AP Psych Apr 29

Warm-Up Activity

• Use popsicle sticks for participation.

• Review materials from the last class, including a video and a specific sheet.

• Writing responses helps retention and engages neural networks.

• Three main questions followed by a review.

Diathesis-Stress Model

• Definition: Explains how genetic predisposition (diathesis) and life stress can lead to psychological disorders.

• If family has schizophrenia (high diathesis), stress can trigger disorder development.

• Both high diathesis and high stress increase risk of mental disorders.

• Nature vs. Nurture: Both components contribute to the likelihood of developing disorders.

• Low diathesis with high stress can still lead to disorders like schizophrenia.

Three D’s Used to Diagnose Disorders

1. Deviation: Straying from societal norms.

   • Example: Dressing wildly (loincloth) in mainstream society is deviant.

2. Dysfunction: Interference with daily functioning (e.g., job loss, relationship breakdowns).

3. Distress: Emotional suffering like sadness, anger, or anxiety.

• Only one D is necessary for a diagnosis.

Psychological Approaches

• Eclectic Approach: Combines different psychological perspectives for diagnosis.

• Biopsychosocial Approach: Involves:

  • Biological factors (genetics, chemical imbalances)

  • Psychological factors (thoughts, perceptions)

  • Social/environmental factors (relationships, cultural contexts)

Mnemonics for Psychological Perspectives

1. Evolutionary Perspective: Focus on survival and species adaptation.

2. Cognitive Perspective: Involves thoughts and interpretations of the world.

3. Behavioral Perspective: Emphasizes learned behaviors from rewards and punishments.

4. Humanistic Perspective: Centers on personal growth and potential.

5. Biological Perspective: Examines physiological and genetic factors.

6. Sociocultural Perspective: Looks at cultural and social influences on behavior.

7. Psychodynamic Perspective: Analyzes unconscious processes and childhood conflicts.

8. Eclectic Perspective: Integrates various approaches for a holistic view.

Mental Disorders Overview

• Categories Required for Exam:

  1. Neurodevelopmental Disorders: ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

  2. Depressive Disorders: Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder.

  3. Bipolar Disorders: Characterized by extreme mood swings (manic and depressive phases).

  4. Anxiety Disorders:

  • Specific Phobias: Acrophobia (fear of heights), Arachnophobia (fear of spiders).

  • Panic Disorder: Characterized by recurrent panic attacks.

  • Agoraphobia: Fear of situations where escape might be difficult.

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Most diagnosed disorder in the U.S.

  1. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Distinction between obsessions (thoughts) and compulsions (behaviors).

  2. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Trauma-related disorder.

  3. Feeding and Eating Disorders: Anorexia (fear of weight gain) and Bulimia (binge and purge behavior).

Specific Disorders

• Anxiety Disorders: Involves excessive fears without known causes.

• OCD: Must have both obsessions and compulsions for diagnosis; common misconception about its definition.

• Bipolar Disorder: Distinction between manic (high energy) and depressive (low energy) states.

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Difference between ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

Exam Preparation Tips

• Use provided cheat sheets and notes for review before the quiz.

• Focus on understanding symptoms and possible causes of disorders.

• Interact with the textbook and disorder handbook for comprehensive preparation.