Test 6 Flashcards
abnormal behaviour
behaviour that is deviant, maladaptive or personally stressful for long period of time
deviant
behaviour does not conform to accepted social standards
maladaptive
behaviour interferes with a persons ability to function effectively in the world
personal distress
person engaging in behaviour finds it troubling
how many abnormal behaviours need to be present for it to be abnormal?
only one, typically 2 or 3 are present
what is the biological approach theory for psychological disorders?
psychological disorders come from organic and internal causes
medical model
describes psychological disorders as medical diseases with a biological origin
what is the theory for psychological approach of psychological disorders?
it emphasises contributions of experiences, thoughts, emotions and personality characteristics in explaining psychological disorders
what does the psychological approach consider?
influence of childhood experiences and how rewards and punishments in environment determine abnormal behaviour
what is the theory of sociocultural approach to psychological disorders
emphasises social contexts in which a person lives and says that culture matters when evaluating deviant behaviour
what are some disorders that are culture related?
amok, taijin kyofusho, koro
amok
disorder with sudden, uncontrolled outbursts of anger where the person may injure or kill someone (Philippines, Malaysia, Africa)
Taijin kyofusho
syndrome with intense fear of interpersonal relations or losing respect of others (Japan)
koro
belief that one’s genitalia are retracting into own abdomen (China, Southeast Asia)
vulnerability-stress hypothesis
suggests pre-existing conditions may put person at risk of developing disorder
what is the biopsychosocial model?
the biological, psychological and sociocultural approaches contribute to understanding of mental illness
how do we classify abnormal behaviour?
classifying behaviours into specific psychological disorders
stigma
shame that causes others to avoid or act negatively toward person
DSM classification system
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
what are the critiques of the DSM?
- treats psychological disorders like mental illnesses
- focuses strictly on problems
- relies too much on social norms and subjective judgements
- too many new categories
what is autism spectrum disorder?
range of neurodevelopment disorders, is a range of systems
what are symptoms of autism spectrum disorder?
- impaired social interaction and communication
- repetitive behaviour
- restricted interests
what is somatic symptom disorder?
person experiences one or more bodily symptoms and experiences excessive thoughts and feelings about the symptoms
anxiety disorders
fears that are uncontrollable and disproportionate to the real dangers
how many types of anxiety disorders does DSM recognize?
12
which two disorders are not classified in DSM
- obsessive compulsive disorder
- post traumatic stress disorder
generalised anxiety disorder
experiencing persistent anxiety for at least 6 months with no identifiable reason
what are biological factors of generalised anxiety disorder?
- genetic predisposition
- deficiency in GABA neurotransmitters
- respiratory system abnormalities
- problems regulating sympathetic nervous system
panic disorder
person experiences recurrent, sudden onsets of intense terror
what does panic disorder cause?
- severe palpitations
- extreme shortness of breath
- chest pains
- sweating and dizziness
- feeling of helplessness
what are biological factors of panic disorder?
genetic predisposition to disorder
specific phobia
individual has an irrational, overwhelming, persistent fear of a particular object or situation
what is an example of how phobias can be classically conditioned?
after falling from somewhere high you may then associate heights with pain
how can phobias be observationally learned?
a girl learns to be scared of heights after watching her mother be scared of them
social anxiety disorder
intense fear of being humiliated or embarrassed in social situations
obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
anxiety provoking thoughts that will not go away or urge to perform repetitive behaviour
compulsions
recurrent behaviours used to neutralise or cope with obsessive thoughts
obsessions
recurrent thoughts
what are some common compulsions?
- excessive checking
- cleaning
- counting
what genetic components contribute to OCD?
- low levels of serotonin and dopamine
- high levels of glutamate
what does the brain engage in during OCD?
hyperactive monitoring of behaviour
hyperactive monitoring of behaviour
frontal cortex or basal ganglia so active that impulses reach thalamus and create obsessions and compulsions (brain never gets finished message)
what are OCD related disorders
-hoarding disorder
-excoriation disorder
-trichotillomania
-body dysmorphic disorder
hoarding disorder
compulsive collecting and difficult discarding
excoriation disorder
compulsion of picking at one’s skin
trichotillomania
person compulsively pulls at hair, scalp, eyebrows and other body areas
body dysmorphic disorder
distressing preoccupation with imagines or slight flaws in physical appearance
post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
develops through exposure to traumatic event that overwhelms persons abilities to cope
depression
unrelenting lack of pleasure in life
major depressive disorder
significant depressive episode and depressed characteristics for at least 2 weeks
persistent depressive disorder
less extreme depressive mood for over 2 years
bipolar disorder
extreme mood swings between mania and depression
mania
overexcited, unrealistically optimistic state
bipolar I disorder
having extreme manic episodes with hallucinations
Bipolar II disorder
milder version with less extreme euphoria (hypomania)
dissociation
psychological states in which the person feels disconnected from immediate experience
dissociative disorders
involve sudden loss of memory or change in identity
dissociative amnesia
extreme memory loss that stems from extensive psychological stress
psychosis
state where persons perceptions and thoughts are fundamentally removed from reality
schizophrenia
severe psychological disorder which gets characterised by highly disordered thought processes
when does schizophrenia get diagnosed?
18 for men
25 for women
usually in early adulthood
what are the three categories of symptoms of schizophrenia?
- positive symptoms
- negative symptoms
- cognitive deficits
why are they called positive symptoms?
they reflect something added above and beyond normal behaviour
what are positive symptoms?
involve distortion or excess of normal function
hallucinations
sensory experiences that occur in absence of real stimuli
which hallucination is most common?
auditory
how many hallucinations is most common in those with schizophrenia
two system hallucinations
delusions
fake, unusual, sometimes magical beliefs that are not part of individuals culture
what are examples of delusions?
- thinking they are Jesus
- thinking their thoughts are being broadcast over the radio
thought disorder
unusual and sometimes bizarre thought processes
what are examples of thought disorders?
- thoughts being disorganised and confusing
- not making sense when talking or writing
referential thinking
ascribing personal meaning to completely random events
what is an example of referential thinking?
thinking a dead bird you pass on the sidewalk is a sign from God
movement disorders
unusual mannerisms, body movement and facial expressions (repeating certain motions)
catatonia
state of immobility and unresponsiveness that lasts for long periods of time
why are they called negative symptoms?
they reflect social withdrawal, behavioural deficits and loss or decrease of normal functions
they reduce daily functioning and quality of life
flat affect
display of little or no emotion (may also include inability to read emotions of others)
what is flat affect an example of?
negative symptoms of schizophrenia
what are cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia?
deficits in executive functioning
what are examples of cognitive deficits?
- difficulty sustaining attention
- problems holding information in memory
- inability to interpret information and make decisions
vulnerability-stress hypothesis
individuals have biological risk factors that interact with experience to produce disorder
what do sociocultural factors affect in schizophrenia?
the course of the disorder
personality disorders
chronic, maladaptive cognitive-behavioural patterns that are thoroughly integrated into a person’s personality
what do personality disorders affect?
sense of self and capacity for relationships with others
how many personality disorders does DSM-V list?
10
antisocial personality disorder
characterised by lack of remorse/guilt, law breaking, exploitation of others
borderline personality disorder
pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self image and emotions
what are the four essential features of BPD?
- unstable affect
- unstable sense of self and identity
- negative interpersonal relationships
- self harm
radical acceptance
accepting facts of what happened and coming to terms with situation
hypervigilance
tendency to be constantly on alert and looking for threats in environment
which disorder generally displays hypervigilance?
borderline personality disorder
splitting
thinking style where they either totally hate someone or totally love someone
what is not a listed disorder in DSM-5?
suicide
what makes suicide abnormal?
attempting or completing the act
is thinking about suicide abnormal?
no
interpersonal theory of suicide
says that suicide involves two factors
what are the factors in suicide?
- desire to die
- means and will to complete suicide
which psychological disorders commonly cause suicide?
depression and anxiety
illusory correlation
something seems to be true but is actually coincidental
how do disorders affect physical health?
those with psychological disorders are more likely to be physically ill
catch22
effect where those who hide a disorder due to fear show positive example of those who are suffering
paranoid personality disorder
paranoia, suspiciousness and deep distrust of others
schizoid personality disorder
extreme lack of interest in interpersonal relationships
schizotypical personality disorder
socially isolated and prone to odd thinking
histrionic personality disorder
attention seeking, dramatic, lively and flirtatious (inappropriately seductive in interactions)
narcissistic personality disorder
self-aggrandising yet overly dependent on the evaluation of others (they are entitled and better than others)
avoidant personality disorder
socially inhibited and prone to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety and shame
dependent personality disorder
dependent on others for emotional and physical needs
obsessive compulsive personality disorder
conforming rigidly to rules and attach excessively to moral codes
clinical psychology
area that integrates science and theory to prevent and treat psychological disorders
psychotherapy
nonmedical process that helps those with disorders to recognize and overcome their problems
biological therapies
treatments that reduce or eliminate the symptoms of psychological disorders by altering aspects of bodily functioning
what is the biological approach to therapy?
psychiatrists being able to administer medication to clients
psychotherapy
all types involve a trained professional engaging in interpersonal relationship with someone who is suffering
what are the central issues in psychotherapy?
wondering if it really works
empirically supported treatment
for any given psychological disorder treatment decisions should be based on the body of research that has been conducted showing which therapy works best
evidence based practice
decisions about treatment are made using the best available research and considering the therapists clinical judgement and client characteristics
what are the factors in effective psychotherapy?
- therapeutic alliance
- therapists
- clients
therapeutic alliance
relationship between the therapist and client
why is a therapeutic alliance effective?
it has trust, respect and cooperation from the client
insight therapies
encourage self awareness as key to psychological health
what are the types of psychodynamic therapies?
- psychoanalysis
- humanistic
- behaviour therapies
- cognitive therapies
psychodynamic therapies
stress the importance of the unconscious mind
psychoanalysis
therapeutic technique for analysing an individuals unconscious thoughts
what does psychoanalysis include?
free association and transference
free association
giving quick responses to a prompt
transference
clients relating to the analyst in ways that reproduce important relationships in their life
humanistic therapies
people are encouraged toward self understanding and personal growth
what does humanistic therapies emphasise?
conscious thoughts, the present and self fulfilment
client centred therapy
therapist provides warm and supportive atmosphere to improve self concept and encourage gaining insight into problems
reflective speech
therapist mirrors the clients own feelings back to the client
what are the three elements needed to grow according to humanistic therapies?
- unconditional positive regard
- empathy
- genuineness
behaviour therapies
use principles of learning to reduce or eliminate maladaptive behaviour
what are classical conditioning techniques?
systematic desensitisation and in vivo exposure
systematic desensitisation
treats anxiety by teaching client to associate deep relaxation with anxiety producing situations
in vivo exposure
being exposed to feared situation until the fear is extinguished
what are operant conditioning techniques?
just as maladaptive behaviours are learned they can also be unlearned the same way
cognitive therapies
cognitions or thoughts are the main source of psychological problems
what two assumptions does cognitive therapies have?
- human beings have control over their feelings
- how individuals feel depends on how they think about it
cognitive restructuring
changing a pattern of thought that is presumed to be causing maladaptive behaviours or emotions
cognitive behaviour therapy
combination of cognitive theory with behaviour therapy
self instructional methods
teaching individuals to modify own behaviour
integrative therapy
combination of techniques from different therapies
biological therapies
involve altering aspects of bodily functioning to treat psychological disorders
anti anxiety drugs
make individuals calmer and less excitable
how do benzodiazepines work? (anti anxiety)
by binding to receptor sites of neurotransmitters that become overactive during anxiety
antidepressant drugs
regulate mood
what are the four main classes of antidepressants?
- tricyclic
- tetracyclic
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
tricyclics
increased level of certain neurotransmitters (norepinephrine and serotonin)
tetracyclics
increase levels of norepinephrine and serotonin
MAO inhibitors
block monoamine oxidase
monoamine oxidase
enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain
SSRI’s
interfere only with the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain
what medication is used to treat bipolar disorder?
lithium
lithium
stabilises mood by influencing norepinephrine and serotonin
antipsychotic drugs
powerful drugs that diminish agitated behaviour, reduce tension, decrease hallucinations, improve social behaviour and produce better sleep patterns
what types of antipsychotic drugs get used on schizophrenia?
neuroleptics and atypical antipsychotic medications
neuroleptics
block dopamine’s action in the brain
atypical antipsychotic medications
influence dopamine and serotonin
what are two serious side effects of antipsychotics?
tardive dyskinesia and metabolic syndrome
tardive dyskinesia
neurological disorder with random and involuntary movements of the body and face
metabolic syndrome
condition associated with obesity and risk for diabetes and heart disease
electroconvulsive therapy
goal is to set off seizure in the brain
deep brain stimulation
surgically implanted electrodes into brain that emit signals to alter brains electrical circuitry
transcranial magnetic stimulation
computer controlled electromagnetic treatment could that delivers bursts of magnetic energy on left prefrontal cortex
psychosurgery
involves removal or destruction of brain tissue to improve readjustment
what is the procedure for psychosurgery?
small lesion in amygdala or other part of the limbic system
group therapy
brings together individuals who share a psychological disorder in sessions that are lead by a mental health professional
what six features characterise group therapy?
- information
- universality
- altruism
- experience of positive family group
- development of social skills
- interpersonal learning
information
individuals receive information about their problems from group leader or other members
universality
they see they are not alone and others share their experiences
altruism
group members support each other
experience of positive family group
old wounds can be healed in new family
development of social skills
enhances interpersonal skills and likelihood of accepting feedback
interpersonal learning
group can be training ground for trying new behaviours
family therapy
group therapy among family members
couples therapy
group therapy with married or unmarried couples whose major problem lies within their relationship
what therapies are used in the family and couples therapy approach?
psychodynamic, humanistic and behaviour
what are the four most used techniques in family and couples therapy?
- validation
- reframing
- structural change
- detriangulation
validation
therapist expresses an understanding and acceptance of each members feelings
reframing
therapist helps families reframe problems as family problems and not individual ones
structural change
therapist tries to restructure coalitions in a family
detriangulation
focusing the attention away from a scape goat of a family and onto the real conflict
self help support groups
voluntary organisations of individuals usually run by a paraprofessional
paraprofessional
someone who has been taught by a professional to provide mental health services but doesn’t have formal training
deinstitutionalisation
transferring those with disorders from mental institutions to community based facilities
what is the goal of community mental health?
helping people who are disenfranchised from society
what is the key concept of community mental health?
empowerment: assisting individuals to develop the skills they need to control own life
what is the importance of cultural perspectives?
individual therapies may not work on people from collectivists cultures
cross- cultural competence
how skilled a therapist feels about being able to manage cultural issues that may arise in therapy and to how the client perceives the therapists ability
how is ethnicity important for therapy?
when there is an ethnic match between therapist and client the client is less likely to drop out and gets better treatment outcomes
what are some ethnic specific services?
- culturally appropriate greetings and arrangements
- flexible hours
- bicultural/bilingual staff
well being therapy
short term, problem focused and directive therapy
