psychological problems Flashcards
1
Q
What is unipolar depression?
A
A type of mood disorder causing periods of feeling sad and lacking motivation to do everyday activities.
2
Q
Define mental health problem.
A
A form of psychological problem characterised by symptoms affecting your mind and behaviour.
3
Q
What distinguishes unipolar depression from bipolar depression?
A
Unipolar depression involves mood being pulled in one direction (down), while bipolar depression includes mood swings from low to high.
4
Q
What are depressive episodes according to ICD-10?
A
A type of mental health problem characterised by mood disorders affecting how people feel, leading to feelings of being very low.
5
Q
List three main symptoms of unipolar depression.
A
- Lowering of mood
- Lack of energy
- Lack of motivation
6
Q
What is the minimum duration for symptoms to be present for a diagnosis of unipolar depression?
A
At least two weeks.
7
Q
How does unipolar depression affect males and females differently?
A
It affects twice as many females as males and seems to affect women for longer.
8
Q
What are the features of mild unipolar depression?
A
Four symptoms displayed; patients can carry on with most day-to-day activities.
9
Q
What characterizes severe unipolar depression?
A
Seven or more symptoms, plus general feelings of worthlessness and possible suicidal thoughts.
10
Q
What does the genetic explanation suggest about unipolar depression?
A
It may be inherited through genes shared by family members.
11
Q
What is the chance of a monozygotic twin developing depression if their twin is diagnosed?
A
46 percent.
12
Q
What is the diathesis-stress model?
A
An explanation for depression suggesting that genes increase risk but require environmental triggers to activate.
13
Q
What are cognitive biases according to Beck’s cognitive triad?
A
- Negative view of the self
- Negative view of the world
- Negative view of the future
14
Q
What are the three stages of Ellis’s ABC model?
A
- Activating event
- Beliefs
- Consequences
15
Q
True or False: The genetic explanation of depression is deterministic.
A
True
16
Q
One strength of the genetic explanation is that it may reduce ______ for those diagnosed with depression.
A
stigma
17
Q
What is a key weakness of the genetic explanation for depression?
A
It can be reductionist, failing to account for environmental factors.
18
Q
What neurotransmitter is associated with controlling mood?
A
Serotonin.
19
Q
What does cognitive theory suggest about behavior?
A
It can be explained by how the brain processes information and how we think.
20
Q
What is a negative self-schema?
A
A belief system about oneself that is covered in negativity.
21
Q
Fill in the blank: If a person has an irrational thought about an event, they may experience ______ emotional consequences.
A
negative
22
Q
What does the term ‘free will’ refer to in the context of behavior?
A
The ability to choose the type of behavior we want to show.
23
Q
What is cognitive theory?
A
An explanation that focuses on how thought processes influence behaviour.
Cognitive theory is a significant framework in psychology that examines the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
24
Q
Define the negative triad in cognitive theory.
A
A set of three thought patterns where people feel bad about themselves, the future, and the world in general.
The negative triad is a key concept in understanding depression within cognitive theory.
25
What does magnification refer to in cognitive bias?
A form of cognitive bias that makes people see their problems as far bigger than they actually are.
## Footnote
Magnification can exacerbate feelings of distress and hopelessness in individuals.
26
What is the difference between nature and nurture in behavioral explanations?
Nature focuses on innate factors, while nurture focuses on environmental factors.
## Footnote
This distinction is crucial in understanding the origins of behavior and mental health issues.
27
What is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)?
A therapy for mental health disorders that aims to change thought processes in order to reduce symptoms.
## Footnote
CBT is widely used to treat conditions like depression and anxiety.
28
What are the strengths of the cognitive theory explanation of depression?
1. Takes into account life events that may trigger depression.
2. Applied to therapy, such as CBT, which challenges irrational thoughts.
3. Recognizes a combination of nature and nurture factors.
## Footnote
These strengths highlight the holistic approach of cognitive theory in understanding depression.
29
What is one weakness of cognitive theory in explaining depression?
It is difficult to determine if irrational thoughts are a cause or a symptom of depression.
## Footnote
This ambiguity complicates the assessment and treatment of depression.
30
What is the first stage of CBT for treating depression?
The patient discusses all their symptoms with the therapist and explains how they feel.
## Footnote
This initial assessment is critical for tailoring the therapy to the patient's needs.
31
How does CBT help improve a patient's quality of life?
By changing negative thoughts, which can lead to improved behavior and reduced symptoms of depression.
## Footnote
This process illustrates the interconnection between thoughts, feelings, and actions.
32
What is the role of homework in CBT?
Patients practice changing their thought processes and reflect on their feelings in a diary.
## Footnote
Homework reinforces learning and encourages application of CBT techniques between sessions.
33
What is the effectiveness of CBT when combined with other treatments?
Patients show more significant improvement when CBT is combined with previous treatments like antidepressants.
## Footnote
This suggests a synergistic effect of combining therapies for better outcomes.
34
What are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
Antidepressants that block the reuptake of serotonin, making it available for longer.
## Footnote
SSRIs are commonly prescribed for depression due to their efficacy and safety profile.
35
What is the main function of antidepressant drugs?
To raise the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and noradrenaline, which control mood.
## Footnote
This pharmacological approach aims to alleviate symptoms of depression.
36
What is a placebo?
An inactive substance, or ‘fake pill’, used instead of an active substance.
## Footnote
The placebo effect can influence treatment outcomes and perceptions of efficacy.
37
What is one strength of drug therapy for depression?
Can improve a patient’s symptoms enough to facilitate access to other psychological therapies.
## Footnote
This makes drug therapy a valuable component of a comprehensive treatment plan.
38
What is one weakness of antidepressant drugs?
They can have unpleasant side effects, such as drowsiness or nausea.
## Footnote
Side effects can affect adherence to treatment and overall quality of life.
39
What is addiction?
A mental health problem that means people need a particular thing to carry out their normal routine.
## Footnote
Addiction can manifest in various forms, including substance use and behavioral addictions.
40
What does withdrawal refer to in addiction?
A set of unpleasant physical or psychological symptoms when trying to quit or cannot satisfy their addiction.
## Footnote
Withdrawal symptoms can complicate recovery and treatment efforts.
41
What is the International Classification of Diseases version 10 (ICD-10) term for addiction?
Dependence disorder.
## Footnote
This classification helps in diagnosing and treating individuals with addiction.
42
What is withdrawal?
A set of unpleasant physical or psychological symptoms someone gets when they are trying to quit or cannot satisfy their addiction.
43
How does addiction affect a person's routine?
People feel that they need to ‘have’ or ‘do’ something regularly to avoid negative feelings.
44
What is the ICD-10's term for addiction?
Dependence disorder.
45
What types of substances can people be addicted to?
* Alcohol
* Tobacco (cigarettes)
* Legal drugs
* Illegal drugs
46
What are some activities that can lead to addiction?
* Gambling
* Shopping
* Internet use
47
What is a symptom of withdrawal?
Physical withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking, sweating or vomiting.
48
What is tolerance in the context of addiction?
Needing to increase the amount used to get the same effect over time.
49
What percentage of adults were treated for substance misuse in the UK in 2014-15?
141,646 adults.
50
What was the most common substance addiction treated in the UK in 2014-15?
Addiction to opiates.
51
What percentage of the world's population has problematic internet use?
Approximately 6 percent.
52
Where was the highest rate of internet addiction found?
The Middle East (10.9 percent of the population).
53
What does the increase in reported drug use from 2008 to 2014 suggest?
A slight increase in reported drug use.
54
How does addiction impact an individual's daily life?
They may ignore family, work, and regular activities, affecting quality of life and health.
55
What is the annual cost of substance misuse to the NHS?
£488 million.
56
What is a significant societal cost associated with addiction?
£13.9 billion a year in drug-related crimes.
57
What evidence suggests a genetic explanation for addiction?
Addictions can run in families.
58
What did Dorit Carmelli et al. (1992) find about identical twins and smoking?
If one twin is a smoker, the other is more likely to be a smoker.
59
What is the DDR2 gene associated with?
Developing addiction.
60
What is one strength of the genetic explanation for addiction?
There is scientific evidence from twin and adoption studies.
61
What is one weakness of the genetic explanation for addiction?
It is reductionist and does not account for social factors.
62
What is learning theory in the context of addiction?
An explanation that believes behavior is learned through associations and experiences.
63
What is classical conditioning?
Learning by associations.
64
What is operant conditioning?
Learning from the consequences of actions.
65
What does social learning theory suggest?
Behavior is learned through observation and imitation of role models.
66
How does operant conditioning explain addiction?
Behaviors that lead to positive consequences are more likely to be repeated.
67
What is reinforcement in the context of behavior?
An outcome resulting from behavior that increases the chance of the behavior being repeated.
68
What is a common consequence of addiction on personal finances?
Spending money normally allocated for essentials on addiction.
69
What is one impact of addiction on the workplace?
Health problems resulting in time away from work.
70
What is a key factor in explaining why some people become addicted while others do not?
Genetic predisposition.
71
What is the relationship between environmental factors and addiction?
Environmental influences may also play a role alongside genetic factors.
72
What does social learning theory claim about behavior?
Behavior is learned as a result of observing others and modeling their behavior
## Footnote
This theory emphasizes the influence of role models on behavior, particularly in the context of addiction.
73
How might a child learn to smoke according to social learning theory?
By observing a parent or close family member who smokes and imitating that behavior
## Footnote
For example, pretending to smoke with objects like pens.
74
What is a strength of the learning theory regarding addiction?
Addictions can be unlearned, making them treatable
## Footnote
This implies that behavioral therapies can be effective in addressing addictions.
75
Why might previous addicts relapse after years of sobriety?
They may experience urges due to associations formed with previous behaviors or situations
## Footnote
For instance, a former smoker might feel the urge to smoke when stressed.
76
What is the reward pathway in the brain associated with?
Pleasurable activities and feelings of pleasure
## Footnote
Many addictive substances increase dopamine activity in this pathway.
77
What is one weakness of the learning theory of addiction?
It ignores biological factors that influence addiction
## Footnote
This includes how drugs affect brain chemistry and the internal reward pathways.
78
What does functional analysis in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) involve?
Examining the addict's behavior to identify triggers for their addiction
## Footnote
This helps the addict understand what emotions or situations lead to their addictive behavior.
79
What is skills training in CBT for addiction?
Teaching addicts ways to control their addictive behaviors
## Footnote
Skills may include coping with cravings and assertiveness training.
80
What is the purpose of keeping a diary during CBT?
To track progress and record temptations and feelings
## Footnote
This serves as homework to help the patient reflect on their experiences.
81
What is detoxification?
The process of stopping the use of a substance an addict is dependent on
## Footnote
It often involves managing withdrawal symptoms.
82
What are withdrawal symptoms?
Physical symptoms experienced when stopping an addictive substance
## Footnote
Symptoms may include sweating, insomnia, and irritability.
83
What is the role of naltrexone in treating addiction?
It reduces cravings for substances like alcohol and can help with gambling addiction
## Footnote
Naltrexone is typically prescribed for severe alcohol addiction.
84
What is one strength of drug therapy for addiction?
Research evidence supports the effectiveness of drug therapies
## Footnote
For example, naltrexone showed significant improvement in gambling addicts compared to a placebo.
85
What is a major weakness of drug therapy?
Evidence supporting its effectiveness is mixed
## Footnote
Some studies show no significant difference in relapse rates between treated and placebo groups.
86
What is one risk of using medication to treat addiction?
Patients may become dependent on the medication itself
## Footnote
For instance, a patient may substitute heroin addiction with methadone dependency.
87
What was the aim of the study by Kimberly Young (2007)?
To evaluate the effectiveness of CBT for treating internet addiction
## Footnote
The study indicated that CBT was effective in both short-term and long-term treatment.
88
What is the first stage of CBT in treating addiction?
Functional analysis
## Footnote
This stage focuses on identifying triggers for addictive behavior.
89
What is the second stage of CBT in treating addiction?
Skills training
## Footnote
This stage involves teaching coping mechanisms to manage addictive behaviors.
90
What is the main focus of Caspi et al. (2003) study?
To investigate why stressful life events lead to depression in some people and not others
91
What gene is linked to the neurotransmitter serotonin in the study?
5-HTT gene
92
What type of study was conducted by Caspi et al. (2003)?
Longitudinal study
93
What percentage of participants had two copies of the short version of the 5-HTT gene?
17%
94
Participants with at least one short version of the 5-HTT gene showed increased symptoms of depression after experiencing what?
Stressful life events
95
What is a key term defined in the study?
Longitudinal study: the same people are tested over a period of time to investigate changes
96
According to the study, who is more likely to develop suicidal thoughts after stressful life events?
Those with a short version of the 5-HTT gene
97
What is one conclusion drawn from Caspi et al. (2003)?
There is an interaction between life events and genetic influences in causing depression
98
What is one strength of the Caspi et al. (2003) study?
Large sample size of 847 participants
99
What is one weakness of the Caspi et al. (2003) study?
Self-report data may not be reliable
100
What treatment did Young (2007) investigate for internet addiction?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
101
How many participants were included in Young's study?
114 participants
102
What is the purpose of the Internet Addiction Test (IAT)?
To diagnose internet addiction
103
What percentage of males were addicted to online pornography according to the study?
30%
104
What was one of the goals measured over the course of the CBT sessions?
Motivation to stop using online apps
105
What scale was used to measure client outcomes in Young's study?
Likert-type scale
106
What was the average rating of motivation to stop using online apps at session 3?
4.22
107
What was a key finding regarding the effectiveness of CBT for internet addiction?
Clients reported an increase in their ability to control problem behaviors
108
What is one strength of Young's (2007) study?
Online sessions of CBT may encourage more people to access treatment
109
What is one weakness of Young's (2007) study?
Clients may not accurately report their feelings and behaviors
110
What does the nature and nurture debate in psychology focus on?
The influence of biological make-up (nature) versus environmental learning (nurture)
111
What does 'nature' refer to in the context of the debate?
Biological factors influencing behavior
112
What does 'nurture' refer to in the context of the debate?
Environmental factors influencing behavior
113
What is a key concept related to nature in the context of behavior?
Genes inherited from parents
114
What is a key concept related to nurture in the context of behavior?
Learning from the environment
115
How can the nature versus nurture debate impact treatment for mental health problems?
It influences how we should treat individuals with mental health problems
116
What influences human behaviour according to the blank slate theory?
Experiences influence human behaviour
## Footnote
This theory suggests that individuals are shaped by their experiences, similar to writing on a blank slate.
117
What is the nature versus nurture debate in psychology?
The debate over what influences behaviour most: genetics (nature) or environment (nurture)
## Footnote
This debate impacts treatment approaches for mental health problems.
118
What did Caspi et al. (2003) find regarding the 5-HTT gene?
A specific version of the 5-HTT gene can influence the likelihood of developing depression after stress
## Footnote
This gene affects serotonin levels in the nervous system.
119
How might genetic predisposition affect mental health treatment?
Patients may find it difficult to change behaviours linked to genetic make-up
## Footnote
For example, those with the short version of the 5-HTT gene may experience recurrent depression.
120
What assumptions do cognitive explanations of depression and learning theory make?
They assume psychological problems are learned from environmental events
## Footnote
This supports the nurture side of the debate.
121
What role does cognitive behavioural therapy play in treating depression and addiction?
It helps patients think differently and change their behaviour
## Footnote
The effectiveness of this therapy supports the nurture explanation of these issues.
122
What is the interactionist approach to mental health problems?
It claims that both nature and nurture factors interact to cause symptoms
## Footnote
For example, a genetic predisposition combined with a stressful event may trigger depression.
123
How have television portrayals of mental health issues been criticized?
They often focus on negative symptoms without showing causes or effective treatments
## Footnote
This can lead to stigma and misunderstanding about mental health.
124
What initiative was taken by the charity Time to Change in 2014?
They worked with television companies to portray mental health issues more realistically and positively
## Footnote
This aims to increase awareness and reduce stigma around mental health problems.
125
True or False: The research by psychologists has not changed societal views on mental health.
False
## Footnote
Research has increased understanding and led to positive changes in societal perceptions.
