Section 4 : Psychopathology - Depression, Phobias, OCD Flashcards
what do psychologists try to do to mental disordersq
they try to classify them
what is used to classify disorders
the DSM
how does the DSM classify disorders
using defined diagnostic criteria
what does defined diagnostic criteria refer to
a list of symptoms which can be used a tool for diagnosis
the DSM attempts to make diagnosis ….
concrete and descriptive
what do classifications allow for
allows data to be collected about a disorder and can help in the development in new treatments and medication
why are classifications criticised
it is criticised for stigmatising people and ignoring their ‘uniqueness’ by putting them in an artificial group
depression is an example of what
a mood disorder
mood disorders are characterised by what
strong emotions which can influence a person’s ability to function normally.
what do mood disorders effect
can affect a persons perceptions, thinking and behvaiour
depression is one of the most common mood disorders. name two types of depression
major depresion (unipolar disorder)
manic depression (bipolar disorder)
what is major depression
- an episode of depression that can occur suddenly
- can be reactive - caused by external factors e.g. death of a loved one
- can be endogenous - caused by internal factors e.g. neurological factors
what is manic depression
- alternation between two mood extremes (mania and depression)
- the change in mood often occurs in regular cycles of days or weeks
- episodes of mania involve overactivity, rapid speech and feeling extremely happy or agitated
- episodes of depressions involve physical, cognitive and affective symptoms
people with depression can experience a range of possible symptoms what are they
-physical/behavioural symptoms
-affective/emotional symptoms
-cognitive symptoms
what are the physical symptoms of depression
- sleep disturbances
- change in appetite
- pain
- lack of activity
what are diseases linked to sleep disturbances
insomnia or hypersomnia
what are diseases linked to change in appetite
not necessarily diseases but can lead to it:
- eating more or less than usual
- gaining or losing weight
what diseases are linked to pain
not necessarily diseases but can lead to it:
- headaches, joint aches and muscle aches
what diseases are linked to lack of activity
not necessarily diseases but can lead to it:
- social withdrawal
- loss of sex drive
what are affective symptoms of depression
- extreme feelings of sadness, hopelessness and despair
- diurnal mood variation
- anhedonia
what is anhedonia
no longer enjoying activities or hobbies that used to be pleasureable
what are diurnal mood variations
changes in mood throughout the day e.g. feeling worse in the morning