Mental Health Flashcards
Positive psychology vs. traditional psychology
Positive psychology is focused on studying happiness, well-being, and positive aspects of human experience.
Traditional psychology, on the other hand, is focused on the study of mental illness and negative aspects of human experience.
What is mental illness?
Mental illness refers to abnormal mental and emotional states that cause distress, dysfunction, or deviance.
Is it normal to have changes in mood and behavior?
Yes, it is completely normal to have changes in mood and behavior. It is also normal to be weird/eccentric, to misbehave sometimes, etc.
What did Freud say about sadness?
Freud said that “sadness” is not abnormal and called it “everyday misery.”
How do we define abnormal behavior?
There is no easy way to define abnormal behavior, and to date, there is no objective test for mental illness.
What factors influence our judgment of normal behavior?
Our judgment of normal behavior is influenced by at least three factors: social and cultural norms, characteristics of the individual (age, gender, etc.), and context/environment.
What are the three considerations of the best current standard for mental illness?
The three considerations are distress (thoughts or behavior that causes pain or suffering), dysfunction (interference with normal functioning in daily life), and deviance (behavior or feelings that are very unusual).
What is the official guide used by psychologists to determine mental illness?
The official guide is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Version 5, which lists symptoms for each mental illness and criteria that determine whether something is normal or abnormal.
What are the diagnostic criteria for major depression?
The diagnostic criteria for major depression include depressed mood or loss of pleasure in daily activities for at least 2 weeks, impaired function, and at least 5 of the following symptoms appearing nearly every day for 2 weeks.
What is meant by “depressed mood”?
“Depressed mood” refers to a break with the person’s baseline mood.
How is function impaired in major depression?
Function is impaired either socially, occupationally, or educationally in major depression.
What are the 9 symptoms used to diagnose major depression?
The 9 symptoms used to diagnose major depression include a) depressed mood or irritability, b) decreased interest or pleasure in most daily activities, c) significant weight change or change in appetite, d) change in sleep patterns (insomnia or hypersomnia), e) change in activity (psychomotor agitation or retardation), f) fatigue or loss of energy, g) feelings of guilt or worthlessness, h) diminished ability to concentrate, and i) thoughts of death or suicide.
How long must symptoms be present to diagnose major depression?
Symptoms must be present for at least 2 weeks to diagnose major depression.
What is psychomotor agitation or retardation?
Psychomotor agitation refers to an increase in physical and mental activity, while psychomotor retardation refers to a decrease in physical and mental activity.
What are some examples of impaired social function in major depression?
Examples of impaired social function in major depression may include social withdrawal or difficulties with relationships.
How is major depression different from sadness?
Major depression is different from sadness in that it is a prolonged and severe condition that affects daily life, while sadness is a normal emotion that is usually temporary and does not significantly impair daily function.
Why is it important to diagnose major depression?
It is important to diagnose major depression because it is a treatable condition that can greatly improve a person’s quality of life and reduce the risk of suicide.
What should you do if you think you might be depressed?
If you think you might be depressed, in the early stages you should follow all advice from this class, such as eating well, being active, sleeping well, spending time outside, taking breaks, etc. Additionally, always talk to friends or family about whatever is bothering you.
What should you do if symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes and talking to loved ones?
If symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes and talking to loved ones, you should always go to see an expert.
Who can you talk to about your symptoms of depression?
You can talk to friends or family about your symptoms of depression.
What are some lifestyle changes that can help with symptoms of depression?
Eating well, being active, sleeping well, spending time outside, and taking breaks are some lifestyle changes that can help with symptoms of depression.
Why is it important to talk to loved ones about your symptoms of depression?
It is important to talk to loved ones about your symptoms of depression because they can provide emotional support and help you get the care you need.
What kind of expert should you see if you think you might be depressed?
If you think you might be depressed, you should see a mental health professional such as a therapist or psychiatrist.
How can a mental health professional help with depression?
A mental health professional can help with depression by providing therapy and/or medication, and by developing a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
