psych class-2025-03-11T21:32:48.540Z

Disorders Focused on in Class

• Discuss serious disorders like:

  • Schizophrenia

  • Depression

  • Bipolar Disorder

  • Anxiety Disorders (phobias, panic attacks)

  • Personality Disorders

  • OCD

  • PTSD

• Use of video clips featuring individuals with these disorders for context.

Structure of the Unit

• Two weeks dedicated to classifying and treating disorders.

• A major assignment: case study where students identify disorders and symptoms.

• No test or quiz for Unit 5; smaller assignments may occur.

• Note on textbooks: transition to a new curriculum will affect sellback options.

Health Psychology Overview

• Defined as the intersection of biological, psychological, and social influences on health and illness.

• Focus on community strategies to promote well-being and disease prevention.

Behavioral and Cognitive Factors

Behavioral Factors

• Influencers of health include:

  • Diet

  • Physical activity

  • Substance use

  • Adherence to medical recommendations

Cognitive Factors

• Beliefs and attitudes about health impact healthcare seeking behavior.

• Examples include adherence to treatment plans, such as completing antibiotic courses.

Stress and Health

• Stress does not cause diseases but can exacerbate existing health conditions.

• Conditions impacted by stress:

  • Heart disease

  • High blood pressure

  • Immune suppression

  • Fatigue and ulcers

Psychoneuroimmunology

• Study of psychological, neural, and immune interactions affecting health.

Stressors

• Daily Hassles: Routine inconveniences (e.g., being late, lack of WiFi).

• Significant Life Changes: Events like college decisions, marriages, and deaths.

• Catastrophes: Large scale disasters, though less common in the population.

Coping with Stress

Eustress vs. Distress

• Eustress: Positive stress motivating goal achievement and enhancing well-being.

• Distress: Negative stress leading to anxiety and overwhelm.

Coping Strategies

• Problem-Focused Coping: Directly addressing a stressor (e.g., study sessions).

• Emotion-Focused Coping: Managing emotional responses (e.g., relaxation techniques).

• Examples include time management, asking for support, and setting boundaries.