Week 1 Flashcards
Psychological disorder
A disorder that occurs within an individual
Cannot be primarily resulted from social deviance, or conflict with society
Abnormal
Deviating from what is normal or usual. Is just one way of understanding psychological phenomena
Psychopathology
Describes the study of abnormal behaviour generally, specific psychological disorders and characteristics of mental health
Mental distress
Used to re~conceptualise psychological, phenomena and experiences that are otherwise referred to as “abnormal” or “illness”
Heritability
Refers to the extent to which variability in a particular behaviour or disorder in a population can be accounted for the genetic factor
Forebrain
Largest part of the brain with wide ranging functions
Midbrain
Hearing, vision, arousal, temperature regulation and motor functions
Hindbrain
Controls Breathing, blood flow, functions outside conscious control
Serotonin
Carries messages between nerve cells in your brain and throughout your body, is a neurotransmitter
Dopamine
Chemical within the brain, helps nerve cells to send messages back to each other and often makes you feel good
Norepinephrine
Communicates with the sympathetic nervous system, where it is involved in producing states if high arousal ~ may be involved in the anxiety disorders and other stress related conditions
Gamma~aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Inhibits nerve impulses throughout most areas of the brain and may be involved in anxiety disorders
Antidepressant medications
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Antipsychotic medications
Reduce the activity of neurons that use dopamine by blocking the receptors, also impacts serotonin
Methylphenidate (ritalin)
Often used to treat adhd, operates on several neurotransmitters that aid attention
