psychological disorders Flashcards
What has influenced the rise of mental health disorders?
Either we are better at diagnosing, people feel more comfortable asking for help, or our lifestyle promotes mental health disorders
What are the three D’s of mental health disorders?
Deviant, Distressing, Dysfunctional
How do we decide if something is pathological?
f something is caused by a physical or mental disease
What do we use to diagnose?
The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual)
How should we talk about disorders in order to reduce stigma?
“someone who suffers from anxiety” instead of someone with anxiety or someone
who has anxiety
Diathesis Stress Model
is a psychological theory that attempts to explain a disorder, or its trajectory, as the result of an interaction between a pre-dispositional vulnerability, and stress caused by life experiences.
What makes worry or anxiety Pathological?
it is constant, over many different issues, at times irrational
Three broad categories of anxiety symptoms?
Cognitive symptoms, Somatic symptoms, and Behavioral symptoms
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Excessive, uncontrollable anxiety for 6+ months, with more than one stressor, and 3+ anxiety symptoms
What are the main symptoms of anxiety disorders?
Being on edge, tight chest, racing heart, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbances
What is a panic disorder?
Having recurrent, unexpected panic attacks (4+ in a year)
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Having either or both: Obsessions (intrustive, unwanted thoughts) and Compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts)
Do you need to have both obsessions and compulsions in order to meet the criteria for OCD?
No, but it is common to have both
What does it mean to have an intrusive thought?
To have a recurrent or persistent thoughts, usually about violent or destructive urges, that you cannot stop or control
How do you help and treat mental health disorders?
Medication, telling your story to someone safe, see a therapist
What is a depressive episode?
When an individual experiences a depressed mood, and/or lack of motivation and pleasure
What is a manic episode?
When an individual experiences elevated/irritable mood for 1+ weeks and persistent goal directed activity plus 3+ other manic symptoms
What is the difference between the three kinds of depression we discussed in class?
Major Depressive Disorder is constant highs and lows, Persistent Depressive Disorder is constant lows, and Premenstrual Depressive Disorder is due to women’s menstrual cycles, so lows every month
What is Bipolar Disorder?
There are two kinds of Bipolar Disorder, Bipolar I (having at least one manic episode, likely followed by a depressive one) and Bipolar II (having a hypomanic episode, which is a lesser degree episode)
What is Bipolar Disorder wrongfully stereotyped as?
People will call moody individuals bipolar, which is inaccurate
What is a hypomanic episode?
A shorter manic episode (around 4 days) with less intense symptoms
Why does therapy help individuals who suffer from mental health disorders?
It gives them a safe space to feel seen and heard, as well as provides access to proper medication and specific kinds of treatments
How do you decide if a therapist is a good fit for you?
If it feels like you are talking to a friend. You should form an emotional bond with your therapist, and they should also know how to continue your treatment past the fist stage (when you’re getting to know them) as well as the plateau (when it feels like you’ve shared all you can)
Your friend no longer gets joy from things they used to be interested in. This is an example of:
Anhedonia (diminished interest or pleasure)
