Unit 5 - Mental & Physical Health Flashcards
Aaron Beck
an American psychiatrist known for his development of cognitive therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as his cognitive theory of depression, which emphasizes the role of negative thinking patterns in the development and maintenance of depression.
active listening
a communication technique used in therapy and counseling that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and empathizing with what the speaker is saying, through verbal and nonverbal cues, to facilitate deeper understanding and rapport.
acute schizophrenia
a subtype of schizophrenia characterized by sudden onset of psychotic symptoms, often accompanied by emotional turmoil, confusion, or behavioral disturbances, which may require immediate intervention and stabilization.
adaptation-level phenomenon
a cognitive bias in which individuals adapt to and become accustomed to their current level of environmental stimuli or life circumstances, thereby recalibrating their expectations and judgments over time.
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Traumatic events occurring before age 18 that can have negative, lasting effects on health and well-being.
aerobic exercise
physical activity that increases heart rate and oxygen consumption over an extended period, such as running, swimming, or cycling, which has been shown to improve physical health, mental well-being, and cognitive function.
agoraphobia
an anxiety disorder characterized by fear or avoidance of situations or places where escape or help may be difficult or embarrassing in the event of a panic attack or other anxiety symptoms, such as crowded spaces, public transportation, or open spaces.
Alarm Stage
The initial reaction to stress, activating the fight-or-flight response.
Albert Ellis
an American psychologist known for his development of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), a form of cognitive therapy that emphasizes identifying and challenging irrational beliefs and cognitive distortions to promote more adaptive thinking and behavior.
anorexia nervosa
an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, leading to severe restriction of food intake, excessive exercise, and distorted body image, often resulting in significant weight loss and medical complications.
anti-social personality disorder
a personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, lack of empathy or remorse, and impulsive or antisocial behavior, often beginning in adolescence or early adulthood.
antianxiety drugs
also known as anxiolytics or benzodiazepines, medications used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders by enhancing the activity of neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has calming effects on the central nervous system.
antidepressants
medications used to treat symptoms of depressive disorders by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine in the brain, which are implicated in mood regulation and emotional well-being.
antipsychotic drugs
also known as neuroleptics, medications used to manage symptoms of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain and reducing hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
Antisocial Personality Disorder
A disorder characterized by a long-term pattern of manipulating, exploiting, or violating the rights of others.
anxiety disorders
a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive, persistent, and uncontrollable feelings of anxiety, fear, or apprehension, often accompanied by physiological symptoms such as rapid heartbeat or sweating.
APA (American Psychological Association)
The leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States.
approach-approach conflict
a type of conflict in which an individual must choose between two desirable or attractive options, each of which has its own benefits and rewards, making the decision difficult.
approach-avoidance conflict
a type of conflict in which an individual is attracted to a goal or outcome (approach) but also experiences negative feelings or consequences associated with pursuing that goal (avoidance), leading to ambivalence and uncertainty.
Ataque de Nervios
A culture-bound syndrome prevalent among Latinos, characterized by uncontrollable shouting, crying, and trembling.
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning and development, typically diagnosed in childhood and often persisting into adulthood.
autism spectrum disorders
a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction, restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities, varying in severity and presentation.
aversive conditioning
a behavior therapy technique that pairs an undesired behavior with an unpleasant stimulus or consequence, with the aim of reducing or eliminating the behavior through negative reinforcement or punishment.
avoidance-avoidance conflict
a type of conflict in which an individual must choose between two undesirable or aversive options, each of which has its own negative consequences, making the decision challenging.
Avoidant Personality Disorder
A disorder characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
B. F. Skinner
an American psychologist and behaviorist known for his research on operant conditioning, reinforcement schedules, and the development of behavior therapy techniques such as operant conditioning and token economies.
behavior therapy
a type of psychotherapy that focuses on modifying maladaptive behaviors and promoting adaptive ones through techniques such as reinforcement, punishment, modeling, and exposure, based on principles of learning and conditioning.
Behavioral Perspective
An approach to psychology that focuses on observable behaviors and the ways they are learned.
Biofeedback
A technique that teaches individuals to control physiological processes such as heart rate and muscle tension by providing real-time feedback.
Biological Perspective
An approach to psychology that focuses on the physiological bases of behavior and mental processes.
biomedical therapy
the use of biological or medical interventions, such as medication, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or psychosurgery, to treat mental disorders by targeting underlying biological or neurological mechanisms.
bipolar disorder
formerly known as manic-depressive illness, a mood disorder characterized by alternating episodes of depression and mania or hypomania, which are periods of elevated mood, energy, and activity.
Bipolar I
A type of bipolar disorder characterized by at least one manic episode, often with depressive episodes.
Bipolar II
A type of bipolar disorder characterized by hypomanic episodes alternating with major depressive episodes.
Borderline Personality Disorder
A disorder characterized by instability in mood, self-image, and behavior, often resulting in impulsive actions and unstable relationships.
broaden-and-build theory
a theory proposed by Barbara Fredrickson suggesting that positive emotions broaden individuals’ thought-action repertoires and build psychological resources, promoting resilience, creativity, and personal growth over time.
bulimia nervosa
an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating (eating large amounts of food in a short period) followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise, to prevent weight gain.
Carl Rogers
an American psychologist and one of the founders of humanistic psychology, known for his development of person-centered therapy and his emphasis on the importance of empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard in therapeutic relationships.
Catatonia
A state of unresponsiveness to external stimuli, often including rigid body posture or repetitive movements.
catharsis
a therapeutic process or emotional release through the expression or release of pent-up emotions, such as anger or grief, often facilitated through talking, writing, or artistic expression, which may promote psychological healing and relief.
chronic schizophrenia
a subtype of schizophrenia characterized by persistent and long-term symptoms, impairment, and functional decline, typically with a gradual onset and poor response to treatment.
Cluster A Personality Disorders
A group of personality disorders characterized by odd or eccentric behaviors. Includes paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders.
Cluster B Personality Disorders
A group of personality disorders characterized by dramatic, emotional, or erratic behaviors. Includes antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders.
Cluster C Personality Disorders
A group of personality disorders characterized by anxious or fearful behaviors. Includes avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders.
Cognitive Perspective
An approach to psychology that focuses on mental processes such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving.
cognitive therapy
a form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing dysfunctional thought patterns, beliefs, and cognitive distortions that contribute to psychological distress and maladaptive behaviors, through cognitive restructuring and behavioral interventions.
cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
a widely used form of psychotherapy that combines cognitive restructuring (changing negative thought patterns) with behavioral interventions (changing maladaptive behaviors), to treat a variety of mental health conditions.
Compulsion
Repetitive, rule-based behaviors that a person feels compelled to perform to reduce anxiety.
confirmation bias
a cognitive bias that involves seeking, interpreting, or recalling information in a way that confirms preexisting beliefs or hypotheses, while ignoring or discounting evidence that contradicts them, which can lead to errors in judgment or decision-making.
coping
the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral efforts to manage, reduce, or tolerate stressors, challenges, or adverse circumstances, in order to adapt and maintain psychological well-being.
coronary heart disease
a medical condition characterized by the narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, which may result in chest pain (angina), heart attack, or other cardiovascular complications.
counterconditioning
a behavior therapy technique used to replace or counteract maladaptive responses (such as fear or anxiety) with adaptive ones, by pairing the feared or aversive stimulus with a positive or neutral stimulus to change the emotional response.
Culture-Bound Disorders
Psychological disorders found only in certain cultures.
deinstitutionalization
the movement in mental health care towards discharging individuals from psychiatric hospitals or institutions and providing community-based treatment and support services, aimed at reducing reliance on long-term institutionalization and promoting integration into society.
delusion
a fixed, false belief that is firmly held despite evidence to the contrary, often involving beliefs of persecution, grandiosity, or control, which are characteristic symptoms of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
Dependent Personality Disorder
A disorder characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behavior.
depressive disorders
also known as mood disorders, a group of mental health conditions characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest or pleasure in activities, leading to significant impairment in functioning.
Diagnosis
The process of identifying and labeling a disorder based on its symptoms and signs.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
A type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on teaching coping skills to manage stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships.
diathesis-stress model
a psychological theory proposing that the development of psychological disorders results from an interaction between predisposing vulnerabilities (diatheses) and environmental stressors, such as traumatic events or chronic stress, which can trigger or exacerbate symptoms.
Discrimination
Unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, often based on race, age, or gender.
dissociation
a mental process involving a disruption or detachment from one’s thoughts, feelings, memories, or identity, often as a defense mechanism against overwhelming stress, trauma, or psychological distress.
dissociative amnesia
a dissociative disorder characterized by partial or total memory loss of important personal information, events, or experiences, often associated with trauma or stress.
dissociative disorders
a group of mental health conditions characterized by disruptions or disturbances in memory, identity, consciousness, or perception, often as a response to severe trauma or stress.
dissociative identity disorder
formerly known as multiple personality disorder, is a dissociative disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities, which may alternate control over an individual’s behavior.
Distress
Negative stress that can cause anxiety and decrease performance.
Dopamine Hypothesis
The theory that schizophrenia is associated with an excess of dopamine activity in the brain.
Dorthea Dix
an American advocate for mental health reform in the 19th century, known for her efforts to improve conditions for individuals with mental illness and establish humane treatment facilities and asylums.