Chapters 1-5 Flashcards
Define the Term Psychological Disorder.
A psychological dysfunction associated with DISTRESS and/or IMPAIRMENT in functioning. The behaviour is also culturally atypical or unexpected.
What is the purpose scientific practitioners in the study of psychopathology?
Scientific practitioners apply the scientific method to clinical psychology. They use the scientific method to define and describe psychological disorders and their causes, evaluate current practices, and determine the best method for treating various disorders.
What does it mean to take an integrative approach to psychopathology
The integrative approach to psychopathology is what is used in modern day psychology. It involves a multi-dimensional approach that looks at multiple factors and their interactions including but not limited to behavioural, biological, emotional, social, developmental, and cultural factors.
What does it mean to say that psychological dysfunction exists on a continuum?
Psychological Dysfunction, a break down in cognitive emotional or behavioural functioning, exists on a continuum in that it spans between normal and abnormal and individuals can fall anywhere on the spectrum. There is a line on the continuum between normal and abnormal that we classify the line into clinical dysfunction, where the individual meets the criteria for a disorder.
What is the difference between a one dimensional and a multidimensional model of psychopathology?
One dimensional models attribute only single factors to disorders (e.g. Depression is caused by genetics). Multidimensional models attribute multiple factors (e.g. Depression is associated with genetic causes, social and behavioural factors, and biological (e.g. vitamin D levels)).
What is the Diathesis Stress model?
The model that considers both biological/genetic factors and environmental.
This model suggests that certain vulnerabilities are inherited but are only activated by stressful experiences. Essentially we can be born with a tendency (Diathesis) for certain psychological disorders but stressful experiences will contribute to the emergence of the disorder (Stress).
What is the gene-environment correlation model?
The Gene-environment correlation model suggests that genetic endowment may increase our probability of responding negatively to stressful events.
What are epigenetics ?
Epigenetics are modifications in gene expression (without changing the genes themselves). Epigenetics can have inter-generational effects.
Define the terms assessment and diagnosis.
Assessment: Systematic evaluation and measurement of psychological, biological, and social factors in a individual who presents with possible psychological disorders.
Diagnosis: Determining if a particular problem meets all the criteria for a psychological disorder as described by the DSM-5
How are clinical interviews, physical examinations, behavioural assessments, psychological assessments, and neuroimaging used during assessment?
Clinical interviews are used to gather info about current and past behaviour, attitudes, and emotions as well as a detailed picture of the individuals general life and current presenting problem. Mental status exams are a part of the interview process, they are a systematic observation of the persons behaviour in the following categories: appearance and behaviour; thought process; mood and affect; intellectual functioning; and sensorium (awareness of surroundings)
Physical exams can be used to rule our physiological causes underlying the problem.
Behavioural assessments are used to assess thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in specific context.
Psychological testing can be used to assess specialized areas (e.g. intelligence, projection etc.). Neuroimaging can find structural markers of disorders in the brain.
What is a case study?
Case studies provide detailed analysis of single cases but are not part of the scientific method.
What is correlational research?
Correlational research exams the relationship between two variables but does not provide causal links.
What is experimental research?
Through control and random assignment, experimental research looks for causal relationships between variables.
Provide the clinical description, causes, and treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Clinical Description:
- Uncontrollable, unproductive worrying about everyday events
- Feeling of impending catastrophe
- Inability to stop the worry/anxiety cycle
- Symptoms of muscle agitation, fatigue, irritability, arousal of the sympathetic NS, and/or difficulty sleeping
Causes:
- Genetic: GAD runs in families and has high concurrence in monozygotic twins; there is heritability for anxiety sensitivity.
Treatment:
- Psych Treatment: CBT, mindfulness, Emotion focused therapy
- Medications: Benzodiazepines, anti-depressants
Provide the clinical description, causes, and treatment of Panic Disorder
Clinical Description:
- Sensation of dying, losing control, and/or heart attack
- Racing heart and rapid breathing, dizziness and nausea
- Panic disorder develops when an individual has anxiety over having another Panic Attack
Causes:
- Has biological, psychological, and social factors
Treatment:
- Medication: Benzodiazepines, SSRIs, SNRIs
- Psych: Panic Control treatment, virtual reality.
