Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of psychodynamic therapies developed by Freud?
What is the primary focus of psychodynamic therapies developed by Freud?
Which of the following is a potential outcome of deinstitutionalization?
Which of the following is a potential outcome of deinstitutionalization?
What is a key rationale for multicultural psychology?
What is a key rationale for multicultural psychology?
Which professional is responsible for diagnosing and treating mental disorders as a medical doctor?
Which professional is responsible for diagnosing and treating mental disorders as a medical doctor?
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Which of the following is NOT listed as a possible contributor to recent declines in young people's mental health?
Which of the following is NOT listed as a possible contributor to recent declines in young people's mental health?
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What is a criticism of managed care in mental health treatments?
What is a criticism of managed care in mental health treatments?
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What effect has the discussion of mental health diagnoses on social media had on stigma?
What effect has the discussion of mental health diagnoses on social media had on stigma?
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Which of the following is NOT one of the 'four D's' used to define psychopathology?
Which of the following is NOT one of the 'four D's' used to define psychopathology?
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What distinguishes eccentrics from individuals with mental disorders?
What distinguishes eccentrics from individuals with mental disorders?
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The humoral theory of mental health is based on balancing which of the following?
The humoral theory of mental health is based on balancing which of the following?
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What was a common factor in the asylums created during the Middle Ages?
What was a common factor in the asylums created during the Middle Ages?
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Which treatment emerged in the early 20th century that is considered a somatogenic intervention?
Which treatment emerged in the early 20th century that is considered a somatogenic intervention?
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How did Krafft-Ebing contribute to our understanding of general paresis?
How did Krafft-Ebing contribute to our understanding of general paresis?
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What was a primary focus of the moral treatment approach in the 19th century?
What was a primary focus of the moral treatment approach in the 19th century?
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What condition was historically associated with aspects of hysteria?
What condition was historically associated with aspects of hysteria?
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What is a primary disadvantage of clinical case studies in research methods?
What is a primary disadvantage of clinical case studies in research methods?
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Which statement accurately reflects the limitations of correlational methods?
Which statement accurately reflects the limitations of correlational methods?
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What is the philosophical concern related to mental disorder classifications?
What is the philosophical concern related to mental disorder classifications?
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What does prevalence refer to in epidemiological studies?
What does prevalence refer to in epidemiological studies?
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Which of the following best describes the role of the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?
Which of the following best describes the role of the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?
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What challenge does informed consent often face in psychological research?
What challenge does informed consent often face in psychological research?
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In research methods, what is a characteristic of naturalistic experiments?
In research methods, what is a characteristic of naturalistic experiments?
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What is the risk associated with financial or personal biases in research?
What is the risk associated with financial or personal biases in research?
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What does the term 'etiology' refer to in the context of mental disorders?
What does the term 'etiology' refer to in the context of mental disorders?
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Which aspect of psychology emphasizes the importance of observable phenomena in diagnosis?
Which aspect of psychology emphasizes the importance of observable phenomena in diagnosis?
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What is the primary advantage of psychodiagnosis?
What is the primary advantage of psychodiagnosis?
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Which of the following best describes the concept of 'co-morbidity'?
Which of the following best describes the concept of 'co-morbidity'?
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Which method is commonly used to interpret responses to ambiguous stimuli in psychological assessments?
Which method is commonly used to interpret responses to ambiguous stimuli in psychological assessments?
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What is one of the main disadvantages of psychodiagnosis?
What is one of the main disadvantages of psychodiagnosis?
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What aspect of the DSM-5-TR includes information about symptom severity and cultural context?
What aspect of the DSM-5-TR includes information about symptom severity and cultural context?
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What is a possible explanation for the higher diagnosis rate of depression in females compared to males?
What is a possible explanation for the higher diagnosis rate of depression in females compared to males?
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What characterizes persistent depressive disorder?
What characterizes persistent depressive disorder?
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What is a common feature of psychotic depression?
What is a common feature of psychotic depression?
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Which of the following therapies focuses on increasing patient engagement in positive activities?
Which of the following therapies focuses on increasing patient engagement in positive activities?
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Which alternative treatment for severe depression is known for providing rapid relief?
Which alternative treatment for severe depression is known for providing rapid relief?
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What is a common symptom of major depression classified as a neurovegetative sign?
What is a common symptom of major depression classified as a neurovegetative sign?
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What is a significant risk associated with the initial treatment phase for antidepressant medications?
What is a significant risk associated with the initial treatment phase for antidepressant medications?
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Which of the following is NOT considered a characteristic of postpartum depression?
Which of the following is NOT considered a characteristic of postpartum depression?
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What differentiates bipolar depression from major depression?
What differentiates bipolar depression from major depression?
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What is a key difference between major depression and baby blues?
What is a key difference between major depression and baby blues?
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What behavioral change is commonly associated with major depression?
What behavioral change is commonly associated with major depression?
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What is a potential psychological mechanism proposed in the psychodynamic account of major depression?
What is a potential psychological mechanism proposed in the psychodynamic account of major depression?
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How is the recurrence rate of major depression characterized?
How is the recurrence rate of major depression characterized?
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Which of the following factors is suggested to potentially contribute to postpartum depression?
Which of the following factors is suggested to potentially contribute to postpartum depression?
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In terms of cultural specificity, which of the following is a noted consideration in understanding major depression?
In terms of cultural specificity, which of the following is a noted consideration in understanding major depression?
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Which brain area is primarily responsible for processing fear and anxiety?
Which brain area is primarily responsible for processing fear and anxiety?
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What type of medication is commonly used for treating anxiety but carries a risk of dependence?
What type of medication is commonly used for treating anxiety but carries a risk of dependence?
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Which disorder is characterized by persistent, excessive worry across multiple areas of life?
Which disorder is characterized by persistent, excessive worry across multiple areas of life?
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What is a common feature of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
What is a common feature of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
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Which treatment approach is often effective for Social Anxiety Disorder?
Which treatment approach is often effective for Social Anxiety Disorder?
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Which of the following conditions can mimic symptoms of anxiety disorders?
Which of the following conditions can mimic symptoms of anxiety disorders?
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What aspect is vital in the diagnostic features of panic disorder?
What aspect is vital in the diagnostic features of panic disorder?
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Which statement best describes the difference in methods used by men and women in suicide attempts?
Which statement best describes the difference in methods used by men and women in suicide attempts?
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What is a primary protective factor against suicide?
What is a primary protective factor against suicide?
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Among racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., which group has the highest suicide rate?
Among racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., which group has the highest suicide rate?
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What major influence can lead to an increase in suicide rates following an individual's death?
What major influence can lead to an increase in suicide rates following an individual's death?
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Which of the following is NOT identified as a leading risk factor for suicide?
Which of the following is NOT identified as a leading risk factor for suicide?
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Dichotomous thinking is characterized by what type of cognitive distortion?
Dichotomous thinking is characterized by what type of cognitive distortion?
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What role does social influence play in suicide risk within communities?
What role does social influence play in suicide risk within communities?
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Which of the following statements about crisis intervention is true?
Which of the following statements about crisis intervention is true?
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What is one significant impact of mental disorders on families?
What is one significant impact of mental disorders on families?
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Why is it important to study mental disorders?
Why is it important to study mental disorders?
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What is a consequence of untreated mental disorders that extends beyond the individual?
What is a consequence of untreated mental disorders that extends beyond the individual?
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What is a significant challenge associated with the prevalence of mental disorders?
What is a significant challenge associated with the prevalence of mental disorders?
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What is a common misconception about mental disorders?
What is a common misconception about mental disorders?
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What is the lifetime prevalence percentage of Major Depression among U.S. adults?
What is the lifetime prevalence percentage of Major Depression among U.S. adults?
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How does the prevalence of Social Anxiety Disorder among U.S. adults compare with Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
How does the prevalence of Social Anxiety Disorder among U.S. adults compare with Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
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What impact did Covid-19 have on the prevalence of mental disorders among adults aged 18-25?
What impact did Covid-19 have on the prevalence of mental disorders among adults aged 18-25?
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Which disorder has the lowest one-year prevalence rate among the disorders listed?
Which disorder has the lowest one-year prevalence rate among the disorders listed?
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Which mental disorder has a lifetime prevalence of 18% among U.S. adults?
Which mental disorder has a lifetime prevalence of 18% among U.S. adults?
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How does the monism perspective influence the understanding of mental disorders?
How does the monism perspective influence the understanding of mental disorders?
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What is the primary philosophical distinction between monism and dualism regarding mental disorders?
What is the primary philosophical distinction between monism and dualism regarding mental disorders?
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What implication does reductive materialism have on the treatment of mental disorders?
What implication does reductive materialism have on the treatment of mental disorders?
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Which statement best reflects dualist philosophy regarding mental disorders?
Which statement best reflects dualist philosophy regarding mental disorders?
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Which of the following philosophies is associated with the idea that mental events can be fully explained by physiological mechanisms?
Which of the following philosophies is associated with the idea that mental events can be fully explained by physiological mechanisms?
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What does the term 'not guilty by reason of insanity' imply about a defendant's mental state at the time of the crime?
What does the term 'not guilty by reason of insanity' imply about a defendant's mental state at the time of the crime?
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Which of the following is NOT a criterion commonly used to define a mental disorder?
Which of the following is NOT a criterion commonly used to define a mental disorder?
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How does the phrase 'guilty but insane' affect the legal judgment of a defendant?
How does the phrase 'guilty but insane' affect the legal judgment of a defendant?
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What underlying issue complicates the definition of 'mental disorder' according to societal perceptions?
What underlying issue complicates the definition of 'mental disorder' according to societal perceptions?
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What common background influences people's conceptions of mental disorders?
What common background influences people's conceptions of mental disorders?
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What is a potential risk associated with the use of antidepressants in bipolar disorder treatment?
What is a potential risk associated with the use of antidepressants in bipolar disorder treatment?
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Which antipsychotic is noted for having the greatest antidepressant properties?
Which antipsychotic is noted for having the greatest antidepressant properties?
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Which statement best reflects the relationship between creativity and bipolar disorder?
Which statement best reflects the relationship between creativity and bipolar disorder?
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What should be considered regarding the use of antidepressants during pregnancy?
What should be considered regarding the use of antidepressants during pregnancy?
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What is a common perspective among individuals with bipolar disorder regarding their condition?
What is a common perspective among individuals with bipolar disorder regarding their condition?
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What is a primary effect of lithium carbonate when used in treating bipolar disorder?
What is a primary effect of lithium carbonate when used in treating bipolar disorder?
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Which symptom is considered a sign of a mixed episode in bipolar disorder?
Which symptom is considered a sign of a mixed episode in bipolar disorder?
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Which medication is preferred for chronic management of Bipolar I/II disorders?
Which medication is preferred for chronic management of Bipolar I/II disorders?
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What is a common misconception about the treatment of bipolar disorder?
What is a common misconception about the treatment of bipolar disorder?
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What role does psychotherapy typically play in treating bipolar disorder?
What role does psychotherapy typically play in treating bipolar disorder?
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Which statement about suicidal ideation in bipolar disorder is true?
Which statement about suicidal ideation in bipolar disorder is true?
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Which treatment is considered effective for both mania and bipolar depressions?
Which treatment is considered effective for both mania and bipolar depressions?
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What is a potential risk associated with long-term use of lithium carbonate?
What is a potential risk associated with long-term use of lithium carbonate?
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Which characteristic is often observed in individuals during manic episodes?
Which characteristic is often observed in individuals during manic episodes?
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What distinguishes mixed episodes from other bipolar episodes?
What distinguishes mixed episodes from other bipolar episodes?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of Panic Disorder?
Which of the following is a characteristic of Panic Disorder?
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What is the approximate one-year prevalence of Panic Disorder?
What is the approximate one-year prevalence of Panic Disorder?
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Which of the following is a common cognitive symptom of anxiety disorders?
Which of the following is a common cognitive symptom of anxiety disorders?
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What physiological symptom is commonly associated with acute anxiety?
What physiological symptom is commonly associated with acute anxiety?
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Which of the following disorders is categorized under Major Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders?
Which of the following disorders is categorized under Major Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders?
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Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically associated with anxiety disorders?
Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically associated with anxiety disorders?
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Which physical disorder can present symptoms that mimic anxiety disorders?
Which physical disorder can present symptoms that mimic anxiety disorders?
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What describes a panic attack within the context of anxiety disorders?
What describes a panic attack within the context of anxiety disorders?
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What is the female to male ratio in the prevalence of Panic Disorder?
What is the female to male ratio in the prevalence of Panic Disorder?
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Which symptom is often linked to heightened anxiety and is considered a form of hypervigilance?
Which symptom is often linked to heightened anxiety and is considered a form of hypervigilance?
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Which symptom is commonly associated with panic attacks?
Which symptom is commonly associated with panic attacks?
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What role does the locus coeruleus play in anxiety?
What role does the locus coeruleus play in anxiety?
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Which neurotransmitter has been shown to have a deficit in anxiety-prone individuals?
Which neurotransmitter has been shown to have a deficit in anxiety-prone individuals?
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What physiological response is triggered by the sympathetic nervous system during acute anxiety?
What physiological response is triggered by the sympathetic nervous system during acute anxiety?
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What is a common fear experienced during a panic attack?
What is a common fear experienced during a panic attack?
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Study Notes
Defining Psychopathology
- Four D's: Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, Danger
- Deviance: Behavior that is unusual or statistically rare
- Distress: Emotional pain or suffering
- Dysfunction: Interference with daily functioning
- Danger: Potential harm to self or others
- Eccentrics: Display unique behaviors without distress, dysfunction, or danger
- Eccentrics are typically not classified as having mental disorders
History and Early Approaches
- Trephination: Ancient practice of drilling holes in the skull to release evil spirits.
-
Humoral Theory: Ancient Greek concept of balancing bodily fluids (blood, phlegm, black bile, yellow bile) to maintain mental health.
- Sanguine (Blood): Associated with happiness and optimism
- Choleric (Yellow Bile): Associated with anger and irritability.
- Melancholic (Black Bile): Associated with sadness and depression
- Phlegmatic (Phlegm): Associated with calmness and passivity
- Asylums: Institutions for those with mental disorders, often overcrowded and inhumane.
Emerging Perspectives
- Demonological View: Belief that mental illness was caused by possession by evil spirits or demons.
- Moral Treatment (19th Century): Advocated for humane and respectful treatment of patients (e.g., Philippe Pinel, Dorothea Dix).
Early 20th Century Treatments
- Electroconvulsive therapy, insulin coma therapy, and lobotomies were used to treat mental disorders.
Shifting Understandings: Somatogenic and Psychogenic Views
-
Somatogenic View: Mental disorders have physical or biological origins.
- Krafft-Ebing linked syphilis to general paresis (neuropsychiatric disorder).
- Wagner-Jauregg treated general paresis with induced malaria to kill the syphilis bacteria.
-
Psychogenic View: Mental disorders arise from psychological factors.
- Hysteria: Historically, a condition often associated with extreme emotional instability, attributed to psychological or “female” causes.
- Mesmerism/Hypnotism: Early methods by Franz Mesmer influencing modern hypnosis.
Modern Approaches
- Psychodynamic Therapies: Focus on unconscious drives and past experiences affecting current behavior (developed by Freud).
- Biological Views of Mental Disorders: Mental disorders are viewed as arising from genetic, neurochemical, or physiological factors.
- Psychotropic Medications: Drugs developed to treat mental disorders (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics).
-
Deinstitutionalization: Shift to community-based care.
- Rationale: Humane treatment and cost savings.
- Outcome: Rise in homelessness and insufficient care for some individuals.
- Multicultural Psychology: Recognizes diverse cultural influences on mental health and seeks culturally competent care.
Mental Health Professions
-
Direct patient care:
- Psychiatrists (M.D.’s)
- Clinical Psychologists (Ph.D.’s)
- Social Workers (M.S.W.’s / D.S.W.’s)
- Psychiatric Nurses (R.N.’s)
- Marriage & Family Therapists (M.F.T.’s)
- Psych Technicians
- MH Intake Workers, Staff
- Primary Care Practitioner M.D.’s (PCP’s)
- Physician Assistants (P.A.’s)
- Nurse Practitioners (N.P.’s)
-
Mental health researchers:
- Psychiatrists
- Clinical psychologists
- Neuroscientists
- Endocrinologists
- Psychopharmacologists
- Geneticists
- Epidemiologists
- Clinical trial managers
- Biostatisticians
Recent Decline in Young People's Mental Health
-
Possible Contributing Factors:
- Social media use
- Climate anxiety
- Helicopter parenting
- Education without competition
- Pressure to attend college
- Over-pathologizing normal feelings
- Decreased stigma
Managed Care
- Insurance-based model focusing on cost-efficient, brief treatments.
- Critics argue it can limit the quality of mental health care.
Research Methods in Psychopathology
-
Clinical Case Studies (Case Histories)
- Advantages: Provide detailed insights into rare cases
- Disadvantages: Limited generalizability, potential for researcher bias
-
Correlational methods
- Advantages: Identify relationships between variables; useful for large populations
- Disadvantages: Cannot determine causation
-
Experimental methods
- Advantages: Can establish causation; controlled conditions
- Disadvantages: May lack real-world applicability
Liabilities of Correlation in Clinical Studies
- Correlation does not imply causation
- Third variables may affect relationships
Problems with Current Research Practices
- WEIRD participants: Bias due to Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic samples
- Biases and Conflicts of Interest: Financial or personal biases may affect study outcomes
- Replication Issues: Difficulty reproducing findings across studies
Types of Correlational Studies
- Epidemiological (Cross-sectional): Analyze data from a specific point in time
- Longitudinal (Developmental): Track changes over time
Experimental Studies
- Experimental/Control groups: Participants are assigned to either group to compare effects
- Participant Assignment: Random assignment helps ensure equal groups
- Blind (Masked) Designs: Participants and researchers are unaware of who is receiving the treatment to reduce bias
- Experimenter Bias: The experimenter's expectations influencing results
- Naturalistic Experiments: Observe real-world situations
- Analogue Experiments: Simulate real-world conditions in a controlled setting
- Single-Subject Experiments: Involves a single participant and measures changes over time
Epidemiological Studies
- Prevalence: Total number of cases within a population at a given time
- Incidence: Number of new cases within a defined time period
- Data Collection: Surveys, medical records, or registries
IRB's, Basic Rights of Research Participants, and Problems with “Informed Consent”
- IRB (Institutional Review Board): Ensures ethical research practices
- Basic Rights of Participants: Privacy, protection from harm, right to withdraw
- Informed Consent Issues: Complexity and potential limitations in participant comprehension can be problematic.
Assessment and Diagnosis
-
DSM-5-TR Conception of “Mental Disorder”
- Clinically significant behavioral or psychological syndrome or pattern
- Associated with:
- Present distress: Like a painful symptom
- Disability: Impairment in one or more important areas of function
- Increased risk of suffering: death, pain, disability, or loss of freedom
Philosophical Viewpoints and their Relevance for Different Conceptions of Mental Disorder
-
Monism: The world is made of one stuff
- Can be either all mental or all physical
- Reductive materialism: Mental events reduced to brain events; everything can be explained through physiological mechanisms
-
Dualism: The physical and mental worlds are separate domains
- Mind is different from brain
- World of mental and physical interact
- Psychiatrists using psychopharmacology often act as monists
- Psychotherapists often act as dualists
Kraepelin’s View on Mental Disorder Nosology
- Emphasized categorizing disorders based on symptoms and course
- Card-sorting method: Used to group similar cases
-
Etiology: Cause
- Family health issues, personal history, substance abuse, etc.
- Course: Trajectory of the disorder over time
- Prognosis: Outcome
-
Signs: Observable markers
- Things you see in a patient (tics, tone of voice)
-
Symptoms: Patient reports
- What the patient tells you
- Syndrome: Signs + Symptoms
- Disorder: Syndrome + Course
- Disease: Disorder + Tissue Damage
Relationship Between Nosology and Diagnosis
- Nosology: Science or scheme of disease categorization and classification
-
Diagnosis: Act of assigning a nosological category to a patient
- A person can have more than one diagnosis
Phenotypic vs. Genotypic Diagnosis
-
Phenotypic Diagnosis: Based on observable symptoms
- Signs, symptoms, course, outcome, response to treatment
-
Genotypic Diagnosis: Based on genetic markers
- Causes (Genes, germs, tissue abnormalities)
Endophenotypic Signs in Diagnosis
-
Endophenotypes: Markers that may indicate a genotypic disorder
- Lab tests
- Retinal scans for Alzheimer’s-type dementia
- Cognitive tests
- Tests of circadian rhythm instabilities (BPD)
- “Subclinical” biomarkers
- Behavioral tests
Advantages and Disadvantages of Psychodiagnosis
-
Advantages:
- Guides treatment
- Facilitates communication among professionals
- Establishes prospects for contagion or transmission
- Legal reasons
- Financial reasons (insurance payment)
- Research
-
Disadvantages:
- Risk of stigma
- Over-pathologizing
- Sacrifices the uniqueness of the individual
- Diagnosis itself can have an impact on the patient
- Can rigidify treatment
Kinds of Information that Go Into a Psychodiagnosis
- Symptoms
- Signs
- Course of illness
- Age of onset
- Family history
- Recent events
- Recent behavior
- Psychological tests
- Laboratory tests (e.g., neuroimaging, hormonal assays, genetic testing)
- Response to treatment (prior or current)
Clinical Interview: Kinds of Information Solicited or Observed (Signs and Symptoms)
- Signs: Observable behaviors
- Symptoms: Reported experiences
- Duration: Approximately one hour; crucial for diagnosis
-
Information Collected:
- Current and past symptoms
- Personal and family history
- Mental health treatments
- Appearance: Attire, grooming, physical traits (e.g., skin tone, weight)
- Behavior: Posture, mannerisms, spasms/tics
- Speech: Articulation, tone
- Consciousness: Alertness level
- Mood/Attitude: Emotional state, general attitude (e.g., defiant, sincere)
- Thought Patterns: Content, process (delusions, hallucinations)
- Knowledge and Thinking: General facts, abstract reasoning
- Social Judgment & Insight
- Cognitive Functioning : Screened via tools like the MOCA
Goals of a Clinical Interview
- Assess suitability for psychotherapy
- Identify need for referrals (psychiatrist, PCP, neurologist, etc.)
Basic Diagnostic Concepts
- Nosology: Classification system
- Diagnosis: Identifying a specific disorder
- Signs & Symptoms: Observable indicators and reported experiences
- Syndromes: Group of symptoms typical of a disorder
- Prognosis: Predicted outcome
- Course of Illness: Pattern over time
- Etiology: Cause or origin
- Co-Morbidity: Co-occurrence of multiple disorders
Cognitive Tasks Commonly Used in the Clinical Interview including how Montreal Cognitive Assessment is Used
- Assess attention, memory, language
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA): Checks for cognitive impairment
Clinical Tests
- Projective Tests: Interpret responses to ambiguous stimuli (e.g., TAT, Rorschach)
- Personality/Response Inventories: Structured self-reports (e.g., MMPI-2)
Reliability/Validity of Diagnosis or Assessment
- Reliability: Consistency of results
- Validity: Accuracy in measuring intended constructs
Overview of TAT and Rorschach Administration, Interpretation, and Value
- TAT: Storytelling from images reveals underlying thoughts
- Rorschach: Inkblot interpretation explores personality
General Makeup of MMPI-2
- Broad measure of personality traits
- Designed to identify mental health issues
Psychophysiological Tests & Polygraphy
- Measures physical responses (e.g., heart rate) linked to mental states
- Polygraph: Assesses stress responses
Major Types of Brain Imaging
- CT, MRI: Structural images
- fMRI, PET: Functional activity
IQ Testing and Use of IQ
- Measures cognitive ability
- Often used in neuropsychological assessments
Neuropsychological Tests
- Evaluate cognitive functions to identify brain impairments
History, Development and Construction of DSM-5-TR – General Principles and Organization
- Developed over time, structured by symptom clusters and functional impact.
Dimensional and Ancillary Information in DSM-5-TR
- Includes symptom severity, cultural context, and functional impact
Evidence-Based Treatment Guidelines
- Recommendations based on research for effective treatments
Psychotherapy: General Effectiveness And Meta-Analysis
- Shows general efficacy
- Meta-analyses summarize broad therapy effects
Common Factors in Effective Psychotherapy, and the “Rapprochement Movement.”
- Includes therapeutic alliance, empathy, and rapport
- Rapprochement integrates various therapy approaches
Pharmacogenomics
- Tailoring medication based on genetic factors
Co-morbidity
- Co-existence of multiple disorders in one person; complicates diagnosis and treatment
Major Depression
-
Cognitive/Motivational vs. Neurovegetative Symptoms:
- Cognitive: sadness, guilt, feelings of worthlessness, suicidal thoughts
- Motivational: loss of pleasure (anhedonia)
- Neurovegetative: weight changes, sleep issues, psychomotor changes, fatigue, difficulty concentrating
- Not Due To: bereavement, normal loss reactions, or substances
- Resulting Behavior: social withdrawal, isolation, and possible irritability (especially in teens and males)
-
Psychodynamic Account:
- Cause: unconscious conflicts from early losses or unmet needs
- Mechanisms: repressed anger turned inward, unresolved grief, dependency needs
- Problems: empirical limitations, childhood focus, treatment issues
-
Post-partum Depression vs. "Baby Blues":
- Baby Blues: common, affects 50-80% of new mothers, mild mood swings, irritability, sadness, anxiety, resolves within two weeks postpartum
- Postpartum Depression: affects about 10-20% of mothers, more intense and lasting sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, possible suicidal thoughts, impaired bonding with the baby, persists for weeks to months if untreated
- Etiologies: hormonal changes, previous depression history, stress, lack of support, potential genetic factors
-
Patterns of Occurrence:
- Episodes: symptoms lasting at least two weeks, but can extend for months
- Persistence: in some, depression symptoms remain chronic or long-lasting
- Recurrence: high risk of future depressive episodes after one occurrence, especially if untreated, with around 50% experiencing recurrence within five years
-
Sex Ratios in Prevalence:
- Females are diagnosed more often than men (2:1 ratio)
- Possible Explanations: x-linked depression genes, PMS symptoms coinciding with surveys, quality of life differences, cognitive style
-
"Kindling" and Depression Risk:
- History of previous depressive episodes serves as kindling, increasing the risk of future episodes.
-
Persistent Depressive Disorder ("Double Depression"):
- Overlay of a Major Depressive Disorder episode on top of persistent depressive disorder
- Individuals experience an even deeper depressive episode when they already struggle with a "baseline" level of depression
-
Psychotic Features in Severe Major Depression:
- Severe depression may include hallucinations and delusions
Psychotherapy for Major Depression
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): targets negative thought patterns, proven effective
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): focuses on relationship issues, evidence supports effectiveness
- Behavioral Activation: increases engagement in positive activities, effective in lifting mood
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Natural Remission:
- Some depressive episodes resolve on their own, suggesting natural cycles
- Informs theories of depression's episodic nature
Problems with Psychogenic Theories
- Overemphasis on psychological origins may overlook biological causes and limit treatment options
"Third-Wave" Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): encourages acceptance of thoughts
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): uses mindfulness to prevent relapse, both have evidence for effectiveness
Brain Changes in Depression
- Low BDNF, neurotransmitter imbalances, and neocortical disturbances
- Antidepressants may normalize these changes
Antidepressant Medications
- Classes: SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, tricyclics
- Uses: depression, anxiety, OCD
- Side Effects: vary by class, can include fatigue, nausea, and dry mouth
- Precautions: care with dosage, side effects may impact treatment adherence
- Relationship with Suicidality: initial treatment phase may raise suicide risk, close monitoring is essential
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
- Nature of Treatment: uses controlled electrical impulses to induce seizures
- Effectiveness: high for severe depression, side effects may include memory loss
Alternative Treatments
- TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation): stimulates brain regions, "Stanford protocol" has promising results
- VNS (Vagus Nerve Stimulation): uses a device to stimulate the vagus nerve
- Ketamine: rapid relief for severe cases, used under careful supervision
Comparative Effectiveness
- For mild to moderate depression, both medications and psychotherapy can be effective
- Severe cases may benefit more from medication
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- SAD: depression occurring seasonally
- Phototherapy: light therapy to improve mood, effective in many cases
Other Disorders Associated with Depression
- Anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, chronic pain
Mania and Bipolar Disorder
-
Etiology Hypotheses:
- Neurochemical imbalances (e.g., high dopamine or norepinephrine in mania)
- Structural brain changes and dysfunction in emotional regulation circuits
- Genetic Evidence: strong genetic component, close family history increases risk
- Sex Ratio: equal prevalence in men and women, though women may have more depressive episodes
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Signs and Symptoms:
- Manic Episode: elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, rapid speech, impulsivity, grandiosity
- Depressive Episode: symptoms similar to Major Depression, but with higher recurrence and intensity in Bipolar Disorder
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Course and Prognosis:
- Chronic condition with recurrent episodes, variable between individuals
- Higher risk of suicide, lifelong management often required
-
Differences from Major Depression:
- Bipolar depression includes manic or hypomanic episodes
- Depressive episodes may be more severe in Bipolar Disorder
Antimanic Medications (Mood Stabilizers)
- Classes: Lithium, anticonvulsants, atypical antipsychotics
- Side Effects: weight gain, tremor, kidney or thyroid effects, requires regular monitoring
Pharmacogenomics
- Genesight© Test: personalized treatment approach using genetic testing to guide medication choices
Non-Medication Treatments
- Psychotherapy (CBT, psychoeducation), lifestyle modifications, ECT for severe cases
Pediatric Bipolar Disorder
- Similar symptoms to adult Bipolar Disorder, but with more irritability, mood swings, and behavior issues
Bipolar Disorder and Creativity
- Higher rates of creativity observed in some individuals with bipolar or depressive tendencies
Other Disorders Associated with Bipolar Disorder
- Anxiety disorders, substance abuse, ADHD, personality disorders
Suicide Rates
- Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, despite women attempting suicide more often.
- Men tend to use violent methods like shooting, stabbing, and hanging, while women use less violent methods like drug overdose.
- Non-Hispanic white Americans have the highest suicide rates in the US, followed by American Indians.
- Social media and internet use are likely contributing factors to the recent rise in suicide rates.
Suicide Risk Factors
- Stressful Events: Life challenges, trauma, and abuse can increase suicide risk.
- Social Isolation: Lack of social connection and support is a significant risk factor.
- Serious Illness: Chronic or terminal illness can contribute to suicidal thoughts.
- Abusive or Repressive Environment: Living in a harmful environment heightens risk.
- Occupational Stress: High-pressure jobs can lead to burnout and suicidal ideation.
- Mood and Thought Changes: Hopelessness, dichotomous thinking (black-and-white thinking), and depression are linked to suicide risk.
- Alcohol and Drug Use: Substance abuse can impair judgment and increase impulsivity.
- Mental Disorders: Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are major risk factors for suicide.
- Modeling: Witnessing or reading about suicide can increase suicidal behavior.
Suicide Protective Factors
- Social Support: Strong family and community connections provide a safety net.
- Access to Care: Availability of mental health resources enables intervention.
- Coping Skills: Effective problem-solving abilities help individuals manage stress.
- Beliefs and Values: Religious or spiritual commitments can provide meaning and purpose.
- Dependents: Responsibility towards loved ones or pets can offer a reason to live.
- Future Orientation: Optimism and future plans create hope and motivation.
- Therapeutic Relationship: Positive connections with mental health professionals offer support and guidance.
Suicide Prevention
- Suicide Prevention Programs: Aim to identify at-risk individuals and provide crisis intervention.
- Crisis Intervention: Helps people reframe their situation, make better decisions, and overcome crisis.
Contagiousness of Suicide
- Media Influence: Sensationalized news reports about suicide can trigger copycat suicides.
- Social Influence: Suicide clusters can occur within close-knit communities or groups.
- Social Media Impact: Online platforms can amplify suicide-related content, increasing exposure.
- Family/Friend Influence: Individuals with loved ones who have died by suicide are at higher risk.
Anxiety Disorders
- Nature of Clinical “Anxiety”: Persistent worry, restlessness, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances are common symptoms.
- Sociocultural Factors: Cultural attitudes, socioeconomic stress, and social expectations impact anxiety.
- Brain Areas Involved: Amygdala and prefrontal cortex play roles in anxiety processing.
- Neurotransmitters Involved: GABA and serotonin levels affect mood and anxiety regulation.
- ANS Involvement: The "fight-or-flight" response triggers physiological symptoms like increased heart rate and sweating.
- Physical Conditions Mimicking Anxiety: Hyperthyroidism, heart arrhythmias, asthma, and other medical conditions can present with anxiety-like symptoms.
Anxiety Treatments
- Medication: Benzodiazepines, SSRIs, and SNRIs are used to manage anxiety symptoms.
- Caution: Benzodiazepines can be addictive and have side effects like drowsiness and nausea.
Specific Anxiety Disorders
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent, excessive worry across multiple life areas.
- Panic Disorder: Intense fear episodes with physical symptoms, often accompanied by heightened awareness of bodily sensations.
- Derealization/Depersonalization: Experiencing feelings of detachment from reality or oneself.
- Agoraphobia: Fear of situations where escape might be difficult, often triggered by panic attacks.
- Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of social situations due to fear of judgment.
- Specific Phobias: Excessive, irrational fears of specific objects or situations.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Features: Obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors).
- Risk Factors: Family history, trauma, and brain structure abnormalities.
- Brain Areas: Orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and striatum are involved in OCD.
- Related Disorders: Hoarding disorder, body-focused repetitive behaviors (like hair-pulling or skin-picking), body dysmorphic disorder, and body integrity dysphoria.
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS)
- Often linked to OCD symptoms, especially after a streptococcal infection.
Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondriasis)
- Similar to OCD spectrum, characterized by excessive worry about health and potential illness.
Mental Disorders Prevalence
- Mental disorders are common, about 20% of people experience a major depressive episode in their life
- One year prevalence of major depression in the US is 10%
- The prevalence of mental disorders in the US is significantly higher than pre-COVID levels
- Mental health of young people has declined dramatically, especially for young females, LGBTQ individuals, and those who experienced sexual violence
- These trends predate COVID but were worsened by COVID-related problems like social isolation
- College mental health has declined steadily over the past decade
- The number of college students seeking mental health treatment has increased 40% from 2009-2015
- Student mental health is now the most pressing issue for college presidents
History of Psychopathology
- Early views of psychopathology involved biological theories, like humorism that attributed mental disorders to imbalances in bodily fluids
- During the Middle Ages, mental illness was often attributed to demonic possession and witchcraft
- Malleus Maleficarum, a book written in 1486, blamed women for witchcraft, stating that women were more prone to renounce faith and inflict vengeances through witchcraft
- From the 1700s to the 1800s, mental illness was viewed as evolutionary regression, with mentally ill people being categorized as animals
- Mentally ill people were housed in conditions similar to those of animals
- Treatment during this period often involved restraint and confinement
- In the late-1800s, the concept of “moral treatment” emerged, advocating for humane treatment and care for the mentally ill
- Philippe Pinel, a French physician, is credited for unchaining patients and advocating for more compassionate care
- The State Hospital era, from 1900-1960, saw the rise of large psychiatric institutions
- Treatment during this time included controversial and often harmful practices
- These practices included pyrotherapy, insulin coma therapy, metrazol shock therapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and prefrontal lobotomy
- Thorazine (chlorpromazine), the first “major tranquilizer,” was synthesized in 1948, leading to the “Thorazine Era” in the 1950s and 1960s
- This era marked a shift towards pharmacological treatment of mental disorders.
Philosophical Assumptions of Mental Disorder
- Mental disorders are complex and require a clear understanding of core philosophical assumptions.
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Monism: World is made of one stuff.
- Idealism: Everything is mental
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Materialism: Everything is physical, including mind.
- Reductive Materialism: Mental events are brain events.
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Dualism: Mind and brain are separate.
- Mental disorders are disorders of mental processes.
Defining Mental Disorder
- There is no universally accepted definition of mental disorder.
- Defining criteria can be problematic:
- Deviance: Statistical, moral, or cultural differences.
- Distress: The individual's own distress or that of others.
- Dysfunction: Impairment in normal functioning.
- Danger: Risk to self or others.
- Societal views influence how mental disorders are perceived and addressed.
Prototypes of Mental Disorders
- People have developed prototypes of mental disorders through:
- Real-life experiences: Witnessing mental health services or interventions.
- Indirect experiences: Exposure to books, films, or conversations.
- Professional training: Studying classic cases and clinical experiences.
DSM-5-TR: The Diagnostic Bible
- The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) is the current standard for diagnosing mental disorders.
- It defines a mental disorder as:
- Clinically significant: A behavioral or psychological syndrome that causes distress or impairment.
- Not a culturally sanctioned response: Must be abnormal and not a predictable reaction to an event.
Diagnostic Terminology and Processes
- Nosology: System of categorising and classifying diseases.
- Diagnosis: Assigning a category to a patient.
- Etiology: Cause of the disorder.
- Course: Trajectory of the disorder.
- Prognosis: Predicted outcome of the disorder.
- Signs: Observable markers.
- Symptoms: Patient-reported experiences.
- Syndrome: Set of signs and symptoms.
- Disorder: Syndrome with a specific course.
- Disease: Disorder with additional tissue damage.
Reasons for Diagnosis
- Prognosis: Predicting course and outcome.
- Treatment implications: Guiding treatment decisions.
- Communication: Facilitating information exchange between professionals.
- Legal reasons: Determining competence or insanity.
- Financial reasons: Compensation for patients and treatment providers.
- Research: Understanding and studying mental disorders.
Problems Inherent in Diagnosis
- Individuality: Focus on patterns can homogenize unique individuals.
- Etiology: Diagnosis may inappropriately imply cause.
- Treatment rigidity: Can limit treatment options.
- Iatrogenic illness: Treatment itself can cause problems.
- Stigmatization: Negative societal attitudes can lead to stigma.
- Secondary gain: People may benefit from being labeled as mentally ill.
Types of Diagnosis
- Phenotypic: Based on observed signs and symptoms.
- Genotypic: Identifies causes, like genes, germs, or tissue abnormalities.
- Endophenotypic: Uses biomarkers or subclinical tests to identify underlying vulnerabilities.
Components of Diagnosis
- Symptoms: Patient-reported experiences.
- Signs: Observable indicators.
- Course of illness: Trajectory of the disorder.
- Age of onset: When symptoms began.
- Family history: Presence of similar disorders in family members.
- Recent events: Significant life events that may have influenced the condition.
- Recent behavior: Changes in behavior or mood.
- Psychological tests: Provide additional insights into psychological functioning.
- Laboratory tests: Include neuroimaging, hormonal assays, and genetic testing.
- Response to treatment: Effectiveness of past treatments.
Multifactorial Nature of Diagnosis
- No single sign or symptom definitively identifies a mental disorder.
- Diagnosis is based on a pattern of signs and symptoms, or a syndrome.
General Points on Diagnoses
- Diagnoses are informed guesses and can evolve over time.
- Mental disorders frequently co-occur (comorbidity).
- Z-codes: Used to document psychosocial factors that may influence treatment but are not diagnoses themselves.
Clinical Assessment: The Foundation of Diagnosis
- Clinical interview: Most valuable tool in diagnosis.
- Goals of the clinical interview:
- Assess readiness for psychotherapy.
-
Determine need for referrals:
- Psychiatrist for medication.
- Primary care physician for medical evaluation.
- Neurologist for neurological testing.
- Other professionals like social workers or vocational counselors.
Anxiety
- People with anxiety experience a variety of cognitive and physiological symptoms, including worry, apprehension, hypervigilance, sweating, muscle tension, and rapid heart rate.
- Acute intense anxiety is called a “panic attack”.
- Panic attacks occur in many anxiety disorders.
Panic Attacks
- Symptoms include palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and fear of dying.
- Panic attacks are often mistaken for heart attacks and can lead to emergency room visits.
Fear, Anxiety, and the Brain
- The amygdala plays a crucial role in registering the emotional aspects of situations, especially potential threats.
- The locus coeruleus, involved in arousal, activates the neocortex and the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and autonomic nervous system.
Autonomic Nervous System
- The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is made up of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
- The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight-or-flight" response, mobilizing the body for action in stressful situations.
Anxiety and GABA
- GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is a neurotransmitter that inhibits anxiety.
- People prone to anxiety often have deficits in GABA.
- Blocking GABA chemically increases anxiety.
- Alcohol and many anti-anxiety medications bind to GABA receptor areas and mimic the effects of GABA.
Anxiety Disorders
- Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric problems.
- They show increasing prevalence in adolescents and young adults, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Anxiety disorders tend to run in families and are frequently co-morbid with Major Depression and Stress disorders.
- There is a shared “distress” inheritance between anxiety disorders and Major Depression.
- Anxiety disorders increase the risk of alcoholism/drug abuse and "self-medication."
DSM-5-TR Nosology of Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
- The DSM-5-TR classifies anxiety disorders into several categories:
- Panic disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Separation Anxiety Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
- Specific Phobias
- Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders are now a separate category:
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- Hoarding Disorder
- Trichotillomania
- Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder
Panic Disorder
- Includes recurrent unexpected panic attacks, lasting several minutes at a time.
- Individuals experience apprehension about future attacks and their consequences.
- Avoidance behavior and disability often result from these fears.
Facts about Panic Disorder
- One-year and lifetime prevalences are about 2-3%.
- Prevalence is higher in females than males (2:1 ratio).
- It often develops during young adulthood.
- There's an increased risk for individuals with a history of child abuse/neglect or mitral valve prolapse.
- The course is typically chronic but waxing and waning.
- It's often associated with other anxiety disorders and Substance Use Disorders.
- There is a high rate of co-morbidity with Major Depression (up to 60%).
- Most patients can identify major stressors in the months preceding their first panic attack.
Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders
- These disorders share a common element of repetitive thoughts, behaviors, or urges.
- They include:
- Hoarding Disorder: Characterized by excessive accumulation and difficulty discarding possessions, leading to clutter and disruption of living space.
- Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (Trichotillomania and Excoriation Disorder): Involve repetitive hair-pulling or skin picking, respectively.
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Excessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in one's appearance, leading to compulsive behaviors like mirror checking and grooming.
- Body Integrity Dysphoria: Strong desire to remove a part of one's body, with beliefs that a limb or other body part does not "belong."
Additional Considerations
- Several physical disorders can manifest as "anxiety disorders," including hyperthyroidism, adrenal tumors, inner ear disease, and angina pectoris.
- These disorders should be carefully ruled out by a healthcare professional.
PANDAS
- Stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections.
- Occurs in children developing strep throat or rash, who experience sudden onset of tic disorder or OCD symptoms, often related to handwashing and germophobia.
- Usually resolves with antibiotic therapy.
- PANDAS may provide insights into the mechanisms underlying OCD, suggesting potential roles for autoimmunity and neurotoxicity.
First-Line OCD Treatments
- Antidepressant therapy with serotonin-boosting medications (SSRI’s and tricyclics) is often prescribed.
- Behavior Therapy techniques, such as thought-stopping and response prevention, are also employed.
- Neurosurgery is considered for intractable cases and involves targeting pathways to/from the frontal lobes.
- Techniques include deep brain stimulation (DBS), surgical cutting of pathways, and non-invasive destruction using methods like gamma knife surgery.
- Newer, non-invasive approaches utilize focused ultrasound.
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Description
Explore the foundational elements of psychopathology, including the Four D's: Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, and Danger. Learn about historical approaches such as Trephination and Humoral Theory, as well as the distinction between eccentrics and those with mental disorders.