Characteristics of Disorder (Dysfunction, Distress, Deviation from social norms): The defining features indicating a mental disorder, including abnormal behavior patterns that impede functioning, cause personal distress, or violate social expectations.

Positive/negative effects of diagnosing: The potential benefits (such as proper treatment) and drawbacks (like stigma and diagnostic overshadowing) associated with labeling mental health conditions.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders: A comprehensive classification system used by mental health professionals to define, categorize, and diagnose mental disorders based on standard criteria.

International Classification of Mental Disorders (ICD): A global diagnostic tool published by the World Health Organization that provides a standard classification of diseases and health conditions, including mental disorders.

Eclectic approach to diagnosis/treatment: A flexible approach in psychology that integrates multiple theoretical perspectives and treatment methods to address individual client needs.

Perspective on etiology (causes) of disorders: Various frameworks for understanding the origins of psychological disorders, including biological, psychological, and sociocultural influences.

Biological: The perspective that attributes mental disorders to physiological processes, including genetics, brain chemistry, and neurological conditions.

Behavioral: A view that focuses on observable behaviors and the environmental factors that reinforce maladaptive behaviors as the primary cause of psychological disorders.

Cognitive: The approach that centers on how thought patterns and perceptions influence emotions and behaviors, leading to psychological distress.

Humanistic: A perspective emphasizing personal growth, self-actualization, and the subjective experience of individuals in understanding mental health issues.

Psychodynamic: The approach based on the theories of Freud, which posits that unconscious processes and early life experiences shape an individual’s psychological state and disorders.

Sociocultural: The perspective that considers the impact of social and cultural contexts on mental health, recognizing the importance of cultural norms, roles, and values.

Family systems: A theoretical framework that views psychological problems as arising from dynamics within a family system, focusing on relationships and communication patterns.

Diathesis (genetic vulnerability) - stress model: A model proposing that mental disorders result from the interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental stressors.

Biopsychosocial model: An integrated approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding the development and treatment of mental disorders.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Disorders characterized by developmental deficits that produce impairments in personal, social, academic, or occupational functioning, typically diagnosed in childhood.

ADHD: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with functioning.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): A developmental disorder characterized by challenges with social communication and the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors.

Schizophrenic Spectrum Disorders: A group of severe mental disorders that impair an individual’s perception of reality, affecting thought processes and emotional responsiveness.

Positive symptoms: Symptoms that add abnormal behaviors, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, typically seen in schizophrenia.

Delusions: Strongly held false beliefs that persist despite contrary evidence, such as paranoid delusions (fear of being harmed) or grandiose delusions (belief in one’s exceptional abilities).

Hallucinations: Perceptions in the absence of external stimuli, often experienced as hearing voices or seeing things that aren't there.

Disorganized thinking or speech (word salad): Incoherent and illogical speech patterns that make communication difficult, often characterized by unrelated ideas and phrases.

Negative symptoms: Symptoms that reflect a decrease in normal functions or emotions, such as lack of motivation or diminished emotional expression.

Avolition: A lack of motivation and inability to initiate and persist in activities, often seen in schizophrenia.

Catatonia, catatonic stupor: A state of unresponsiveness, immobility, or unusual motor behavior that can occur in severe mental disorders like schizophrenia.

Flat affect: A severe reduction in emotional expressiveness, where individuals may show little to no emotion in facial expressions or voice tone.

Possible causes (genetic or biological links like prenatal virus & dopamine hypothesis): Factors that contribute to schizophrenia, including genetic predisposition, prenatal infections, and abnormalities in dopamine neurotransmission.

Depressive Disorders: A group of mental disorders characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed.

Major depressive disorder (primary symptoms): A chronic condition marked by a pervasive low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, and other cognitive and physical symptoms.

Persistent depressive disorder: A chronic form of depression that lasts for at least two years and includes symptoms similar to major depression but to a lesser degree.

Bipolar and Related Disorders: Mood disorders characterized by significant mood swings including manic episodes and depressive episodes.

Mania: An elevated, expansive, or irritable mood associated with increased energy, activity, and often poor decision-making.

Bipolar I: A severe type of bipolar disorder defined by at least one manic episode lasting at least one week, potentially necessitating hospitalization, and depressive episodes lasting two weeks.

Bipolar II: A milder form featuring at least one episode of major depression and at least one hypomanic episode without full-blown manic episodes.

Cyclothymic disorder: A mood disorder characterized by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years.

Anxiety Disorders: A group of disorders involving excessive fear, anxiety, and related behavioral disturbances.

Panic disorder: An anxiety disorder marked by recurrent unexpected panic attacks and persistent concern about having more attacks.

Specific phobia: An intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation, leading to avoidance behavior.

Agoraphobia: The fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable during a panic attack or other incapacitating symptoms.

Social anxiety disorder: An intense fear of social situations that may lead to embarrassment, leading individuals to avoid such circumstances.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): A condition characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life lasting for six months or more.

OCD and Related Disorders: A group of disorders involving obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors) aimed at reducing the distress from those thoughts.

OCD: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) to alleviate anxiety.

Compulsion: Repetitive behaviors performed in response to obsessions or according to rigid rules to prevent a feared event or situation.

Obsession: Intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress.

Hoarding disorder: A mental health condition involving persistent difficulty discarding possessions, leading to clutter that disrupts living spaces.

Dissociative disorders: A category of mental disorders characterized by a disconnection or lack of continuity between thoughts, memories, surroundings, actions, and identity.

Dissociative amnesia (with and without fugue): A condition involving an inability to recall important personal information, sometimes accompanied by sudden, unexplained travel (fugue).

Dissociative identity disorder: A severe form of dissociation, marked by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities.

Trauma and stressor-related disorders: Disorders that develop in response to traumatic or stressful events, including symptoms such as reliving the event, avoidance, and heightened reactivity.

Posttraumatic stress disorder: A psychiatric condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, characterized by flashbacks, avoidance, and heightened arousal.

Feeding and eating disorders: A group of disorders characterized by persistent disturbances in eating behavior and affective responses to food and body image.

Anorexia nervosa: An eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to severe food restriction and excessive weight loss.

Bulimia nervosa: An eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting or excessive exercise.

Personality disorders: Enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate from cultural expectations, leading to distress or impairment.

Cluster A: Personality disorders classified as odd or eccentric, including Paranoid PD (suspiciousness), Schizoid PD (detachment), and Schizotypal PD (cognitive distortions).

Cluster B: Personality disorders that are dramatic, emotional, or erratic, including Antisocial PD (disregard for others), Histrionic PD (excessive emotionality), Narcissistic PD (grandiosity), and Borderline PD (instability in relationships and self-image).

Cluster C: Personality disorders characterized by anxious or fearful behavior, including Avoidant PD (social inhibition), Dependent PD (excessive reliance on others), and Obsessive-compulsive PD (preoccupation with orderliness).

Meta-analytic studies of treatment: Research analyzing multiple studies to assess the overall effectiveness of various therapeutic interventions for mental disorders.

Evidence-based interventions: Treatment strategies grounded in scientific evidence demonstrating their effectiveness for specific psychological conditions.

Therapeutic alliance (and cultural humility): The collaborative and trusting relationship between therapist and client that is crucial for effective therapy, emphasizing an understanding of cultural influences on treatment.

Deinstitutionalization: The process of reducing the number of patients in mental hospitals and supporting their treatment in community-based settings.

Decentralized treatment (community psychology): An approach that emphasizes local community resources and support systems in providing mental health services and interventions.

APA ethical principles for therapists: Guidelines established by the American Psychological Association outlining ethical standards for practicing psychologists, focusing on respect for individuals and integrity in practice.

Beneficence and Nonmaleficence: Ethical principles ensuring that therapists act in the best interests of clients (beneficence) and avoid causing harm (nonmaleficence).

Fidelity and Responsibility: Ethical standards requiring psychologists to be trustworthy, maintain professional relationships, and accept responsibility for their behavior.

Integrity: The ethical principle emphasizing honesty and the promotion of accurate representation in psychology practice.

Justice: The principle focusing on fairness and equality in the distribution of psychological services and interventions.

Respect for people's rights and dignity: A fundamental ethical principle affirming the rights of individuals to autonomy, privacy, and confidentiality in psychological practice.

Psychodynamic therapies: Therapeutic methods based on psychodynamic theories where focus is on unconscious processes and the exploration of emotions and thoughts.

Free association: A psychodynamic technique encouraging clients to verbalize thoughts freely to reveal unconscious content influencing their emotions and behaviors.

Dream interpretation: A therapeutic process where clients' dreams are analyzed to uncover hidden emotional conflicts and desires in psychodynamic therapy.

Cognitive therapies: Psychotherapeutic interventions focused on modifying dysfunctional beliefs and thought patterns to improve emotional regulation and behavioral outcomes.

Cognitive restructuring: A technique used in cognitive therapy to challenge and change negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier ones.

Thought records: A cognitive therapy tool where clients document thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to identify and modify maladaptive patterns.

Identifying automatic (negative thoughts about oneself, the world, and the future): The process of recognizing spontaneous negative thoughts that contribute to distress and exploring their impact on behavior and mood.

Applied behavior analysis: A scientific discipline focused on the application of behavioral principles to improve socially significant behaviors through interventions and techniques.

Conditioning: A process of learning in which behaviors are acquired based on reinforcement or punishment; two main types are classical and operant conditioning.

Classical conditioning (systematic desensitization): A behavior modification technique that pairs relaxation techniques with anxiety-provoking stimuli to gradually reduce fear responses.

Aversion therapies: Behavioral interventions aimed at reducing undesirable behaviors by associating them with unpleasant stimuli.

Token economies: A behavioral technique using reinforcement in which clients earn tokens for desired behaviors, which can be exchanged for rewards.

Biofeedback: A therapy technique that uses monitoring devices to provide real-time feedback to individuals, helping them gain control over physiological functions and manage stress.

Cognitive-behavioral therapies: A blend of cognitive and behavioral techniques addressing dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and thoughts through goal-oriented, systematic procedures.

Rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT): A type of cognitive therapy that emphasizes the role of irrational beliefs in creating emotional distress and focuses on changing these beliefs to lead to healthier thought patterns.

Humanistic therapies (person-centered therapy): An approach centered on the individual's experience, emphasizing empathy, acceptance, and self-discovery in a supportive therapeutic environment.

Unconditional positive regard: A foundational concept in humanistic therapy where therapists accept and support clients without conditions placed on their acceptance.

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, critical in establishing a supportive therapeutic environment.

Genuineness: The quality of being authentic and transparent in therapeutic relationships, fostering trust and connection.

Active listening: A communication technique emphasizing understanding the speaker's message through engagement, feedback, and reflection.

Group therapy vs. individual therapy: Comparing the therapeutic processes where group therapy involves multiple participants sharing experiences and support, while individual therapy focuses solely on one-on-one interactions with a therapist.

Hypnosis in therapy: A therapeutic technique used for reducing pain and anxiety, characterized by focused attention and heightened suggestibility, but not commonly used for disorders such as schizophrenia.

Biological therapies (interventions): Treatments for psychological disorders that involve medical interventions, such as medication and other biological procedures.

Antipsychotics: Medications prescribed primarily for the treatment of schizophrenia and other severe mental disorders, targeting neurotransmitter systems to alleviate symptoms.

Antidepressants: Medications used to treat depressive disorders by balancing chemicals in the brain that affect mood and emotions.

Anxiolytics: Drugs primarily used for the short-term treatment of anxiety disorders, helping to reduce anxiety and improve mood.

Mood stabilizers: Medications used to treat mood disorders, especially bipolar disorder, by stabilizing mood fluctuations.

Side effects (including tardive dyskinesia): Negative physical or mental effects experienced when taking certain medications, such as involuntary movements (tardive dyskinesia) associated with long-term antipsychotics.

Psychosurgeries (lobotomy): Surgical interventions historically used to treat severe mental disorders by altering brain function, now considered ethically and scientifically problematic.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): A non-invasive procedure using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, often used as a treatment for depression.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): A psychiatric treatment in which seizures are electrically induced to provide relief from severe depression, often when other treatments have failed.