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SP MCAT Psych/Soc > Psychological Disorders > Flashcards

Psychological Disorders Flashcards

1
Q

Biomedical Approach

A
  • approach to psychological disorders that assumes any disorder has roots in biomedical disturbances and thus the solution should be of a biomedical nature
  • focus on physical and medical causes of a psychological disorder
  • fails to take into account other sources of disorders like lifestyle and SES
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2
Q

Biopsychosocial Approach

A
  • considers the relative contributions of biological, psychological, and social components to an individual’s disorder
  • treatments fall into same areas
  • stems from an individuals thoughts, emotions or behaviors
  • social component of a disorder results from individuals surroundings and can include issues of perceived class in society and discrimination
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3
Q

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

A
  • used to diagnose psychological disorders

- categorizes mental disorders based on symptom patterns

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4
Q

Direct Therapy

A

treatment that acts directly on the individual, such as medication or periodic meetings with a psychologist

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5
Q

Indirect Therapy

A

aims to increase social support by educating and empowering family and friends of the affected individual

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6
Q

What are the most common disorders in the US?

A

psychological disorders, especially anxiety, depressive, and substance use disorders

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7
Q

Schizophrenia

A
  • only prototypical disorder with psychosis as a feature
  • contains both positive and negative symptoms
  • to be diagnosed with this must show continuous signs of the disturbance for at least 6 months and have at least one month of “active symptoms” (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech)
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8
Q

Positive Symptoms

A
  • add something to behavior, cognition, or affect
  • includes: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized behavior, catatonic behavior
  • considered to be two distinct dimensions – psychotic dimension (delusions and hallucinations) and disorganized dimension (disorganized thought and behavior)
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9
Q

Negative Symptoms

A
  • loss of something from behavior, cognition or affect

- includes: disturbance of affect, avolition

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10
Q

Delusion

A
  • positive symptom
  • false beliefs discordant with reality and not shared by others in the individuals culture that are maintained in spite of strong evidence to the contrary
  • includes delusions of reference, persecution, and grandeur
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11
Q

Delusions of Reference

A
  • involve the belief that common elements in the environment are directed toward the individual
  • Ex. belief that characters in a TV are talking to them directly
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12
Q

Delusions of Persecution

A
  • involve the belief that the person is being deliberately interfered with, discriminated against, plotted against, or threatened
  • person with this might say “My neighbors break into my house at night and steal clothes out of my closet”
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13
Q

Delusions of Grandeur

A
  • common in schizophrenia and bipolar 1 disorder
  • involved the belief that the person is remarkable in some significant way, such as being an inventor, historical figure or religious icon
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14
Q

Thought Broadcasting

A
  • another common delusion

- the belief that one’s thoughts are broadcast directly from one’s head to the external world

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15
Q

Thought Insertion

A
  • another common delusion
  • belief that thoughts are being placed in one’s head
  • person might believe that the thoughts they are experiencing originated in the minds of others yet have been implanted in their minds
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16
Q

Hallucinations

A
  • positive symptom
  • perceptions that are not due to external stimuli but have a compelling sense of reality
  • most common form is auditory (hearing voices)
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17
Q

Disorganized Thought

A
  • positive symptom
  • characterized by loosening of associations
  • may be exhibited as speech when ideas shift from one subject to another in such a way that the listener would be unable to follow the train of thought (word salad)
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18
Q

Neologisms

A

when a person with schizophrenia invents new words

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19
Q

Disorganized Behavior

A
  • positive symptom in people with Schizophrenia
  • inability to carry out activities of daily living (e.g. paying bills, maintaining hygiene, keeping appointments)
  • lack of inhibition and impulse control
  • behaviors that appear bizarre and have no purpose
  • unpredictable or inappropriate emotional responses
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20
Q

Catatonia

A
  • certain motor behaviors characteristic of some people with schizophrenia
  • patient may maintain a rigid posture or have bizarre movements not caused by any external stimuli – echolalia (repeating another’s words) or echopraxia (imitating another’s actions)
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21
Q

Disturbance of Affect

A
  • negative symptom
  • refers to the experience and display of emotion
  • symptoms include: blunting (severe reduction in intensity of affect expression), flat affect (emotional flattening), inappropriate affect (affect is discordant with the content of the individual’s speech – ex. laugh hysterically while describing someones death)
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22
Q

Avolition

A
  • negative symptom
  • marked by decreased engagement in purposeful , goal-directed actions
  • unable to start or follow through on a course of action
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23
Q

Prodromal Phase

A
  • occurs before schizophrenia is diagnosed when the patient goes through a phase characterized by poor adjustment
  • exemplified by clear evidence of deterioration, social withdrawal, role functioning impairment, peculiar behavior, inappropriate affect, unusual experiences
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24
Q

Downward Drift Hypothesis

A
  • sociology connect to schizophrenia
  • states that schizophrenia causes a decline in SES leading to worsening symptoms which sets up a negative spiral for the patient toward poverty and psychosis – why rates of schiz are higher among homeless and indigents
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25
Q

Which disorders are depressive disorders?

A
  • major depressive disorder

- seasonal affective disorder

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26
Q

Major Depressive Disorder

A

-mood disorder characterized by at least one major depressive episode – period of at least two weeks with at least five symptoms

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27
Q

What are the symptoms of a major depressive episode?

A 
*SIG E. CAPS*
Sadness +
-Sleep
-Interest
-Guilt (excessive)
-Energy (decreased)
-Concentration
-Appetite disturbances 
-Psychomotor symptoms (feeling "slowed down")
-Suicidal thoughts
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28
Q

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymic Disorder)

A
  • individuals diagnosed with this have a depressed mood that isn’t severe enough to meet the criteria of a major depressive episode
  • low mood lasts for at least two years along with at least two other symptoms of depression
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29
Q

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

A
  • not a freestanding diagnosis on the DSM-5, but is best categorized as major depressive disorder with seasonal onset
  • depressive symptoms present only in winter months
  • may be related to abnormal melatonin metabolism
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30
Q

How can SAD be treated?

A

bright light therapy – patient is exposed to a bright light for a specified amount of time each day

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31
Q

Bipolar Disorders

A
  • type of mood disorder characterized by both depression and mania
  • includes Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2
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32
Q

Manic Episodes

A

characterized by abnormal and persistently elevated mood lasting at least one week with at least 3 symptoms from list

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33
Q

What are the symptoms of a manic episode?

A
  • DIG FAST*
  • Distractible
  • Insomnia (decreased need for sleep)
  • Grandiosity (beliefs that one is all powerful, famous, or wealthy)
  • Flight of ideas (racing thoughts)
  • Agitation (or increase in goal-directed activity)
  • Speech
  • Thoughtlessness (risky behavior)
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34
Q

Bipolar 1 Disorder

A

has manic episodes with or without major depressive episodes

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35
Q

Bipolar 2 Disorder

A

has hypomania (typically does not significantly impair functioning nor are there psychotic features although individual may be more energetic/optimistic) with at least one major depressive episode

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36
Q

Cyclothymic Disorder

A

-consists of a combination of hypomanic episodes and periods of dysthymia that are not severe enough to qualify as major depressive episodes

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37
Q

What is the monoamine/catecholamine theory of depression?

A

theory holds that too much NE and serotonin in the synapse leads to mania while too little leads to depression

38
Q

Which disorders are anxiety disorders?

A
  • generalized anxiety disorder
  • specific phobias
  • social anxiety disorder
  • agoraphobia
  • panic disorder
  • PTSD
39
Q

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

A
  • common in the population especially in women
  • defined as a disproportionate and persistent worry about many different things for at least 6 months
  • physical symptoms of disorder: fatigue, muscle tension, sleep problems
40
Q

Specific Phobias

A
  • most common type of anxiety disorder
  • irrational fear of something that results in a compelling desire to avoid it
  • anxiety is produced by a specific object or situation
41
Q

Social Anxiety Disorder

A
  • characterized by anxiety that is due to social situations

- individuals have persistent fear when exposed to social or performance situations that may result in embarrassment

42
Q

Agoraphobia

A
  • anxiety disorder characterized by fear of being in places or situations where it might be hard for an individual to escape
  • scared of leaving their home for fear of a panic attack or exacerbation of another mental illness
43
Q

Panic Disorder

A
  • consists of repeated panic attacks
  • symptoms: fear, apprehension, trembling, sweating, hyperventilation, sense of unreality (belief in impending doom, convinced they are losing their mind)
  • typically accompanied by agoraphobia
44
Q

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

A
  • characterized by obsession (persistent, intrusive thoughts and impulses) which produce tension and compulsions (repetitive tasks) that relieve tension but cause significant impairment in a persons life
  • obsessions raise individuals stress level and compulsions relieve it
  • UNREASONABLE thoughts/fears/obsessions that the individual knows are unreasonable
45
Q

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

A
  • person has unrealistic negative evaluation of his/her personal appearance and attractiveness, usually directed toward a certain body part
  • person often tries to fix this imagine flaw using extreme measures
46
Q

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A
  • occurs after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event
  • consists of intrusive symptoms, avoidance symptoms, negative cognitive symptoms, and arousal symptoms
  • symptoms must be present for a month to meet criteria for disorder
47
Q

Intrusion Symptoms

A

-include recurrent reliving of the event, flashbacks, nightmares and prolonged distress

48
Q

Avoidance Symptoms

A

-include deliberate attempts to avoid the memories, people, places, activities, and objects associated with the trauma

49
Q

Negative Cognitive Symptoms

A

-include inability to recall key features of the event, negative mood or emotions, feeling distanced from others, and a persistent negative view of the world

50
Q

Arousal Symptoms

A

-include an increased startle response, irritability, anxiety, self-destructive or reckless behavior, and sleep disturbances

51
Q

Acute Stress Disorder

A

have same symptoms as individuals with PTSD but symptoms last for less than one month (but more than 3 days)

52
Q

Dissociative Disorders

A
  • person avoids stress by escaping from their identity

- includes: dissociative amnesia, dissociative identity disorder, depersonalization/derealization disorder

53
Q

Dissociative Amnesia

A
  • inability to recall past experiences
  • amnesia is not due to a neurological disorder
  • often linked to trauma
  • individuals often experience dissociative fugue – sudden, unexpected move or purposeless wandering away from ones home with confusion about identity
54
Q

Dissociative Identity Disorder

A
  • known as multiple personality disorder
  • two or more personalities that recurrently take control of a persons behavior
  • results when components of identity fail to integrate
  • often result of severe physical or sexual abuse as a child
55
Q

Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder

A
  • individuals feel detached from their own mind and body (depersonalization) or from their surroundings (derealization)
  • Ex. out of body experience
56
Q

Somatic Symptom Disorder

A

-individuals have at least one somatic symptom which may or may not be linked to an underlying medical condition, that causes disproportionate concern

57
Q

Illness Anxiety Disorder

A
  • characterized by being consumed with thoughts about having or developing a serious medical condition
  • individuals are quick to become alarmed about their health and either excessively check for signs of illness or avoid medical appointments altogether
58
Q

Conversion Disorder

A
  • characterized by unexplained symptoms affecting voluntary motor or sensory functions
  • symptoms begin after high levels of stress or a traumatic event
  • Ex. paralysis or blindness without evidence of neurological disorder
59
Q

Personality Disorder

A
  • pattern of behavior that is inflexible and maladaptive causing distress or impaired functioning in at least tow of the following: cognition, emotions, interpersonal functioning, or impulse control
  • considered ego-syntonic – individual perceives their behavior as correct, normal or in harmony with their goals
  • 10 total personality disorders grouped into 3 clusters
60
Q

What are the three W’s of personality disorders?

A
  • Cluster A: “Weird”
  • Cluster B: “Wild”
  • Cluster C: “Worried”
61
Q

Personality Disorder: Cluster A

A
  • marked by behavior that is labeled as odd or eccentric

- includes: paranoid, schizotypal, and schizoid personality disorders

62
Q

Paranoid Personality Disorder

A

-marked by pervasive distrust of others and suspicion regarding their motives

63
Q

Schizotypal Personality Disorder

A
  • pattern of odd or eccentric thinking

- individuals have idea of reference (similar to delusions of reference) as well as magical thinking (superstitiousness)

64
Q

Schizoid Personality Disorder

A
  • pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression
  • have little desire for social interactions
65
Q

Personality Disorder: Cluster B

A
  • marked by behavior that is labeled as dramatic, emotional, or erratic by others
  • includes: antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders
66
Q

Antisocial Personality Disorder

A
  • 3x more common in males than females
  • essential feature is a pattern of disregard for and violations of the rights of others
  • repeated illegal acts, deceitfulness, aggressiveness, or lack of remorse for actions (no guilt)
  • 20-40% of people in prison have this
67
Q

Borderline Personality Disorder

A
  • characterized by profound instability in identity and self-image often resulting in labile behavior that fluctuates between extremes
  • 2x more common in females than males
  • pervasive instability in interpersonal behavior, mood, and self-image
  • have unstable and intense relationship
  • uncertainty about self-image, sexual identity, long term goals/values
  • intense fear of abandonment
  • use of splitting as a defense mechanism – view others as either all good or all bad
  • suicide attempts and self-harm are common
68
Q

Histrionic Personality Disorder

A
  • characterized by constant attention-seeking behavior and excessive emotionality
  • often wear colorful clothing, are dramatic and exceptionally extroverted
69
Q

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

A
  • one has grandiose sense of self-importance or uniqueness, preoccupation with fantasies of success, need for constant admiration and attention, and characteristic disturbances in interpersonal relationships such as feelings of entitlement
  • have very fragile self-esteem
70
Q

Personality Disorder: Cluster C

A
  • marked by behavior that is labeled as anxious or fearful by others
  • includes: avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders
71
Q

Avoidant Personality Disorder

A
  • individual has extreme shyness and fear of rejection
  • sees oneself as socially inept and is often socially isolated despite an intense desire for social affection and acceptance
72
Q

Dependent Personality Disorder

A
  • characterized by continuous need for reassurance

- remain depend on one specific person to take actins and make decisions

73
Q

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

A
  • individual is a perfectionist and inflexible, tending to like rules and order
  • characteristics: inability to discard objects, lack of desire to change, stubbornness, lack of sense of humor, maintenance of careful routines
  • NOT the same as OCD
74
Q

How does OCD differ from OCPD?

A
  • OCD has obsession and compulsions that are focal and acquired, where OCPD is life-long
  • OCD is ego-dystonic (“I can’t stop washing my hands”) where OCPD is ego-syntonic (“I just like rules and order”)
75
Q

What is the biological basis of Schizophrenia?

A
  • may be associated with genetic factors, birth trauma, adolescent marijuana use, and family history
  • high levels of dopaminergic transmission (excess of dopamine in the brain)
76
Q

What type of medications are often use to treat Schizophrenia?

A

neuroleptics – block dopamine receptors

77
Q

What are the biological markers associated with depression?

A
  • abnormally high glucose metabolism in the amygdala
  • hippocampal atrophy after long duration of illness
  • abnormally high levels of glucocorticoids (cortisol)
  • decreased NE, serotonin, and dopamine
78
Q

What are the biological factors that contribute to bipolar disorders?

A
  • increased NE and serotonin (monoamine theory)
  • higher risk is parent has bipolar disorder
  • higher risk for persons with MS
79
Q

What biological factors are associated with Alzheimer’s Disease?

A
  • diffuse atrophy of brain on CT or MRI
  • flattened sulci in the cerebral cortex
  • enlarged cerebral ventricles
  • deficient blood flow in parietal lobes – correlated with cognitive decline
  • reduction in levels of Ach
  • reduction in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) – enzyme that produces Ach
  • reduced metabolism in temporal and parietal lobes
  • senile plaques of beta-amyloid (misfolded protein in beta-pleated sheet form)
  • neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau protein
80
Q

Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

A

-characterized by bradykinesia (slowed movement), resting tremor (tremor that appears when muscles are not being used), pill-rolling tremor (flexing and extending fingers while moving the thumb back and forth as if rolling something in fingers), masklike facies (facial expression if static and expressionless facial features), cogwheel rigidity (muscle tension that intermittently halts movement as an examiner attempts to manipulate limb), and shuffling gait with stooped posture

81
Q

Biological basis of Parkinson’s Disease

A

-decreased dopamine production in substantia nigra – layer of cells in brain that produces dopamine to permit functioning of basal ganglia

82
Q

L-DOPA

A
  • helps manage the motor symptoms associated with PD

- a precursor that is converted to dopamine once in the brain replacing that which is lost due to PD

83
Q

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A
  • grounded in the belief that how a person perceives events determines how they will react to them
  • belief that person’s thoughts (cognition) can be adjusted which will then change their emotions (affect) and behavior
  • Ex. a person who fails a test might think “I can’t do anything right,” or “I will fail in everything,” which might lead to depressed behavior; CBT will seek to identify that thinking pattern and change or modify it (“I didn’t do well this time, but I’ve done well in the past,” or maybe “It sucks that I failed this test. But I can do better next time) to improve emotion and behavior
84
Q

Psychoanalytic Therapy

A
  • addresses problems that are often unconscious and/or stem from childhood experiences, with the goal of reducing anxiety through self-insight
  • accomplished by the therapist’s analyzing the patient’s past
85
Q

Humanistic Therapy

A
  • addresses problems that prevent self-understanding with the goal of personal growth through self-insight
  • accomplished by establishing a relationship between the therapist and the client that is based on trust
86
Q

A ____ disorder is a mental disorder that includes thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that will cause the person or the people around them significant stress

A

Psychological

87
Q

Diathesis Stress Model of Depression

A
  • some people have a genetic vulnerability to stressors that make them more likely to have depression in response to those stressors than other people
  • depression = too little serotonin
  • mania = too much serotonin
88
Q

What are the 3 different NTs that are involved in depression?

A
  • Serotonin
  • NE
  • Dopamine
89
Q

Catecholamine Hypothesis of Depression

A
  • involves norepinephrinergic neurons

- some people with low levels of NE are depressed, but doesn’t mean all people with low levels of NE are depressed

90
Q

___ is involved in the reward pathway and pleasure

A

Dopamine

91
Q

Low ___ => less pleasure out of activities and people they enjoyed before

A

Dopamine

SP MCAT Psych/Soc (29 decks)

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