem-solving and self-awareness to break harmful cycles.

Effectiveness

• Particularly effective for treating anxiety, depression, phobias, and stress-related disorders.

CBT Techniques – Practical Tools for Change 🛠🌟

Key Techniques

1. Cognitive Restructuring

   • Identifying and challenging negative thoughts to replace them with rational beliefs.

   • Ex: Replacing “I’ll fail this test” with “I’m prepared and will try my best.”

2. Behavioral Activation

   • Encouraging positive actions to improve mood and motivation.

   • Ex: Scheduling enjoyable activities to reduce depression.

3. Exposure Therapy

   • Gradual exposure to fears to reduce anxiety and build confidence.

   • Ex: Practicing social interactions to overcome social anxiety.

Models and Perspectives – Evolutionary and Sociocultural 🌍🧬

Evolutionary Perspective 🔄

• Focus: Behaviors tied to survival, but may no longer be adaptive.

• Ex: Excessive fear of heights rooted in ancient threats to survival.

Sociocultural Perspective 🌎

• Focus: Social and cultural influences on mental health.

• Ex: Cultural stigma affecting treatment for mental illness or gender roles influencing symptoms.

Biological Perspective – Genetics and Physiology in Disorders 🧬💊

What is the Biological Perspective?

• Focuses on how genetic, neurological, and physiological factors contribute to mental health conditions.

• Ex: Depression can result from neurotransmitter imbalances, like low serotonin levels.

Treatment

• Medications: Antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and mood stabilizers can correct chemical imbalances. 💊

• Medical Interventions: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and brain stimulation techniques are used in severe cases.

Interaction Models – Blending Genetics, Stress, and Environment

Interaction models emphasize how genetics, stress, and environment work together to influence mental health, promoting multi-factorial approaches to diagnosis and treatment. 🌱✨

Biopsychosocial Model

• Key Idea: Mental disorders result from the interplay of biological, psychological, and social influences.

• Ex: Depression may result from genetic predispositions (biological), negative thinking patterns (psychological), and social isolation (social).

Diathesis-Stress Model

• Key Idea: Disorders arise when a genetic vulnerability (diathesis) interacts with environmental stressors.

• Ex: A person with a genetic vulnerability may develop anxiety after a traumatic event like a car accident.

Psychological Disorders Overview 🧠⚖

Psychological disorders are patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors causing distress or deviation from norms. Understanding these disorders helps with diagnosis, treatment, and support.

Key Types of Disorders:

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Conditions like ADHD and ASD that affect childhood behavior and cognition.

• Mood Disorders: Depression and bipolar disorders that impact emotional states.

• Anxiety Disorders: Excessive fear and worry.

• Schizophrenia Spectrum: Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

• Obsessive-Compulsive and Trauma-Related Disorders: Obsessions, compulsions, and stress responses.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders 🧸

ADHD – Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity. ASD – Social communication challenges, repetitive behaviors.

Causes:

• Environmental: Toxin exposure, prenatal malnutrition.

• Physiological: Brain structure abnormalities, neurotransmitter issues.

• Genetic: Family history and genetic mutations.

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders 🔬

Symptoms:

• Positive: Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking.

• Negative: Flat affect, reduced motivation.

Causes:

• Genetic: Family history increases risk.

• Biological: Dopamine imbalance.

• Environmental: Prenatal stress, viruses.

Depressive Disorders 🌧

Major Depression: Persistent sadness, loss of interest. Persistent Depression (Dysthymia): Chronic mild symptoms.

Causes:

• Biological: Low serotonin, dopamine.

• Social: Lack of support, trauma.

• Cognitive: Negative thought patterns.

Bipolar Disorders 🔄

Bipolar I: Severe mania and depression. Bipolar II: Milder mania and prolonged depression.

Causes:

• Biological: Altered neurotransmitter activity.

• Social/Cognitive: Stress, maladaptive thinking.

Anxiety Disorders 😰

Specific Phobias, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Causes:

• Learned Associations: Fear developed through traumatic experiences.

• Cognitive: Catastrophic thinking.

• Biological: Genetic risk, neurotransmitter imbalances.

OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders 🔄🧼

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors).

Causes:

• Learned: Behaviors provide temporary relief.

• Cognitive: Irrational beliefs about harm.

• Biological: Genetics, serotonin issues.

Dissociative Disorders 🌀

Dissociative Amnesia: Memory loss due to trauma. Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): Presence of distinct personalities.

Causes:

• Trauma: Abuse or stress during childhood.

• Stress: Triggers detachment or memory loss.

Trauma-Related Disorders 🌪

PTSD: Flashbacks, hypervigilance, detachment from trauma.

Causes:

• Trauma: Life-threatening events.

• Stress: Chronic abuse or neglect.

Eating Disorders 🍎

Anorexia Nervosa: Food restriction due to fear of weight gain. Bulimia Nervosa: Binge eating and purging.

Causes:

• Biological: Genetics, neurotransmitter imbalances.

• Social: Cultural norms and media pressures.

• Cognitive: Maladaptive beliefs about body image.

Personality Disorders 🌀⚖

Cluster A (Odd/Eccentric): Paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal.

Cluster B (Dramatic/Erratic): Antisocial, histrionic, narcissistic, borderline.

Cluster C (Anxious/Fearful): Avoidant, dependent, obsessive-compulsive.

Each type involves long-term patterns deviating from societal norms, affecting behavior, relationships, and emotional regulation.

Treatment of Psychological Disorders

Mental & Physical Health

Introduction – Treating Psychological Disorders 🌿

Focuses on reducing symptoms, improving/increase functioning, and enhancing quality of life

Uses psychological therapies, medication, and integrated approaches

Key Topics Covered

Effectiveness of Psychotherapy

• Research and trends in evidence-based treatments. 📊

Ethical Principles in Therapy

• Ensuring safety, confidentiality, and respect in care

Therapy Techniques

• Exploring methods like psychodynamic and cognitive approaches

Biological Interventions

• Medications and their role in treating disorders
  

Therapy Techniques

Psychodynamic: Focuses on unconscious conflicts and childhood influences.

Free Association: Clients share spontaneous thoughts to reveal hidden emotions.

Dream Interpretation: Analyzing dreams to uncover repressed desires.

Cognitive: Aims to change maladaptive thought patterns.

Cognitive Restructuring: Identifies and reframes negative thoughts (e.g., changing “I can’t handle this” to “I’ll do my best”).

Fear Hierarchies: Gradual exposure to feared situations to reduce anxiety.

Cognitive Triad: Targets negative thoughts about self, world, and future (e.g., “I’m a failure”).

Biological Interventions

Medications: Target neurotransmitter imbalances to treat mental disorders.

Antidepressants (SSRIs like Prozac): Increase serotonin for depression.

Anti-Anxiety Drugs (Xanax): Increase GABA to calm the nervous system.

Mood Stabilizers (Lithium): Treat bipolar disorder.

Brain Stimulation:

ECT: Used for severe depression unresponsive to medication.

TMS: Non-invasive, uses magnetic pulses to treat depression.

Lifestyle Interventions: Exercise, diet changes, and sleep therapy complement medical treatments.

Effectiveness of Psychotherapy

Meta-Analytic Studies: Show positive outcomes across therapies.

Example: CBT reduces anxiety/depression symptoms.

Evidence-Based Interventions: Use scientifically supported treatments for specific disorders.

Example: CBT for panic disorders, exposure therapy for phobias.

Therapeutic Alliance: A strong, supportive relationship between therapist and client enhances outcomes.

Example: Active listening, empathy improve therapy results.

Cultural Humility: Respect for cultural differences in therapy practices.

Example: Understanding emotional expression norms across cultures.

Medication & Deinstitutionalization

Psychotropic Medications: Target neurotransmitter imbalances to reduce symptoms.

Example: SSRIs for depression, antipsychotics for schizophrenia.

Deinstitutionalization: Movement to shift from psychiatric hospitals to community-based care.

Example: Outpatient treatment and therapy centers replace reliance on asylums.

Combination Therapy: Using medication with psychotherapy for better outcomes.

Example: Antidepressants with CBT for treating depression.

Ethical Principles in Therapy

Nonmaleficence: Do no harm, ensure safe treatments.

Example: Monitoring side effects of medications.

Fidelity: Maintain trust and confidentiality.

Example: Keep client information private unless there’s a risk to safety.

Integrity: Be honest and transparent with clients about treatments.

Example: Explain therapy methods and expected outcomes.

Respect for Rights and Dignity: Value client autonomy and choices.

Example: Allow clients to refuse treatment while offering alternatives.

Group Therapy

Benefits:

Social Support: Reduces isolation, increases empathy.

Skill Development: Teaches coping strategies and communication skills.

Feedback and Perspective: Clients learn from others’ experiences.

Hypnosis in Therapy

Effective Uses:

Pain Management: Helps reduce chronic pain.

Anxiety Reduction: Promotes relaxation and reduces stress.

Unsupported Uses:

Memory Retrieval: Not reliable for recalling past events.

Age Regression: No evidence for recalling past lives or childhood memories.

Psychoactive Medications

Types of Medications:

Antidepressants: SSRIs increase serotonin to treat depression.

Anti-Anxiety: Enhance GABA to calm the nervous system (e.g., Xanax).

Mood Stabilizers: Lithium stabilizes mood swings in bipolar disorder.

Antipsychotics: Reduce dopamine for schizophrenia.

Typical: Older generation, e.g., Haloperidol.

Atypical: Newer generation, fewer side effects (e.g., Clozapine).

Side Effects:

Physical: Weight gain, drowsiness, nausea.

Neurological: Tardive Dyskinesia (involuntary movements from dopamine regulation).

Surgical & Invasive Treatments

Psychosurgery: Rarely used, alters or removes brain tissue.

Example: Lobotomy (historically used).

TMS: Non-invasive magnetic stimulation to treat depression.

Example: For treatment-resistant depression.

ECT: Controlled electrical stimulation induces brief seizures to reset brain activity.

Example: Effective for severe depression and suicidal thoughts.

Motivation: Why Do We Act? 🧠🔄

• Definition: Motivation drives behaviors to fulfill physical needs, desires, and goals.

Theories of Motivation

1. Drive-Reduction Theory: Behaviors reduce physical drives to maintain homeostasis.

   • Example: Eating to restore balance when hungry.

2. Arousal Theory: People seek optimal arousal levels.

   • Example: Thrill-seeking for excitement, or relaxation to unwind.

3. Yerkes-Dodson Law: Performance improves with moderate arousal, declines with high stress.

   • Example: Performing well under moderate stress but struggling under extreme pressure.

4. Biopsychosocial & Diathesis-Stress Models: Multi-factor models explaining interactions in motivation.

Internal vs. External Motivation ⚡

• Self-Determination Theory: Focuses on intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation.

  • Intrinsic: Motivation driven by personal satisfaction.

    • Example: Reading for pleasure.

  • Extrinsic: Motivation driven by external rewards.

    • Example: Studying for grades.

• Incentive Theory: External rewards influence behavior.

  • Example: Studying hard for a good grade.

Instincts and Motivation: Nature in Animals 🐦

• Instincts: Innate, automatic behaviors triggered by stimuli.

  • Purpose: Survival and reproduction.

  • Examples:

    • Bird Migration: Traveling for food and nesting.

    • Spider Web-Spinning: Instinctive behavior for hunting.

Human Motivation: Flexibility Through Learning 🧠

• Human Motivation: Less reliant on instincts, shaped by experiences, culture, and goals.

  • Examples:

    • Career Goals: Pursuing education for success.

    • Social Connections: Seeking relationships for emotional well-being.

    • Personal Growth: Engaging in self-improvement or new hobbies.

Motivational Conflicts: Making Tough Choices 🤔⚖

• Approach-Approach: Choosing between two desirable options.

  • Example: Deciding between two great job offers.

• Approach-Avoidance: One option with both positive and negative aspects.

  • Example: Accepting a high-paying job with a relocation requirement.

• Avoidance-Avoidance: Choosing between two undesirable options.

  • Example: Deciding whether to clean the garage or pay a fine.

Sensation-Seeking: Craving Novelty and Excitement 🎢🌍

• Definition: The drive for novelty, excitement, and risk-taking to maintain engagement.

  • Purpose: Explains behaviors related to curiosity and risk.

• Examples:

  • Adventures: Trying new cuisines, traveling, extreme sports.

Types of Sensation Seeking 🌍

1. Experience Seeking: Desire for new ideas, cultures, and sensory experiences.

   • Example: Traveling to new places or trying unfamiliar foods.

2. Thrill/Adventure Seeking: Pursuing physical risks and adrenaline-pumping activities.

   • Example: Skydiving, rock climbing.

3. Disinhibition: Preference for spontaneous, impulsive activities.

   • Example: Enjoying parties or risky behavior.

4. Boredom Susceptibility: Low tolerance for routine or monotonous tasks.

   • Example: Constantly seeking new challenges or experiences.

Motivation and Eating: Biological and Social Influences 🍎🍔

• Biological Factors:

  • Ghrelin: Stimulates hunger.

  • Leptin: Promotes satiety (feeling full).

  • Hypothalamus: Regulates hunger and energy balance.

    • Example: Feeling hungry before a meal and full afterward.

• External Factors: Social and environmental cues influence eating.

  • Example: Eating during social gatherings, or based on the time of day rather than hunger.

Health Psychology: Mental and Physical Health 🧠❤

Overview:
Health psychology focuses on how stress, coping strategies, and social support affect mental and physical health. It examines the connection between the mind and body, and how psychological factors impact overall wellness.

Key Topics

• Types of Stress & Stressors

  • Eustress (Positive Stress): Motivates and enhances performance (e.g., preparing for a presentation).

  • Distress (Negative Stress): Overwhelms and causes harm (e.g., chronic work stress).

• Biological Stress Responses

  • The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) model explains how stress affects the body in three phases:

    • Alarm Reaction: Immediate reaction (e.g., fight-or-flight).

    • Resistance: Prolonged effort to cope (e.g., maintaining focus on a work project).

    • Exhaustion: Depletion of resources, leading to burnout (e.g., physical breakdown).

• Types of Stressors

  • Traumatic Events: Life-altering events that cause prolonged stress (e.g., natural disasters, accidents).

  • Daily Hassles: Minor, repetitive stressors that build up over time (e.g., traffic jams, work pressure).

  • Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Early-life stressors that impact long-term mental and physical health (e.g., abuse, neglect).

Impact of Stress on Health

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

  • Chronic stress leads to elevated blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Stress hormones like cortisol can constrict blood vessels and elevate heart rate, contributing to hypertension.

• Headaches

  • Tension and migraines are commonly stress-induced. Prolonged stress can lead to frequent headaches due to muscle tension and changes in blood flow.

• Immune Suppression

  • Long-term stress weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. Stress hormones can suppress immune cell production and function, leaving the body more vulnerable to illness.

Coping Mechanisms

• Problem-Focused Coping

  • Directly addressing the stressor (e.g., making a schedule to meet work deadlines).

  • Example: Creating a detailed plan to resolve financial stress or manage work projects.

• Emotion-Focused Coping

  • Managing emotional responses to stress rather than solving the problem itself (e.g., using relaxation techniques).

  • Example: Deep breathing, meditation, and using medication to reduce stress symptoms.

• Social Support & Health

  • Strong social networks reduce stress and promote resilience. Connections with others act as a buffer against stress, offering emotional and practical support.

  • Example: Reaching out to friends or family for support during tough times.

Positive Psychology: Focusing on Strengths 🌟

Overview:
Positive psychology focuses on what contributes to happiness and well-being. It emphasizes personal strengths, virtues, and positive emotions, rather than only addressing mental health issues.

Key Topics

• Positive Experiences

  • Gratitude and mindfulness practices can improve life satisfaction.

  • Example: Keeping a gratitude journal or expressing thanks to others to boost happiness.

• Personal Strengths

  • Using personal strengths like kindness, curiosity, and perseverance enhances happiness and growth.

  • Example: Volunteering to help others (kindness) or exploring new interests (curiosity).

• Posttraumatic Growth

  • Positive changes resulting from overcoming adversity, leading to greater resilience and personal transformation.

  • Example: Recovering from an illness can provide a new perspective on life, fostering appreciation and strength.

Categories of Strengths

• Wisdom: Cognitive strengths like creativity and curiosity.

• Courage: Emotional strengths that help overcome challenges.

• Humanity: Strengths that promote connection with others (e.g., kindness, love).

• Justice: Strengths that promote fairness and leadership.

• Temperance: Strengths that prevent excess (e.g., forgiveness, self-regulation).

• Transcendence: Strengths that connect us to a higher purpose (e.g., gratitude, spirituality).

Gratitude and Positive Psychology

• Gratitude

  • Practicing gratitude increases happiness and reduces stress. It helps shift focus away from negativity to what’s going well.

  • Example: Reflecting on positive moments through a gratitude journal or expressing thanks regularly.

Posttraumatic Growth (PTG)

• What It Is

  • PTG refers to positive psychological changes after trauma or stress, leading to greater resilience and personal insight.

  • Example: Recovering from trauma and developing a deeper appreciation for life.

• Aspects of PTG

  • Improved Relationships: Strengthened emotional bonds.

  • New Possibilities: Recognizing new opportunities in life.

  • Personal Strength: Discovering inner resilience.

  • Spiritual Change: Enhanced spiritual awareness.

  • Appreciation of Life: Valuing small, everyday moments.