Chapter 15 - Psychological Disorders

Question 1

Five criteria for psych. abnormality

Answer 1

1. Statistical Rarity (DEVIANCE)
2. Societal disapproval/deviation from norms (DEVIANCE)
3. Subjective Distress (DISTRESS)
4. Impairment in functioning (DYSFUNCTION/DANGER)
5. Biological dysfunction - bio. underpinning - (DYSFUNCTION)

4 Ds:
Deviance
Dysfunction
Distress
Danger

Question 2

Insanity

Answer 2

• Legal term not psychological one
• Inability to understand certain actions are wrong at time of crime (US)
• “Not criminally responsible on account of a mental disorder” (CAN)

Question 3

Two models of Mental Illness in text

Answer 3

• Demonic possession (supernatural, trephination, “witches” may have just been mentally ill)
• Medical Model (ancient greece, assumed biological causes; blood, phlegm, bile (yellow/black), inhumane asylums were closed when medication available

Question 4

Diasthesis Stress Model

Answer 4

-Pers. predisposed, unexpressed until enviro. trigger

Question 5

DSM-V

Answer 5

• objective, measurable criteria for diagnosing

- NOT treatment or causes

Question 6

Schizophrenia Main features

Answer 6

-Less than 1% in Canada

1. Delusions/irrational thoughts
2. Train of though/speech deterioration
3. Hallucinations
4. Disturbed behaviour or catatonia (emot. blunt, responses don’t match situations, self-care, catatonia)

Question 7

Schizophrenia causes

Answer 7

1. Genetic (48% concordance in MZ twins)
2. Neurochemical (oversensitivity of receptors to DOPAMINE)
3. Structural abnormalities (enlarged ventricles, although this may be result not cause; decreased activity during challenging activities)
4. Stress - trigger for those predisposed
5. Viral infection or malnutrition during pregnancy
6. Family stress factors (parental “criticism, hostility, overinvolvement”)

DIASTHESIS-STRESS MODEL