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Major Psychological Disorders to Know for AP Psychology (AP)

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Definition

  • A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities.

Symptoms

  • Persistent sadness or low mood

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities (anhedonia)

  • Changes in appetite or weight

  • Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)

  • Fatigue or loss of energy

  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt

  • Thoughts of death or suicide

How It Is Acquired

  • Biological Factors: Genetic predisposition, imbalances in neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine).

  • Environmental Factors: Traumatic life events, chronic stress, and lack of social support.

  • Psychological Factors: Cognitive distortions and negative thinking patterns.

Effects

  • Impaired daily functioning, affecting work, school, and social relationships.

  • Increased risk of substance use and other mental health disorders.

  • Physical health issues due to neglect of self-care and potential suicidal ideation.

Bipolar Disorder

Definition

  • A mental health condition marked by extreme mood swings, including manic and depressive episodes.

Symptoms

  • Manic Episodes: Increased energy, euphoria, reduced need for sleep, grandiosity, impulsive behavior, racing thoughts.

  • Depressive Episodes: Symptoms similar to MDD, including sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest.

How It Is Acquired

  • Genetic Factors: Strong hereditary component; having a family history increases risk.

  • Environmental Factors: Stressful life events, substance abuse, and major life changes can trigger episodes.

  • Biological Factors: Imbalances in neurotransmitters and changes in brain structure.

Effects

  • Difficulty maintaining relationships due to erratic behavior.

  • Problems with employment and daily responsibilities.

  • Risk of self-harm or suicide, particularly during depressive episodes.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Definition

  • A chronic disorder characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life.

Symptoms

  • Persistent worry or anxiety about different events.

  • Restlessness or feeling on edge.

  • Fatigue.

  • Difficulty concentrating.

  • Irritability.

  • Muscle tension.

  • Sleep disturbances.

How It Is Acquired

  • Genetic Factors: Family history of anxiety disorders can increase risk.

  • Environmental Stressors: Life transitions, trauma, and chronic stress can trigger GAD.

  • Personality Factors: Individuals with certain personality traits (e.g., perfectionism) may be more vulnerable.

Effects

  • Interference with daily life, work, and social interactions.

  • Increased risk of depression and substance use disorders.

  • Physical health issues, including headaches and gastrointestinal problems.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Definition

  • A mental health disorder characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.

Symptoms

  • Obsessions: Fears of contamination, harm, or losing control; intrusive thoughts that cause significant anxiety.

  • Compulsions: Ritualistic behaviors such as excessive cleaning, checking, counting, or organizing to alleviate anxiety.

How It Is Acquired

  • Genetic Factors: Family history may play a role in susceptibility.

  • Neurobiological Factors: Dysfunction in brain circuits involving serotonin regulation.

  • Cognitive Factors: Dysfunctional beliefs and misinterpretation of intrusive thoughts.

Effects

  • Significant time spent on compulsions, leading to impaired daily functioning.

  • Increased anxiety and distress when unable to perform compulsive behaviors.

  • Impact on relationships and quality of life due to secrecy and avoidance behaviors.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Definition

  • A mental health disorder triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, characterized by flashbacks, avoidance, and heightened arousal.

Symptoms

  • Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the trauma.

  • Nightmares.

  • Avoidance of reminders related to the trauma.

  • Negative changes in mood and cognition.

  • Hyperarousal (e.g., irritability, difficulty sleeping, exaggerated startle response).

How It Is Acquired

  • Exposure to traumatic events such as combat, sexual assault, natural disasters, or serious accidents.

  • Risk Factors: Personal history of mental health issues, lack of social support, and previous trauma exposure.

Effects

  • Impairment in personal and professional relationships.

  • Risk of depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse.

  • Physical health issues due to chronic stress response.

Schizophrenia

Definition

  • A severe mental disorder characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, and sense of self.

Symptoms

  • Positive Symptoms: Hallucinations (hearing voices), delusions (false beliefs), and disorganized thinking.

  • Negative Symptoms: Lack of motivation, emotional flatness, and social withdrawal.

  • Cognitive Symptoms: Impaired memory, attention, and decision-making.

How It Is Acquired

  • Genetic Factors: Strong hereditary component; family history increases risk.

  • Environmental Factors: Prenatal exposure to infections or malnutrition, psychosocial stressors.

  • Neurochemical Factors: Imbalances in dopamine and other neurotransmitters.

Effects

  • Severe impairment in social and occupational functioning.

  • Increased risk of homelessness, incarceration, and self-harm.

  • Stigma and discrimination can exacerbate isolation and distress.

Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa)

Definition

  • Serious mental health disorders characterized by unhealthy eating behaviors and preoccupation with body image.

Symptoms

  • Anorexia Nervosa: Extreme restriction of food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, distorted body image.

  • Bulimia Nervosa: Binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, excessive exercise, or fasting.

How It Is Acquired

  • Genetic Factors: Family history of eating disorders or mental health issues.

  • Cultural Factors: Societal pressures for thinness and beauty ideals.

  • Psychological Factors: Low self-esteem, perfectionism, and coping mechanisms for emotional distress.

Effects

  • Severe physical health consequences, including malnutrition and electrolyte imbalances.

  • Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

  • Disruption of relationships and functioning in everyday life.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Definition

  • A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Symptoms

  • Difficulty sustaining attention or following through on tasks.

  • Hyperactivity (fidgeting, excessive talking).

  • Impulsivity (interrupting others, difficulty waiting for turns).

How It Is Acquired

  • Genetic Factors: Hereditary predisposition; often runs in families.

  • Neurobiological Factors: Differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas related to attention and impulse control.

  • Environmental Factors: Prenatal exposure to tobacco or alcohol, lead exposure, and early childhood trauma.

Effects

  • Impaired academic and occupational performance.

  • Challenges in social relationships and peer interactions.

  • Increased risk for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Definition

  • A developmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction.

Symptoms

  • Difficulty with social interactions and understanding social cues.

  • Repetitive behaviors (e.g., hand-flapping, routines).

  • Restricted interests and sensitivity to sensory input.

How It Is Acquired

  • Genetic Factors: Higher risk in families with a history of autism or related disorders.

  • Neurobiological Factors: Differences in brain development and connectivity.

  • Environmental Factors: Advanced parental age and prenatal exposures may increase risk.

Effects

  • Varies widely; some individuals may require significant support while others are high-functioning.

  • Challenges in social communication can affect friendships and education.

  • Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.

Substance Use Disorders

Definition

  • Disorders characterized by the harmful use of psychoactive substances leading to significant impairment or distress.

Symptoms

  • Cravings and strong desire to use the substance.

  • Tolerance (needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect).

  • Withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance.

  • Continued use despite negative consequences.

How It Is Acquired

  • Genetic Factors: Family history of substance abuse increases risk.

  • Environmental Factors: Peer pressure, exposure to substance use, and socio-economic factors.

  • Psychological Factors: Co-occurring mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.

Effects

  • Physical health consequences, including organ damage and increased risk of infectious diseases.

  • Legal issues, strained relationships, and job loss.

  • Chronic relapses and mental health challenges.

Panic Disorder

Definition

  • A type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks.

Symptoms

  • Rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling.

  • Shortness of breath or a feeling of choking.

  • Chest pain or discomfort.

  • Nausea or abdominal distress.

  • Fear of losing control or “going crazy.”

  • Fear of dying.

How It Is Acquired

  • Genetic Factors: Family history of anxiety disorders may increase risk.

  • Environmental Stressors: Major life changes or stressful events can trigger panic attacks.

  • Cognitive Factors: Misinterpretation of bodily sensations can lead to panic.

Effects

  • Significant impairment in daily activities, including avoidance of places where attacks have occurred.

  • Increased anxiety about having future attacks.

  • Risk of developing agoraphobia (fear of being in situations where escape may be difficult).

Social Anxiety Disorder

Definition

  • An intense fear of social situations that may lead to embarrassment or humiliation.

Symptoms

  • Intense fear of being judged or negatively evaluated in social situations.

  • Physical symptoms like blushing, sweating, trembling, or nausea.

  • Avoidance of social interactions.

How It Is Acquired

  • Genetic Factors: Family history can increase vulnerability.

  • Environmental Factors: Negative social experiences, bullying, or overprotective parenting may contribute.

  • Cognitive Factors: Individuals may have distorted beliefs about social situations and self-perception.

Effects

  • Impaired ability to form relationships and maintain employment.

  • Risk of other anxiety disorders and depression.

  • Chronic stress leading to physical health issues.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Definition

  • A personality disorder characterized by unstable moods, behavior, and relationships.

Symptoms

  • Intense and unstable emotions and relationships.

  • Fear of abandonment.

  • Impulsive behaviors (e.g., spending sprees, substance abuse).

  • Self-harming behavior or suicidal thoughts.

  • Identity disturbances.

How It Is Acquired

  • Genetic Factors: Family history can increase risk.

  • Environmental Factors: Childhood trauma, neglect, and unstable family environments.

  • Neurobiological Factors: Dysregulation in emotion and impulse control regions of the brain.

Effects

  • Significant impairment in interpersonal relationships.

  • Risk of self-harm and suicide.

  • Emotional dysregulation can lead to crises and difficulties in everyday life.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Definition

  • A severe dissociative disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities.

Symptoms

  • Amnesia (loss of memory for personal information or events).

  • Presence of multiple identities, each with its own history and characteristics.

  • Disruptions in identity and sense of self.

How It Is Acquired

  • Traumatic Experiences: Often linked to severe trauma during childhood, particularly chronic abuse.

  • Psychological Factors: Dissociation serves as a coping mechanism to deal with trauma.

Effects

  • Difficulty with relationships and daily functioning.

  • Risk of self-harm and suicidal behavior.

  • Confusion regarding identity and significant distress.

Specific Phobias

Definition

  • Intense, irrational fears of specific objects or situations, leading to avoidance behavior.

Symptoms

  • Excessive fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation.

  • Immediate anxiety response when encountering the phobic stimulus.

  • Avoidance of the feared object or situation.

How It Is Acquired

  • Learning Theory: Classical conditioning (association of a neutral stimulus with a fearful response).

  • Genetic Factors: Family history of phobias or anxiety disorders.

  • Cognitive Factors: Misinterpretation of danger and excessive focus on negative outcomes.

Effects

  • Impairment in daily life and functioning, such as avoiding places or situations related to the phobia.

  • Increased anxiety and distress when faced with the phobic stimulus.

  • Limitations in personal and professional opportunities.