507 - Gen Psychopathology Flashcards
anxiety disorders:
WHERE: General Psychopathology
WHAT:
- 29% prev in adults
- women more likely to have
- most common mental disorder
Types of Anxiety Disorders =
- GAD
- social anxiety disorder
- panic disorder
- specific phobia
- agoraphobia
Symptoms =
- physical arousal
- feelings of tension
- apprehension
- worry
Becomes abnormal when =
- it’s irrational
- uncontrollable
- disruptive
Treatments =
- CBT
- mindfulness
- relaxation
- exposure
- meds
WHY: Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders, so it’s important for counselors to be familiar with their presentation, how it may affect the patient’s life, and viable treatment options.
EXAMPLE: Sarah, a therapy client, told her therapist she avoids social settings due to her fear of being judged or not liked by others. She describes feeling tense and sweaty when she is in social situations. Her therapist says Sarah may be suffering from social anxiety.
anxiety sensitivity
WHAT: Misinterpretation of physical signs of anxiety. Leads individuals to fear these sensations bc they thing it will leave to negative consequences (i.e. panic attacks)
WHY: This is important because it can be a maintaining factor in a clients anxiety disorder. Using psychoeducation to teach that a racing heart does not always mean a panic attack is approaching allows the client to habituate to these sensations + decrease psychological distress.
EXAMPLE: Demi has high anxiety sensitivity. Sometimes, when her heart is racing and she gets sweaty (from walking, etc.), she thinks she’s going to have a panic attack and goes to the ER.
bipolar I vs bipolar II
WHAT:
Bipolar I =
- at least one manic episode in life time, lasting at least 1 week
- can be diagnosed without depressive episodes
Bipolar II =
- major depressive episode, at least 2 weeks
- hypomanic episode, 3-4 days
- no history of manic episodes
Treatment =.
- antipsychotics
- mood stabilizers
- therapy (social skills, med adherence)
Stats =
- age of onset 15-30
- equally common in men and women
- highly heritable
WHY: It is important to understand the differences between bipolar I and II and other disorders, as misdiagnosis can be harmful to the patient, and possibly worsen their condition.
EXAMPLE: Chris has been admitted to psychological care by his wife. His wife reports that for the past two weeks he has not been sleeping, has been talking extremely quickly, and has impulsively bought lots of things they cannot afford. The clinician suspects he may have bipolar I disorder.
borderline personality disorder
WHAT: Cluster B personality disorder
Long standing pattern of instability in…
- mood
- personal relationships
- self-image
that result in…
- extreme distress
- interference in social and occupational function
Symptoms =
- strong fear of abandonment
- emotional volatility
- manipulation
- black/white thinking
- feelings of emptiness
- poor sense of self
may also experience…
- inability to self-sooth
- self harm
- dissociative experiences
WHY: It is important to understand and be aware of personality disorders and how they vary, as they are highly comorbid
EXAMPLE: Stuart has come to therapy after a recent breakup. He says his ex-gf broke up with him due to his frequent, volatile emotional out bursts. He says he doesn’t understand why she gets upset, because he forgets all about it in a few days. The therapist suspects Stuart may have borderline personality disorder.
case study
WHAT: A case study is an in-depth examination of an individual or group with a particular psychological disorder. It typically involves detailed observation and analysis of the subject’s behaviors, emotions, thoughts, and social context to understand the nature and impact of their condition.
who: A single individual being studied that may possibly have a rare condition or unusual psychopathology that contribute to better understanding what may be going on.
why: Case studies can provide valuable insights into the complexities of mental health disorders and contribute to the development of treatment methods and theoretical frameworks in psychology.
Example: Genie, also known as the “feral child” participated in a psychological case study. She was the only participant and her case dealt with unusual circumstances in which she was severely neglected and abused. She was unable to communicate and never developed language skills. This study gave researchers insight on how abuse/neglect can negatively affect development.
categorical vs dimensional diagnosis
What: categorical diagnosis assume that disorders have specific etiologies, pathologies, and treatments and that they are qualitatively distinct. Dimensional diagnoses are more individualized where symptoms reflect quantitative deviations from baseline and take comorbidities into account.
When: understanding categorical and dimensional diagnosis is relevant when determining a diagnosis and treatment plan
Where: Categorical diagnostic categorization is found in the DSM-5
Why: It is important to know the strengths and limitations of using categorical diagnosis compared to dimensional diagnosis in order to effectively diagnose and treat.
Examples: Stacy comes into therapy for depressive symptoms. In order for Stacy to receive treatment that is paid for by insurance she must have a categorical diagnosis. This involves her therapist aligning her symptoms with those that are categorically listed in the DSM.
comorbidity
who: Comorbidity effects clients who are diagnosed with more than one disorder.
What: the co-occurrence of distinct disorders that may be interacting with one another at the same time. This is very common in mood disorders and substance use disorders
When: This is important in determining which diagnosis to treat first.
Where: General Psychopathology
Why: Knowing different disorders that are commonly comorbid can help better assess a patient, conceptualize their symptoms and developing a treatment plan.
Example: A patient comes into therapy presenting symptoms of depression while also struggling with anorexia. It is important to note what factors present the most risk in order to start treatment. Due to the patients low weight and poor eating behaviors the therapist decides to address the eating disorder first before moving on to depression.
competency to stand trial
who: Regarding the individual accused of a crime
What: Criminal competence requires that individuals must be able to understand the charges against them, consult with an attorney with a reasonable degree of understanding, and must be able to assist in their own defense. It requires a cognitive assessment and the burden is placed on the defense to prove incompetence.
When: Occur before the trial after concern is raised about a defendants competency or upon request.
Where: General Psychopathology
Why: This is important in understanding the large effect a mental disorder can have on someone in their own life but also in others life’s as well
Example:
diagnosis
Who: Generally relevant in those seeing treatment and is given by a clinician.
What: A diagnosis is a determination that a persons symptoms or presenting problem classify with a particular disorder or syndrome usually within the DSM 5. Labels of diagnosis make it easier for clinicians to communicate. However diagnosis can carry a negative connotation and not all fit perfect.
When: When symptoms presented by a client reflect a certain disorder found in a manual with clear distinctions made out of what requirements are laid out for said disorder
Where: General Psychopathology
Why: Diagnosis are important in guiding treatment plans, monitoring progress, and understanding a clients symptoms.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
who: Published by the American Psychiatric Association
What: a classification system used as a diagnostic tool of mental health disorders. The DSM provides criteria in a generally categorical system based on symptoms.
When: The DSM is used when attempting to develop a diagnosis and treatment plan as well as when formulating patient information for insurance plans.
Where: The DSM is used by clinical and mental health professional in private practices, hospitals, and other clinical settings as well as for research and training.
Why: A patient comes to therapy presenting symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Th therapist utilizes the DSM and matches the criteria for GAD to the patients symptoms. This allows the client and patient to be on the same understanding when it comes to their mental health issues. The DSM serves as a standardized tool to diagnose mental health disorders that can ensure consistency throughout mental health professionals.
diathesis-stress
What: The diathesis stress model is a theory stating that disorders develop from a combination of both genetic or biological predispositions and stressful conditions in an individual’s life. A diathesis is pre-existing factor while stress is a life event that is a stressor.
When: relevant during the onset of mental
health conditions and throughout the clients life
Where: General Psychopathology
Why: This model is important to understand because it aids in explaining client symptoms and diagnosis by examining the stress in their environment and biological factors.
Example: Sarah comes into therapy for her drinking as many people have come to her expressing concern for her health. Sarah talks to her therapist about how both her parents are heavy drinkers as are most people in her family. Sarah started drinking after she got out of a toxic relationship. The therapist explains that the diathesis-stress model may be a factor maintaining her heavy drinking behaviors.
differential diagnosis
What: The process of determining which of two or more diseases or disorder with overlapping symptoms a particular patient has
When: When a clients symptoms could be indicative of multiple diagnosis.
Where: General Psychopathology
Why: This is important because it helps to ensure clients are receiving correct diagnosis and treatment plans.
dissociative disorders:
WHAT:
Symptoms =
- disturbance in memory
- depersonalization
- derealization
- blurred sense of identity
- increased risk of suicide
often develops in response to trauma, abuse, or extreme stress
Includes dissociative amnesia, dissociative fugue, and dissociative identity disorder.
WHY: These disorders are important to understand because people who develop this diagnosis are at an increased risk for suicide and self harm. Understanding a patient’s background of trauma or abuse can aid in treatment.
EXAMPLE: Jane was sexually abused as a child. She tells her therapist she has little to no memory of her childhood. Her therapist suspects she is suffering from dissociative amnesia as a response to her trauma.
dopamine
WHAT: Neurotransmitter responsible for learning, reward, and motivation.
- high dopamine = depression, schizophrenia (pos sxs), low = Parkinson’s (neg sxs)
Almost all substances affect dopamine system, causing use/abuse/dependence of substances.
- natural dopamine production declines when it’s regularly artifically introduced
WHY: Understanding how neurotransmitters can affect a person’s psychological state can aid in treatment planning and determining etiology. It also helps in psychoeducation to explain a disorder to patients.
EXAMPLE: Jenny was just diagnosed with depression and was prescribed medication. Her therapist explains that the medication helps to resolve the imbalance of dopamine and how that all produces Jenny’s symptoms
eating disorders:
who: More prevalent in women. Females more likely to desire a thin physique and engage in purging behavior. Males more likely to desire a muscular physique and engage in excessive exercise.
What: Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, pica, and rumination disorder are apart of feeding and eating disorders. These are characterized by a persistent disturbance of eating behavior that results in the altered consumption of absorption of food that impairs physical health of psychosocial functioning;
When: Typical age of onset for eating disorders is adolescence. The peak age of onset for anorexia is 15 and 19 years. The age of onset for BN is slightly later tan AN.
Where: Dysregulation of SHT system (Serotonin) in the brain may cause symptoms. Sociocultural influences such as the pressure to have a thin/ ideal body shape.
Why:
