Lecture 1 Flashcards
What is clinical psychology?
The branch of psychology responsible for understanding and treating psychopathology
Focuses on mental disorders, their symptoms, causes, classification, and treatment.
Define psychopathology.
The study of deviations from normal or everyday psychological and behavioural functioning / mental disorders
Involves symptoms, causes, classification, and treatment.
What are culture-bound syndromes?
Disorders found only in particular cultures
Examples include Koro in China, Taijin-kyofu-sho in Japan, Susto among Kechua-speaking Latino Indians, and Amok in Southeast Asia.
What is maladaptive behavior?
Anything that does not allow a person to function within or adapt to the stresses and everyday demands of life
Can lead to deficits in social, occupational, educational, and family functioning.
What does subjective discomfort refer to?
Emotional distress or emotional pain
No objective standards exist, and some disorders may not involve the individual experiencing distress.
What is the DSM?
Diagnostic Manual of psychological disorders and their symptoms
Developed by the American Psychological Association, current edition is DSM-5-TR.
What is the ICD?
International Classification of Diseases
A global classification system that covers all diseases, developed by the World Health Organization.
What are the primary uses of the ICD and DSM?
ICD: Epidemiological research, public health planning, clinical practice; DSM: Clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, and research
ICD emphasizes broader health context, while DSM focuses on individual patient assessment.
What is mental health stigma?
Negative attitudes towards people with mental health problems
Includes social stigma and perceived/self-stigma.
What is the difference between social stigma and perceived stigma?
Social stigma involves prejudicial attitudes directed at individuals with mental health problems; perceived stigma is internalized by the mental health sufferer
Both can lead to discrimination and avoidance of treatment.
What is the purpose of assertiveness training in therapy?
To prepare clients to deal with interpersonal conflicts
Example: K’s therapist used it to help her address her father’s disapproval.
What are biological models in psychology?
Models explaining behavior as caused by biological changes in chemical, structural, or genetic systems
Includes heritability studies, neurotransmitter imbalances, and brain abnormalities.
What is the psychoanalytic/psychodynamic model?
Disordered behavior stems from repressed conflicts and urges
Example: Depression caused by repressed anger turned inward.
What is classical conditioning?
Learning of an association between two stimuli
Example: Pavlov’s dogs learned to associate a bell with food.
What is operant conditioning?
Learning of a specific behavior due to rewards or punishments
Example: A rat learns to press a lever for food in a Skinner box.
