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Flashcards in this deck (43)
  • What is a psychological disorder?

    A pattern of thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that are deviant, distressful, and dysfunctional.

    psychology disorders
  • What does deviant mean in psychological disorders?

    Different from the cultural norm or average.

    psychology terminology
  • What does distressful mean in mental health?

    Causing emotional or physical suffering for the individual.

    psychology mentalhealth
  • What does dysfunctional mean in mental illness?

    Interfering with daily life and normal functioning.

    psychology mentalhealth
  • Why is context important in defining disorders?

    Behaviors may be abnormal in one culture but not in another.

    psychology culture
  • What is the DSM?

    The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

    psychology diagnostics
  • What edition of the DSM is most current?

    DSM-5.

    psychology diagnostics
  • What is the purpose of the DSM?

    To standardize the diagnosis and classification of mental disorders.

    psychology diagnostics
  • What are the benefits of diagnosis?

    Helps professionals communicate, research disorders, and guide treatment.

    psychology diagnostics
  • What are the downsides of labeling someone with a diagnosis?

    Can lead to stigma, self-fulfilling prophecies, and discrimination.

    psychology labeling
  • What is the medical model of mental illness?

    Views mental disorders as illnesses with biological causes and possible treatments.

    psychology medicalmodel
  • What is the biopsychosocial model?

    Considers biological, psychological, and social-cultural factors in mental illness.

    psychology biopsychosocial
  • Why is the biopsychosocial model important?

    It provides a more comprehensive understanding of mental disorders.

    psychology biopsychosocial
  • What is a risk factor?

    Any characteristic or exposure that increases the likelihood of developing a disorder.

    psychology riskfactors
  • Give examples of risk factors for mental illness.

    • Genetics
    • Trauma
    • Poverty
    • Neglect
    • Substance abuse
    psychology riskfactors
  • What percentage of adults will experience a psychological disorder in their lifetime?

    About 50%.

    psychology statistics
  • When do most psychological disorders begin?

    Before age 24.

    psychology development
  • What is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

    A disorder characterized by chronic, excessive worry about many things.

    psychology anxiety
  • What is panic disorder?

    Characterized by sudden, intense panic attacks and fear of future attacks.

    psychology anxiety
  • What is a phobia?

    An intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation.

    psychology phobias
  • What is social anxiety disorder?

    A fear of social situations due to worry about being judged or embarrassed.

    psychology anxiety
  • What is agoraphobia?

    Fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable.

    psychology phobias
  • What is OCD?

    Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder—involves unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions).

    psychology ocd
  • What are obsessions?

    Unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges.

    psychology ocd
  • What are compulsions?

    Repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety from obsessions.

    psychology ocd
  • What is PTSD?

    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder—characterized by reliving trauma, avoidance, and hyperarousal.

    psychology ptsd
  • What causes PTSD?

    Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.

    psychology ptsd
  • What does DSM stand for?

    Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

    psychology diagnostics
  • How is the DSM organized?

    By categories of disorders, each with diagnostic criteria.

    psychology diagnostics
  • What is comorbidity?

    When an individual meets the criteria for more than one disorder at the same time.

    psychology comorbidity
  • Why is comorbidity important?

    It complicates diagnosis and treatment planning.

    psychology comorbidity
  • What is one criticism of the DSM?

    It may pathologize normal behavior.

    psychology criticism
  • How can labeling lead to self-fulfilling prophecies?

    People may act according to the expectations of their diagnosis.

    psychology labeling
  • What is lifetime prevalence?

    The percentage of people who will experience a disorder at some point in their life.

    psychology statistics
  • Which group is at higher risk for mental illness?

    Young adults and women (especially for anxiety and depression).

    psychology demographics
  • What are common symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder?

    • Restlessness
    • Fatigue
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Irritability
    • Muscle tension
    • Sleep disturbance
    psychology anxiety
  • What are symptoms of panic attacks?

    • Racing heart
    • Shortness of breath
    • Dizziness
    • Sweating
    • Fear of dying or going crazy
    psychology anxiety
  • How might phobias develop?

    • Through classical conditioning
    • Observational learning
    psychology phobias
  • What is an example of classical conditioning in phobias?

    • Developing a fear of dogs after being bitten
    psychology classical_conditioning
  • Why do people perform compulsions in OCD?

    • To reduce anxiety caused by obsessions
    psychology ocd
  • What are common compulsions in OCD?

    • Handwashing
    • Checking
    • Counting
    • Repeating rituals
    psychology ocd compulsions
  • What are the main symptom clusters of PTSD?

    • Re-experiencing
    • Avoidance
    • Negative thoughts and mood
    • Hyperarousal
    psychology ptsd
  • What is hyperarousal in PTSD?

    • Increased alertness
    • Startle response
    • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
    psychology ptsd