Module: 65 Psychological Disorders Flashcards
Psychological Disorder
A syndrome marked by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior
*significantly disturbed thoughts, emotions, or behaviors are dysfunctional or maladaptive - interfere with normal day to day life
Maladaptive
Behavior that inhibits your ability to adjust
Dysfunctional
Not operating normally or properly
Can the definition of “significant disturbance” change over time?
Yes - ex. Homosexuality was classified as a psychological disorder but is not anymore
*however, stigma and stresses of the LGBT+ community often experience can increase the risk of mental health problems
Trephining
A method of “curing” psychological disorders in the Stone Age by drilling skull holes in an attempt to release evil spirits.
How was mental illness treated during the middle ages?
Mental illness was believed to have been induced by the Devil and required harsh cure that would drive out the evil demon
*people considered “mad” were sometimes caged or given “therapies” –> genital mutilation, beating, removal of teeth or lengths of intestines, animal blood transfusions
What is the medical model?
The concept that diseases, have physical causes that can be diagnosed, treated, and, in most cases, cured, often through treatment in a hospital
What is the biopsychosocial approach to understanding mental illness?
Biological, psychological, and social-cultural influences together weave the fabric of our behaviors, thoughts, and feelings.
What are the biological factors that influence mental health?
- evolution
- individual genes
- brain structure & chemistry
What are the psychological factors that influence mental health?
- stress
- trauma
- learned helplessness
- mood-related perceptions & memories
What are the social-cultural factors that influence mental health?
- roles
- expectations
- definitions of normality and disorder
Vulnerability - stress (or diathesis-stress) model
Suggest that genetic predispositions combine with environmental stressors to increase or decrease the likelihood of developing a psychological disorder
*The biopsychosocial approach gave rise to this model
Why do clinicians classify psychological disorders?
- to order and describe symptoms
- more in depth description of a person’s disordered behavior, thoughts, or feelings
- suggest appropriate treatment
- prompt research into causes
DSM-5
The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental Disorders, Fifth Edition
*mental health professionals use the detailed diagnostics criteria to guide diagnosis and treatment
Are some diagnoses controversial?
Yes
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder for children who exhibit persistent irritability and frequent episodes of behavior outburst three or more times a week for more than a year