Variation in Personality and Psychological Disorders

• Variation in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors is common and generally acceptable.
• Psychological disorders occur in about 1/3 of Americans at some point in life.
• Defining psychological disorders is complex; they are not simply about strict rules but influenced by social norms.

Criteria for Defining Psychological Disorders

• Psychologists have identified four main criteria for determining if behavior or thought patterns constitute a disorder:
• Atypical: Behavior must be unusual or not typical of the average individual.
• Maladaptive: Behavior must cause negative consequences for the individual; it disrupts their ability to function.
• Distressing: The behavior must cause significant distress for the individual or others around them.
• Unjustifiable: The behavior must be inappropriate or excessive in the context of the situation.
• Example: Grieving after a loss is normal; one should not classify subsequent behavior as disordered without context.

Psychiatrists vs. Psychologists

• Psychiatrists are medical doctors who treat psychological disorders.
• Both psychiatrists and psychologists do not define disorders solely by their causes, as causes are often unclear.
• Diagnosis requires professional training; casual observation is insufficient.
• The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is crucial for diagnosis and insurance coverage.

Categories of Psychological Disorders

• Disorders include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, sexual disorders, and sleep disorders.
• Focus on Mood Disorders: Mood disorders involve significant fluctuations in emotional states.
• Bipolar Disorder: Alternates between depressive and manic states.
  • Mania can feel good, making treatment adherence challenging.
  • About 5% of the population has bipolar disorder.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Affects about 20% of the population at some point.
  • Symptoms include:
  • Persistent sadness for at least two weeks
  • Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
  • Fatigue and restlessness
  • Four out of seven additional symptoms needed for diagnosis.

Biological Causes of Depression

• Dysfunctions in key neurotransmitters are linked to depression.
• Serotonin: A low functioning level is often associated with mood regulation.
• Dopamine: Lack of dopamine can contribute to the depressive state.
• Psychological triggers contribute, such as negative experiences or self-perception.

Negative Thinking Patterns

• How individuals interpret negative events can impact their mental health.
• Optimistic vs. Pessimistic Mindsets:
• Optimistic: Blame external factors; believe situations will improve.
• Pessimistic: Blame oneself; expect future negativity; generalize failures.

Anxiety Disorders

• Specific Phobia: The most common and treatable anxiety disorder marked by an intense fear of specific objects or situations (e.g., flying, heights).
• Symptoms include provoked anxiety responses when exposed to the phobia trigger.
• Biological and psychological causes also contribute to anxiety disorders, including neurotransmitter imbalances and learned behaviors.