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Psychopathology Flashcards

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1
Q

Explain the definition ‘statistical infrequency/deviation’ as a way of defining abnormality

A

The least frequent (rare/uncommon) behaviours are defined as abnormal. The extreme ends of a normal (bell-shaped) distribution.

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2
Q

Explain the definition ‘deviation from social norms’ as a way of defining abnormality

A

Behaviour which violates the accepted social norms

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3
Q

Explain the definition ‘deviation from ideal mental health’ as a way of defining abnormality

A

The failure to meet criteria for perfect psychological well-being (as outlined by Jahoda)

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4
Q

Explain the ‘failure to function adequately’ definition of abnormality

A

An inability to cope/perform behaviours necessary for day to day living.

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5
Q

What were Jahoda’s criteria for ideal mental health?

A

Positive view of self, Capable of self-actualisation, Independent, Accurate view of reality, Cope with stress, Ability to master environment

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6
Q

What were Rosehan and Seligman’s criteria for failing to function adequately?

A

Experiences suffering and severe distress through inability to cope, Behaviour has become irrational/dangerous to themselves or others.

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7
Q

What are the strengths of using ‘statistical infrequency’ as a definition of abnormality?

A

Objective, universal, quick for clinical assessments

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8
Q

What are the weaknesses of using ‘statistical infrequency’ as a definition of abnormality?

A

Some abnormal behaviours are frequent e.g. depression, Some abnormal behaviours are positive, Labels unusual people negatively

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9
Q

What are the strengths of using ‘deviation from social norms’ as a definition of abnormality?

A

More culturally relativistic, Allows protection of society

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10
Q

What are the weaknesses of using ‘deviation from social norms’ as a definition of abnormality?

A

Not universal, subjective, potential human rights abuses

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11
Q

What are the strengths of using ‘deviation from ideal mental health’ as a definition of abnormality?

A

Allows clear goal setting as can easily identify areas of dysfunction, Positive stance

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12
Q

What are the weaknesses of using ‘deviation from ideal mental health’ as a definition of abnormality?

A

Ethnocentric, subjective, unrealistic

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13
Q

What are the strengths of using ‘failure to function adequately’ as a definition of abnormality?

A

Focus on patient perspective, Others can observe and identify problems even if the individual themselves cannot

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14
Q

What are the weaknesses of using ‘failure to function adequately’ as a definition of abnormality?

A

Subjective, Risks restricting personal freedoms

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15
Q

What is OCD?

A

Obsessive Compulsive disorder

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16
Q

What are the 2 key characteristics of OCD?

A

Obsessions and Compulsions

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17
Q

Define obsessions in OCD.

A

Re-occurring and persistent thoughts that cause anxiety and distress

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18
Q

Define compulsions in OCD.

A

Repetitive behaviours carried out to reduce anxiety caused by obsessions.

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19
Q

What are the behavioural characteristics of OCD?

A

Compulsions that hinder everyday functioning and cause social impairment

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20
Q

What are the emotional characteristics of OCD?

A

Anxiety, depression, loss of pleasure in everyday activities

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21
Q

What are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?

A

Obsessive thoughts which sufferers know are irrational and intrusive.

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22
Q

What are the behavioural characteristics of depression?

A

Loss of energy, fatigue, disrupted sleep patterns, altered eating patterns

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23
Q

What are the emotional characteristics of depression?

A

Low mood, lack of pleasure, worthlessness

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24
Q

What are the cognitive characteristics of depression?

A

Poor concentration, negative thoughts

25
Q

What is a phobia?

A

An anxiety disorder characterised by extreme irrational fears

26
Q

Define ‘specific phobia’.

A

Occurs when sufferers have fears about specific things/environments

27
Q

Define ‘social phobias’

A

Occurs when sufferers have fears about situations involving others (including performance phobias)

28
Q

Define ‘agoraphobia’

A

Fear of leaving home/a safe place

29
Q

What are the behavioural characteristics of phobias?

A

Avoidance of feared object/situation

30
Q

What are the emotional characteristics of phobias?

A

Persistent, excessive fear

31
Q

What are the cognitive characteristics of phobias?

A

Selective attention, Irrational beliefs (about the phobic stimulus)

32
Q

Which approach do you use to explain phobias?

A

Behavioural

33
Q

What is the two process model for explaining phobias?

A

Acquisition by classical conditioning, Maintenance by operant conditioning

34
Q

Explain how a phobia is acquired.

A

Classical conditioning results in associations between a previously neutral stimulus and a naturally fear invoking unconditioned stimulus (fear is the unconditioned response that is eventually conditioned to result from the now conditioned stimulus)

35
Q

Explain how a phobia is maintained.

A

Operant conditioning via negative reinforcement – avoidance of the phobic stimulus reduces anxiety which is a positive experience -> continued avoidance

36
Q

How is the behaviourist approach used to treat phobias (2 ways)?

A

Flooding, Systematic desensitisation

37
Q

What is the main difference between flooding and systematic desensitisation?

A

Flooding = immediate and full exposure to the phobic stimulus, Systematic desensitisation = gradual exposure

38
Q

What principle is flooding based on?

A

Eventual exhaustion -> realisation that stimulus is harmless – counter conditioning

39
Q

What principle is systematic desensitisation based on?

A

Reciprocal inhibition – it is impossible to be both relaxed and fearful at the same time

40
Q

How does systematic desensitisation take place?

A

Creation of anxiety hierarchy, Taught relaxation techniques, Gradual exposure to scenarios in the anxiety hierarchy

41
Q

Which approach is used to explain depression?

A

Cognitive

42
Q

According to the cognitive approach, what is the explanation for depression?

A

Faulting thinking/processing, 2 models – Beck and Ellis

43
Q

Outline Beck’s explanation for depression.

A

Depression results from a cognitive vulnerability caused by 1) Faulty processing, 2) Negative self-schemas, 3) the negative triad

44
Q

What is a negative self-schema?

A

A packet of information about the self that is negative, causing all new information on the self to be interpreted negatively.

45
Q

What is the faulty processing that Beck identifies as part of the vulnerability to developing depression?

A

Focus on the negative, ignore positives, Absolutism, Catastrophising

46
Q

Outline the negative triad in Beck’s explanation of depression.

A

Negative views of the self, the world and the future

47
Q

What was Ellis’ model for explaining depression?

A

A – activating event, triggers… B – beliefs, that are irrational, resulting in… C – consequence, depression

48
Q

What is the cognitive approach to treating depression?

A

CBT – cognitive behaviour therapy

49
Q

How does CBT address depression?

A

It seeks to assist patients to identify irrational/negative thoughts and alter them into rational/positive thoughts

50
Q

What are the key stages of CBT?

A

Identify irrational beliefs/thoughts, challenge these beliefs, Behavioural activation

51
Q

What is the 3 part model for explaining behaviour and emotions that CBT aims to disrupt?

A

Thoughts cause feelings, Feelings cause behaviours, Behaviours cause/reinforce thoughts

52
Q

What are the key characteristics of Beck’s approach to CBT?

A

Encourage the patient to work with the therapist in looking to challenge and alter negative thought processes. May set homework – ‘patient as scientist’

53
Q

What did Ellis call his version of CBT?

A

REBT – Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy

54
Q

Outline Ellis’ version of CBT.

A

Identify irrational thoughts, Challenge these through empirical (evidence based) or logical dispute – the argument is key

55
Q

Which approach do you use to explain OCD?

A

Biological

56
Q

What are the 2 biological explanations for OCD?

A

Genetic and neural

57
Q

Outline the genetic explanation for OCD.

A

Polygenic, Aetiologically heterogenous, SERT, COMT

58
Q

Outline the neural explanation for OCD.

A

Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters – serotonin, Abnormal functioning in particular areas – basal ganglia, orbito-frontal cortex (worry circuit)

59
Q

What is the biological treatment for OCD?

A

Antidepressants – SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) to elevate levels of serotonin

Psychology (11 decks)

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