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.