PSYC 507: General Psychopathology Flashcards
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
A neurodevelopmental disorder that has a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. The primary cause of this disorder is thought to be biological and related to the frontal lobes. ADHD is typically treated with stimulant medications and behavioral therapy.
Anxiety Disorders
A group of disorders in the DSM-V that are characterized by anxiety or an emotional/physiological response to an anticipated or imagined danger – not an imminent threat of danger. Anxiety disorders also commonly involve an avoidance of the anxiety-inducing stimuli and are treated with medications such as benzodiazepines and/or SSRI’s and CBT and/or exposure therapy.
Anxiety Sensitivity
A term meaning the presence of a fear associated with anxiety symptoms – typically a mis-assessment of bodily sensations found with anxiety. The individual believes the anxiety symptoms will cause harmful consequences and their felt anxiety about the presence of anxiety often worsens the initial anxiety.
Assessment Interview
The process of collecting relevant information about a client and their history. The assessment interview allows the clinician to begin forming a conceptualization of the client’s case. The clinician gathers information about the client’s history and presenting problem(s). Interviews may be structured (i.e. adhere to set list of questions) or unstructured (i.e. more conversation based).
Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II Disorder
Bipolar I disorder is characterized by a current or past full manic episode that may be preceded or succeeded by major depressive episodes. Bipolar II disorder is characterized by a current or past hypomanic episode that is preceded or succeeded by major depressive episodes. Mania differs from hypomania in that it lasts consistently for 1+ week (or if hospitalization is necessary) and the mood disturbance is severe enough to cause marked impairment. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. Bipolar II has the potential to develop into Bipolar I if left untreated.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
A “Cluster B” personality disorder that is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, affects, and has marked impulsivity. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is often diagnosed in early adulthood and often has components of recurrent suicidal behavior and self-injurious behavior.
Case Study
A type of research in which one takes an in depth look at an individual and their history. Case studies are typically useful for studying disorders that are very rare. However they lack generalizability because they are completed with a single individual and cannot establish a cause/effect relationship.
Categorical vs. Dimensional Diagnosis
Terms used to refer to types of diagnostic approaches. A categorical approach, also referred to as a medical model, views each diagnosis as separate with no overlapping features. Whereas a dimensional approach believes that symptoms overlap and the combination is often what determines the diagnosis.
Clinical Significance
A term used to describe the practical importance of a particular treatment effect and whether or not the treatment has a genuine effect on the client’s daily life. Clinical significance refers to the degree of usefulness in clinical practice and overall impact of client’s functioning and quality of life outside the confines of treatment.
Comorbidity
The presence of 2+ disorders in one individual at the same time. Comorbidity is not uncommon due to borders between diagnostic categories often being blurred. Additionally, many disorders often present concurrently and must be treated as such.
Competency to Stand Trial
A legal decision as to whether a person charged with a crime has the capacity to understand the charges against them and the ability to assist with their own defense. This refers to the client’s state of mind at the time of the trial, not the time of the crime. If the client is found incompetent to stand trial, the disorder(s) will be treated until they are deemed competent.
Conduct Disorder
A repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms/rules are violated. The individual must be under the age of 18 and meet at least three of the possible fifteen criteria in the past year and one must have occurred in the last six months. Some possible criteria include aggression to people/animals, destruction of property, and/or deceitfulness or theft. Conduct disorder is often thought to be a predecessor to antisocial personality disorder.
Diagnosis
A determination that a person’s problems are reflective of a particular disorder or syndrome. Diagnostic labels make it possible for clinicians to communicate clearly with one another, but they may also carry negative connotations and/or social stigmas. Diagnoses are not always completely accurate or perfectly fit an individual’s symptoms.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
A nomothetic categorical system of diagnoses developed by the American Psychiatric Association that provides a prototypical diagnosis approach. It is the primary manual used for diagnosis by mental health practitioners in the United Sates and provides a common language for professionals to discuss disorders/symptoms.
Diathesis-Stress Model
This model theorizes a relationship between one’s biological nature and their environmental conditions. It hypothesizes that individuals who develop disorders have a genetic predisposition towards a disorder, which is then activated through stress in the environment. The diathesis-stress model is a biopsychosocial explanation of abnormal behavior.
Dissociative Disorders
A group of disorders characterized by sudden or gradual disruption in the normal integrative functions of consciousness, memory, or perception of the environment. The disruption may last for minutes to years, depending on the type of disorder.
