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abnormal.lecture13.2025

Adult Psychopathology

  • Presenter: Dr. Simon B. Sherry, Dalhousie University and CRUX Psychology

Overview of Content

  • Adult psychopathology involves various disorders, particularly focusing on substance-related disorders as discussed in the presentation material.

Social Media Connections

  • TikTok: @cruxpsychology

  • YouTube: @cruxpsychology4227

  • LinkedIn: Simon Sherry, Ph.D.

  • Instagram: @cruxpsychology

  • Twitter (X): @cruxpsychology

  • Facebook: @cruxpsychology

  • Psychology Today: Psymon Says

  • The Conversation: Dr. Simon Sherry

  • Website: cruxpsychology.ca/news/

Chapter 12 Outline: Substance-Related Disorders

Key Categories

  • Substance-Related Disorders: Understand the perspectives related to various types of substances.

    • Types of Substances:

      • Depressants

      • Stimulants

      • Opioids

      • Hallucinogens

      • Other Drugs

    • Causes & Treatment

    • Gambling Disorder

    • Impulse-Control Disorders

Definitions

What is a Drug?

  • Definition: Any substance other than food that affects the body or mind. Current terminology prefers "substance" to include alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine.

Effects of Substances

  • Temporary Changes: Substances can alter behavior, thought, and emotions, potentially leading to intoxication or conditions such as hallucinosis (with LSD).

    • Intoxication: State characterized by impaired judgment, mood changes, irritability, slurred speech, and poor coordination.

Substance Use Disorders

Key Concepts

  • Intoxication: Significant behavioral and psychological symptoms due to substance effects.

  • Withdrawal: Distress from the cessation or reduction of substance use, affecting daily functioning.

  • Tolerance: Increased amount necessary to achieve the same effect due to repeated usage.

Psychological Dependence

  • Dependence can exist without misuse. Psychological effects include cravings and behavioral reactions to substance absence.

Substance Abuse vs Dependence

  • Substance Abuse: Excessive chronic usage leading to relationship damage and unsafe situations.

  • Substance Dependence: More severe, life-centered around substance abuse and may involve tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.

Levels of Involvement in Substance-Related Disorders

  • Use: Moderate amounts without significant interference with functioning.

  • Intoxication: Immediate effects characterized by impaired motor abilities and judgment.

  • Abuse: Pattern of harmful substance usage.

  • Dependence: Compulsive usage, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.

Categories of Substances

  • Depressants: Cause sedation (e.g., alcohol, sedatives).

  • Stimulants: Increase energy (e.g., cocaine, nicotine).

  • Opiates: Pain relief and euphoria (e.g., heroin, morphine).

  • Hallucinogens: Alter sensory perception (e.g., marijuana, LSD).

  • Other Drugs: Inhalants, anabolic steroids.

Alcohol Statistics and Impacts

  • Worldwide Usage: Approx. 2 billion people consume alcohol. High rates of dependence observed among various demographics.

  • Impact of Alcoholism: Detrimental to families and society, contributing to crime and health issues.

  • Statistics on Abuse: 23% of Canadians exceed low-risk alcohol guidelines.

Alcohol and Its Effects

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Levels

  • 0.01 - 0.05: Relaxation

  • 0.06 - 0.10: Loss of inhibition

  • 0.11 - 0.20: Mood swings and impaired functions.

  • 0.31 - 0.40: Coma or unconsciousness possible.

  • 0.41 and greater: Risk of death.

Pharmacological Effects of Alcohol

  • Neurotransmitter Systems: Alcohol affects GABA, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters implicated in addiction and pleasurable sensations.

  • Development of Tolerance: Users may require higher dosages for the same effects. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, including delirium tremens.

Other Substances and Their Effects

Opioids

  • Natural and synthetic substances that relieve pain but can lead to severe dependence.

  • Withdrawal symptoms can be long-lasting and complicated.

Stimulants

  • Commonly consumed stimulants are caffeine and nicotine, which influence alertness and energy levels. Usage patterns show high rates of dependence, particularly among social demographics.

Comorbid Substance Issues

  • Nearly half of alcohol abusers also have an additional DSM disorder. Common co-occurring disorders are PTSD, depression, and anxiety conditions.

Conclusion

  • Understanding comprehensively the different substance-related disorders and their psychological and physical effects is vital for effective treatment and intervention strategies.