Unit 6 Memory, Dissociative, Somatic And Psychotic Disorders Flashcards
What three terms are used to describe the mental processes which collectively allow you to have a memory
Encoding, storage, retrieval
Memories of facts and knowledge you gain from classes goes under which type of memory?
Semantic memory
According to the distribution of studying impact what method of studying will help students retain the most information, not only for an exam but long-term?
Studying nearly everyday for weeks leading up to an exam
Tam smelled cranberries and suddenly remembered things that happened at past thanksgiving dinners. The smell served as a ______?
Retrieval cue
If students are showed a picture of Morgan Freeman with a quote and asked to read it to themselves, some students will read the quote in Morgan Freeman voice (in their mind). Which type of memory tag is this an example of?
Auditory tag
Which brain structure helps you form new short-term memories of all types?
Hippocampus
Jans teacher asked her to say the months of the year in alphabetical order within 60 seconds. Jan couldn’t do it, she can recall the months but not in alphabetical order. Why did she fail?
She didn’t encode the months in alphabetical order
Which model relates memory to making a scrap book… Your brain collects pieces of information (memory tags) as well as schemas to recreate your memories, which explains how and why memories can distort over time?
Memory reconstruction model
Which memory-forming strategy involves repeatedly studying information with an effort to understand how it can be useful or how to apply the information?
Elaborative rehearsal
If you forget where you put your keys, the best way to remember is to retrace your steps do to the _____?
Context effect
Elizabeth Loftus gave research subjects who had recently been to Disneyland a survey to complete to asses their memory. However she put a picture of bugs bunny on the survey to see if she could trick their memories, which it did! Many people said they saw bugs bunny on their trip. This is due to _____?
The misinformation effect
Some researchers believe that many of us may not actually lose our memories but simply can’t recall them. This is called the ______?
Inhibited retrieval theory of memory loss
Who created the famous “forgetting curve” which showed that humans experience rapid memory loss shortly after encoding but also that forgetting stabilized over time?
Herman Ebbinghaus
Robert remembers what an umbrella is but doesn’t remember when he formed that memory due to?
Source confusion/missattribution
Your perspective of things going on around you is subjective. Therefore, what you are encoding may be different than someone sitting next to you experiencing the same event. True or false?
True
Monroe had an accident and suffered damage to his hippocampus… He is at risk of developing______?
Anterograde amnesia
What is a common form of memory loss?
Childhood amnesia
What is the cause of dissociative amnesia?
Traumatic event or psychological distress
Which strategies would help enhance your memories (make them last longer)?
-Distributed and repetitive reviewing
-Making a conscious decision that you want to remember it
-Choosing a healthy lifestyle such as getting proper rest on a regular basis
Which vitamin is essential for memory function?
B-12
Many people experience dissociation occasionally. True or false?
True
Which of the following is NOT usually associated with depersonalization disorder?
-Feeling detached from your body
-Intense fear response/panic
-Memory loss
-Concern that you are crazy or delusional
Memory loss not usually associated
If someone is having a dissociative fugue episode, what behavior are they displaying?
Bewildered wandering
Who first explained what a somatic reaction is and helped create the category of Somatic Disorders?
Sigmund Freud
What is the main feature of Conversion Disorder?
Loss of mobility
Describe Psuedocyesis?
Having symptoms of pregnancy even though you are not pregnant?
Which types of psychotherapy are recommended for Somatic Disorders?
Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Dialectical behavioral therapy
Define memory and list the 3 mental processes that allow memory functions
Memory is the ability to
Encode, Store, and Retrieve information
Define encoding
Any learning strategy that allows you to form a memory
Define storage
Keeping the memory for some amount of time
Define retrieval
Recalling the memory when you need it
Give an example of encoding nuerodiversity
Some students need to repeatedly study the same thing over and over whereas other students only need to go over the material once
List 1 thing that can enhance your encoding abilities
Use the personal relevance strategy and relate information to your life/life experiences
List 8 active encoding strategies for students
1) sitting in front row helps stay focused
2) turning off phones prevents distraction
3) writing notes on paper more effective for most
4) formatting notes to isolate key terms
5) staying engaged with class discussion
6) asking questions to clarify
7) sharing notes or study groups
8) making flashcards
9) deciding information is important useful and want to remember
What is the Von Restorff effect?
When you make something stand out in your notes such as highlighting or circling it
Explain the distributed approach to encoding
Managing your time and studying the material repeatedly over many days (avoid cramming)
What is maintenance rehearsal?
Rote repetition without truly valuing the information (like children memorizing the pledge of allegiance without understanding the words)
What is elaborative rehearsal?
Repetition of material but deciding information is very valuable and useful to you, this focus helps you truly understand and learn in less time
Define encoding capacity
The amount of information you can actively encode before you start forgetting (before writing down to study later)
What was the encoding capacity of humans in the 1950s
7 +/- 2
Who did 1950s research on encoding capacity of humans?
George Miller
What was the encoding capacity of humans in more recent years according to multiple researchers?
4 +/- 1
What does research indicate is the cause of humans having less encoding capacity now than in the 1950s
Reliance on technology rather than their own brains
What happens to your brain if you rely on electronics devices rather than your brain?
Your brain becomes less able to encode, store and retrieve information (your memory gets worse)
Define storage capacity
The amount of information you can store in your brain (the brain is built to grow and expand; plasticity)
True or false. Humans have an unlimited storage capacity for memories?
True
Define storage duration
The length of time you can hold information in your brain (with maintenance the brain can store for unlimited time)
What usually prevents humans from keeping all of the memories they have stored?
We don’t make time to occasionally review the information
What is required to keep memories we have stored?
Maintenance, you must occasionally use/review/think about them or you will lose them
What is a retrieval cue?
Anything that triggers a memory to pop up into your consciousness
List 6 things that can help you retrieve stored memories
1) a question
2) a smell
3) a location
4) a color
5) time of year/holiday
6) a person
What are memory tags?
Aspects/features that you are unconsciously attaching to a memory when you encode it
Why is it better to have more memory tags?
The more memory tags you form along with the main memory, the easier it is to retrieve that memory. (Memory tags turn into retrieval cues and help recall your memory)
Give an example of an auditory tag
Reading questions in your professors voice during an exam or when you think of someone talking you hear their voice
Define or give an example of the encoding/retrieval specificity principle
The way you encode impacts the way you retrieve. If you only encode in one specific way that may be the only way you can retrieve that information
Ex: listing months of the year alphabetically
Define or give an example of the context effect
We often form a memory tag related to our surrounding when we form a memory so it’s easier to recall information when we return to that location/context/setting.
Ex: if you lose your keys retrace your steps and when you back into the right room you’ll remember where you put them
Define or give an example of the mood congruence effect
We often form a memory tag related to our mood when we form a memory so it’s easier to recall information when we get in the same mood.
Ex: when you are sad you tend to think of negative things and find it hard to think of positive things
Define or explain the Serial Position effect
We tend to remember the beginning and end of things; if we remember the beginning only that’s the primacy effect whereas the end only is the recency effect
Ex: remembering the begining/ending of a movie but not all the character development in the middle
Define or give an example of the state-dependant effect
We tend to encode our physical state along with the information so it’s easier to recall that information when we return to the same physical state.
Ex: if you are always hungry when you study you should take a test when you are hungry
What are explicit memories?
Conscious memories that are easy to talk about/explain/declare verbally
What is an episodic explicit memory?
Memories of our personal life events (often linked with some emotional content)
What an Autobiographical explicit memory?
Episodic memories with a running time-line of non-emotional elements (the year, location, weather etc)
What is a semantic explicit memory?
Factual or knowledge-based information (non-emotional content) stuff you learn in classes
What is a flashbulb explicit memory?
Memories with intense emotions (often trauma-induced) you can feel like you’re reliving the moment when you have the memory
What are implicit memories?
Unconscious memories (you’re not aware of and therefore can’t explain them easily)
What is a procedural implicit memory?
Muscle memories, your body’s muscles learn how to do things so that you don’t have to consciously think about walking, writing etc (anything you can do without conscious thought)
What is an echoic implicit memory?
Auditory memories; you’re unconsciously storing overlapping sounds… These usually become memory tags but they’re also available in case you need to retroactively recall a recent sound
What is an iconic implicit memory?
Visual memories you’re unconsciously storing overlapping images… These usually become memory tags but they are also available if you need to retroactively recall a recent visual
What is a sensory implicit memory?
All your senses can become memories and memory tags; you’re unconsciously storing smells, touch/sensations, tastes etc. (echoic and iconic are also examples of sensory memories)
True or false. Memories are distributed throughout the entire brain?
True
What is the relationship of the frontal lobe to memory?
Sequence of events for autobiographical memories
What is the relationship of the Parietal Lobe to memories?
Physical sensations of sensory memories
What is the relationship of the Occipital lobe to memory?
Visual-spatial aspects of memories
What is the relationship of the Temporal lobe to memory?
Auditory features of memories
What is the relationship of the Hippocampus to memory?
New short-term memories of all types
What is the relationship of the Amygdala to memory?
Emotional components of memories (flashbulb)
What is the relationship of the Olfactory bulb to memory?
Smell-related aspects of memories
What part of the brain is most used for memory?
Hippocampus
Explain memory according to the Semantic Network Model
This model says memory is like a complex network of association based on the idea that memory builds upon itself (using scaffolding techniques)
Give an example of scaffolding in relationship to memory
A teacher explains a concept (e.g. adding) then demonstrates how to use that information and challenges students with a task using that knowledge (e.g. homework or a test). Once a student has displayed solid understanding, the teacher can build on that foundational knowledge to explain higher level knowledge (e.g. multiplication)
True or false. Memories distort over time?
True
What is a schema?
Performed ideas based on past experiences that allow you to fill in gaps of your memory when you reconstruct a memory
Give an example of a schema in relation to memory
You can roughly tell me what you “remember” about the Halloween seven years ago (not be sure you remember that specific Halloween but because You’ve had so many of them you know what usually happens)
Explain the Memory Consolidation Model
This model says memory is like making jello… A process that starts when you encode (mix ingredients together), store (refrigerate until mix is solid) and finally retrieve (use/eat after consolidated) if something interferes with the process, you don’t form a memory or lose it (like if you take jello out of the refrigerator too soon)
List 2 things your brain needs to consolidate memories
Sleep and repeatedly reviewing memories. The consolidation process for human memory occurs when you sleep and repeatedly review memories
What happens if you don’t do the 2 things your brain needs to consolidate your memories?
If don’t get proper rest after forming a memory or don’t occasionally review your memories you lose them
What 2 things interfere with your consolidation process?
Not getting enough sleep
Not occasionally reviewing your memories
List the 3 stages in the Stage Model of Memory
Sensory memory
Short term memory
Long term memory
Describe sensory memory and it’s capacity and duration in the stage model of memory
Large capacity but small duration (you must be paying attention to something in order for it to move into the next stage)
Describe short term memory and it’s capacity and duration in the stage model of memory
4-7 item capacity and ~20 second duration (active encoding strategies help)
Describe long term memory and it’s capacity and duration in the stage model of memory
Unlimited capacity and unlimited duration… You can keep adding new memories (they do not replace old ones) as long as you occasionally review them, you won’t lose them
What is highly superior autobiographical memory?
A rare type of memory where the person has extremely accurate autobiographical memories… If you ask about a random day 20yrs ago they can recall almost every detail
List 4 things all memory models agree on
1) much of what we experience isn’t encoded
2) we neglect to maintain our stored memories and lose them
3) we often can’t retrieve what is stored
4) memories are distorted versions of our reality (untrustworthy even if you have a good memory)
What is the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon?
The inability to recall a memory that you know is stored in your mind
True or false. Your perceptions of what’s going on around you is subjective?
True
True or false. Your encoding of events and information is different than someone next to you having the same experience
True
Who is one of the top memory research psychologists regarding memory distortion?
Elizabeth Loftus
Explain the memory distortion concept, the misinformation effect
If when you are recalling a memory, you get some false or misleading information, it will distort the recollection/reconstruction of that memory
Ex: remembering bug bunny at Disney land
Explain the memory distortion concept of imagination inflation
If you imagine something is true you can form and entire false memory of it; unlike the misinformation effect which distorts an existing memory, this feature of memory allows you to create a memory of something that never happened without your conscious awareness.
Ex: remembering a terrifying experience of being lost in a mall that never actually happened
Explain the memory distortion concept of change blindness
Humans don’t pay attention to things changing directly in front of them and therefore don’t notice those changes
Ex: changes in a set between scene in a movie
Explain the memory distortion concept of color & sound interpretation/perception
Human brains process sensory information uniquely depending on a wide variety of factors which is why two people looking at the same thing or listening to the same thing will report seeing/hearing different things
Ex: blue/black or white/gold dress
True or false. Most eye witness testimonies are extremely accurate?
False
List 5 steps to avoid distorting the memory of an eye witness
1) do not offer multiple choice
2) have eyewitness go through photos one at a time
3) inform the. Your database is limited and might not have the person they saw
4) time them to ensure true recognition occurs which happens <20secs
5) if they select someone do not say anything
6) use an impartial person to ask open ended questions
Explain the Decay Theory of Memory loss
As you age your mind naturally starts to lose a variety of cognitive functioning including memory, so we should expect memories will decay over time/your lifespan
Explain the Inhibited Retrieval Theory of Memory loss
Memory loss isn’t necessarily a natural part of aging. Many people report that they suddenly remember something that they haven’t thought about for 30yrs. This indicates memories may still exist even if we can’t retrieve them… Memory loss may just be about retrieval que problems
Who did research resulting in the “forgetting curve”?
Hermann Ebbinghaus
What are 2 findings in the forgetting curve?
1) Humans experience rapid forgetting shortly after a learning opportunity (due to ineffective encoding)
2) humans experience a stability of memories as time passes (specifically you will forget about 80% of what you learn in a course but the 20% you remember may stay with you a long time)
List 6 reasons for memory loss
1) Encoding failure
2) storage failure
3) retrieval failure
4) sleep deprivation
5) brain damage
6) certain diseases
7) psychological distress
8) vitamin deficiency (B-12)
What is the term for a very common experience of memory loss?
Forgetting/forgetfulness
List 4 types of forgetfulness
(common memory loss)
1) Absent mindedness
2) Tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon
3) Source confusion/missattribution
4) Childhood Amnesia
Define absent mindedness
Being overly distracted by too many things to focus/remember
Define Tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon
Being unable to remember something you know often due to anxiety
Define Source confusion/misattribution
Forgetting the autobiographical content of memories (source info) and just remembering the main attribute
Define childhood amnesia
Forgetting early childhood memories
Why is childhood amnesia a common type of memory loss?
Due to the brain being under developed, almost everyone experiences this type of memory loss, therefore it is normal/expected/common
Who first documented memory loss due to a psychological reaction or defense mechanism?
Sigmund Freud
Which category of memory loss is uncommon?
Amnesia
(other than childhood amnesia)
What is retrograde amnesia?
Memory loss of your past usually due to brain damage (head trauma or disease)
What is anterograde amnesia?
The inability to form new memories due to brain damage
(Hippocampus specifically)
What is dissociative amnesia?
Memory loss due to psychological distress/trauma
(an ego defense mechanism)
What are the 2 neurological abnormalities seen in Alzheimer’s brains?
Plaques (beta-amyloid plaques)
Tangles (neurofibrillary tangles)
How do Plaques impair neuronal functioning in Alzheimer’s brains?
A protein builds up on the OUTSIDE of the neuron that prevents the neuron from RECEIVING neurotransmitters
How do tangles impair the neuronal functioning in Alzheimer’s brains?
A protein build-up INSIDE the neuron that prevent the neuron from SENDING neurtransmitters
What happens to a neuron if its communication of neurotransmitters is impaired?
They die along with the synapse holding information/memories
True or false. Alzheimer’s is a fatal disease?
True
What disease is Korsakoff’s Syndrome associated with?
Alcoholism
What is the process called after someone consumes a drug and dopamine receptor sites start to shut down?
Down regulation
Define Deja vu?
Already seen; a feeling that you have already experienced something that you are supposedly only seeing for the first time
What is the memory based explanation for for Deja Vu?
You have likely experienced something so similar that your brain is forming the same memory tags as the new memory
List 3 things you can do to enhance your memory?
1) distribute your studying sessions so you can repeatedly review material over several days or weeks
2) tell yourself that information is important and that you can’t look it up, you need to remember it
3) get proper rest, exercise, manage stress levels and eat healthy B-12 rich diet
4) play musical instrument of regular basis
List 3 things you can do to prevent memory loss
1) continue reviewing information if you want to keep it
2) when learning new things, intentionally connect them with existing memories
3) avoid dangerous activities that might damage your brain
4) get proper rest, exercise, manage stress levels and eat healthy B-12 rich diet
List 3 foods for getting B-12
1) Seafood- salmon, tuna, crab, clams
2) Fortified foods - Greek yogurt, tofu, cereal
3) protein rich foods- eggs, beef, chicken
Define the dissociation phenomenon
Activity without awareness or detached sensation if conscious of actions, a shift into unconscious functioning while awake
List symptoms of Depersonalization disorder
-persistent and reoccurring feeling that you’re not in your own body
- intense fear that one is losing sanity
- usually no loss of memory
List the symptoms of dissociative amnesia
-losing the ability to remember who you are (and others or where they are)
-significant distress and impairment if functioning (don’t know what they are supposed to be doing)
-no medical/physical cause for the amnesia (due to psychological trauma)
What is Dissociative Fugue and it’s symptoms
A person with dissociative amnesia also with fugue
-urge to travel state of bewildered wandering
What was Freud term for memory loss due to psychological distress or trauma
Repression
List symptoms of dissociative identity disorder (DID)
-dissociative episodes featuring a shift into altered personality
-often comes with amnesia between shifts/personalities, but sometimes one or more personalities will be aware of others
-impairment of functioning due to shifting personalities
What was Dissociative Identity Disorder firmly called?
Multiple personality disorder
Somatic Disorders feature what Freud termed a “somatic reaction”, what does that term mean?
Having symptoms of illness due to psychological distress
What is an example of a somatic reaction?
Vomiting before performing on stage due to nerves
Does someone who is having a somatic reaction know they’re causing it?
Not usually, many think they are truly sick
Are somatic reactions measurable?
Yes, you can see real symptoms (vomit, increased heart rate, etc)
Are somatic reactions usually life threatening?
No, once they calm down, all symptoms go away
What was the older term for illness anxiety disorder?
Hypochondriasis
List the symptoms of Conversion Disorder
-Losing motor functions and sometimes other sensory processing
-symptoms not due to a medical condition but there is often extreme distress and impairment of functioning
What was Freud’s term for Conversion Disorder?
Histeria
What is Factitious Disorder?
Faking your symptoms of illness for attention
What is Factitious Disorder by Proxy
Faking (or causing) symptoms of illness in someone you’re caring for
Explain Pseudocyesis
A woman having symptoms of pregnancy when not pregnant
Explain Couvade Syndrome
A man having sympathetic pregnancy or labor symptoms
What is the first step of treatment of Somatic Disorders?
A medical evaluation to rule out any possible medical condition
Which types of psychotherapy are recommended for Somatic Disorders?
Cognitive and Cognitive-Behavioral Therepy
Which type of medication is often given (in conjunction with Therapy) for Dissociative Disorders?
Anti-anxiety meds
Which psychotherapy approaches are recommended for Dissociative Disorders?
Cognitive-Behavioral and sometimes Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing
(EMDR)
Is retrieval of repressed memories always part of the treatment of Dissociative patients with memory loss?
No, because the person may not have the coping skills to handle the repressed trauma
Define Psychosis
Severe and chronic loss with reality
What does the term “positive symptoms” mean?
Additional sensory experiences (Neurotypical brains don’t have these)
Define delusions
Beliefs not supported by reality
Define a paranoid delusion
A belief that others are trying to harm or kill you
Define grandiose delusions
A belief that you have extraordinary powers
Define referential delusions
A belief that you can interpret others thoughts/intentions based on their body language
Define Nihilistic delusions
A belief that you have Devine knowledge of upcoming disasters
Define hallucinations
Abnormal sensory experiences
Define auditory hallucinations
Hearing things that aren’t there
Define visual hallucinations
Seeing things that aren’t there
What does the term “negative symptoms” mean?
Lacking mental processes or behaviors that Neurotypical brains have
Define Avolition
Lack of adaptive functioning and self-care tasks
Define apathy/anhedonia
Lack of interest or pleasure in activities
Define Asociality
Lack of social skills or social appropriateness
Define Flat Affect
Lack of emotional expression or inappropriate affect
Define Alogia
Lack of organized and logical speech progressions (disconnected thoughts)
Define Catatonia
Lack of responsiveness
What is the minimum number of positive and/or negative traits required for a diagnosis of Schizophrenia?
2
List 4 common symptoms of Schizophrenia
1) delusions
2) hallucinations
3) odd behavior
4) disorganized speech
What is the usual age of onset of schizophrenia?
Early adulthood
In the video example of Schizophrenia, why does Gerald think he has been brought into the residential treatment facility?
To be electrocuted or punished for his sins
In the video example of Schizophrenia, what are Heralds symptoms?
Delusions
Hallucinations
Odd behavior
Disorganized speech
In the video example of Schizophrenia, what does Gerald want to get accomplished with treatment?
He wants to stop smoking so he can get a job with a bakery and go to medical school
In the video example of Schizophrenia, list one of the examples the “voices” tell Gerald
They tell him he has already raped a woman he just saw for the first time
What is the prevalence rate for Schizophrenia?
~1% of the population (it’s rare)
If you have psychotic symptoms but they last for less than 6 months, what would the diagnosis be?
Schizophreniform
Which other psychological disorder is comorbid with Schizoaffective Disorder?
Major Depressive Disorder
If someone has a “psychotic break” or a very brief episode of psychosis (which is sometimes seen in Bipolar I cases) which Psychotic Disorder diagnosis is often given?
Brief Psychotic Disorder or Psychotic Break
In the video example of someone with Delusional Disorder, what was his delusion?
He thought he was dead and reality was the afterlife
Explain or give an example of Shared Psychosis
A cult leader convincing others to give him money or live the way he thinks they should live
What is the typical age of onset for Paraphrenia?
Late adulthood
List the two types of “induced” psychotic disorders listed in this lecture
-Substance induced
-Injury induced
List the 4 abnormalities in the brains of Psychotic patients
1) less grey matter
2) enlarged ventricles
3) high levels of dopamine
4) smaller limbic system structures
True or false. The genetic risk of a Psychotic Disorder is high
True
What percentage of people with a Psychotic Disorder are unable to be fully autonomous?
~90%
