PSYC 236 Ch 6 and 7 Flashcards
What is the key feature of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)?
The presence of two or more distinct personality states with gaps in memory.
What is the main difference between Dissociative Amnesia and Organic Amnesia?
Dissociative Amnesia is caused by psychological trauma, while Organic Amnesia results from brain damage.
What is Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder?
A disorder where individuals feel detached from themselves (depersonalization) or their surroundings (derealization).
What is the trauma model of DID?
The theory that DID develops as a response to severe childhood trauma, allowing the person to compartmentalize memories.
What is the sociocognitive model of DID?
The theory that DID results from suggestibility, media influence, and therapist cues rather than actual trauma.
What is the primary symptom of Somatic Symptom Disorder?
Excessive distress or anxiety about physical symptoms that have no medical explanation.
What is Conversion Disorder (Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder)?
A disorder where psychological stress manifests as neurological symptoms (e.g., paralysis, blindness) without medical cause.
How does Illness Anxiety Disorder differ from Somatic Symptom Disorder?
Illness Anxiety Disorder involves excessive worry about having an illness, while Somatic Symptom Disorder includes distress over actual symptoms.
What is the most effective treatment for Dissociative Disorders?
Psychotherapy (e.g., trauma-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy).
What is the Freudian explanation for Conversion Disorder?
Repressed trauma converts into physical symptoms as a defense mechanism.
How can Factitious Disorder be distinguished from Malingering?
Factitious Disorder is motivated by the desire for attention or sympathy, while Malingering is done for external gain (e.g., avoiding work, obtaining financial benefits).
What are common treatment approaches for Somatic Symptom Disorders?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), stress management, and antidepressant medications for associated anxiety/depression.
What role does reinforcement play in Somatic Symptom Disorders?
Excessive attention or rewards for illness behaviors can reinforce and maintain symptoms.
How does hypnosis relate to Dissociative Disorders?
Hypnosis is sometimes used in therapy for DID but is controversial due to the risk of false memories.
What are the two types of stress appraisal in Lazarus and Folkman’s Stress and Coping Theory?
Primary appraisal (evaluating whether a situation is a threat) and secondary appraisal (assessing one’s ability to cope).
What is the role of cortisol in stress response?
Cortisol is a hormone released in response to stress that helps regulate metabolism and immune function but can be harmful if chronically elevated.
How does chronic stress affect physical health?
Chronic stress weakens the immune system, increases inflammation, and raises the risk for diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
What is a key challenge in diagnosing Dissociative Disorders?
Distinguishing genuine cases from iatrogenic (therapist-induced) cases influenced by suggestion or media.
What is the Biopsychosocial Model?
A framework that explains health and illness as an interaction between biological, psychological, and social factors.
What is psychoneuroimmunology?
The study of how psychological factors (e.g., stress, emotions) influence the immune system and overall health.
How is Type A personality linked to health problems?
Type A individuals (competitive, impatient, hostile) are at a higher risk for heart disease due to chronic stress and aggressive behaviors.
What is the relationship between depression and cardiovascular disease?
Depression increases the risk of heart disease by contributing to inflammation, poor lifestyle choices, and lack of social support.
How does social support impact health outcomes?
Strong social support is associated with better recovery from illness, lower stress levels, and improved mental well-being.
What is the placebo effect?
A phenomenon where a person experiences real improvements in symptoms due to their belief in the effectiveness of a treatment, even if it’s inactive.
What is the nocebo effect?
When negative expectations about a treatment cause adverse effects, even if the treatment itself is harmless.
How does stress contribute to gastrointestinal disorders like ulcers?
Stress increases stomach acid production and weakens immune defenses, making the stomach more vulnerable to bacteria like H. pylori
What is the link between stress and chronic pain?
Chronic stress can heighten pain sensitivity by altering neurotransmitter activity and increasing inflammation.
What is the impact of health-related behaviors on disease risk?
Poor lifestyle choices (smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise) increase disease risk, while healthy behaviors reduce it.
What is the role of behavioral medicine in treating medical conditions?
Behavioral medicine integrates psychological techniques (e.g., stress management, biofeedback) into medical treatment to improve health outcomes.
How can psychological interventions improve chronic illness management?
Techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation training, and mindfulness can reduce stress and improve coping with chronic illness.
