abnormal psychology

Question 1

• physiological (caused by an error in nature, ex manic depressive disorder)
• genetic predisposition (genetic component in that diseases tend to run in the family ex schizophrenia)
• environmental (caused by problems in the individual’s environment or trauma)

Answer 1

causes for psychological disorders

Question 2

relatively mild category that is similar to defence mechanisms; may last longer than defence mechanisms in that they interfere with enjoyment of life

Answer 2

neuroses

Question 3

• unable to cope well with certain situations
• often understands cause of problems
• may use various methods to escape these situations
• are in touch with reality

Answer 3

qualities of a neurotic

Question 4

• conflicts are converted into physical symptoms (ex blindness, paralysis)
• illness seems to temporarily solve problem; once individual deals with repressed feelings, the physical problems disappear

Answer 4

hysterical reaction

Question 5

• extreme fear of certain objects or situations
• classified as such when they interfere w/ your life
• thought to be repressed fears by many
• Freud says they are defences against society

Answer 5

phobias

Question 6

serious mental illness which may prevent an individual from functioning adequately

Answer 6

psychosis

Question 7

• may distort reality through hallucinations
• may show great personality changes
• may be confused about time, place, identity
• may have lack of understanding of their own behaviour

Answer 7

qualities of a psychotic

Question 8

• FREUD: when under extreme stress, the conscious mind (ego) withdraws from reality and tries to remodel the world in a more tolerable way (hallucinations)
• GENETICS: most schizophrenics have a relative with the disease
• CHEMICAL IMBALANCE: faulty brain biochemistry

Answer 8

causes of psychosis

Question 9

a lifelong, pervasive pattern of rule-breaking and violating the rights of others that begins at age 15

Answer 9

antisocial personality disorders

Question 10

• chronic troublemakers, impulsive, grandiose and poor self-observers who do not learn from punishment
• range from pathological liars, white collar criminals to murderous felons
• blame others for their problems and see themselves as victims
• despite horrendous nature of their crimes, may appear as normal, average person, seldom loses temper
• very little seems to bother them
• unrealistic belief that they won’t be caught

Answer 10

qualities of an asp