PSY 2234 Week 10: Substance Use & Gender Disorders

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary psychological addiction potential associated with cannabis use?

Daily cannabis users report severe anxiety and depression when they stop. (correct)

Users can easily stop without any negative consequences.

Daily users report low levels of anxiety and depression.

It leads to a complete withdrawal syndrome.

How has the potency of cannabis changed over the last 50 years?

It now contains up to 8 times more THC. (correct)

It has decreased significantly.

It has become less popular among users.

It remains the same as it was 50 years ago.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Gambling Disorder?

Constantly thinking about gambling.

Ability to easily quit gambling when required. (correct)

Losing money that is needed for essential expenses due to gambling.

Using gambling as a means to cope with negative emotions.

What technological advancements have facilitated cannabis use today?

Introduction of gummies, vape pens, and THC drinks. Signup and view all the answers

What defines Internet Gaming Disorder?

Consistent loss of sleep and damage to personal relationships due to excessive gaming. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common manifestation of externalizing temperament?

Aggression and overactivity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a predictor of drug use associated with internalizing temperament?

Self-medicating for distress Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of caffeine as an addictive drug?

Most users increase tolerance over time Signup and view all the answers

Which drug is classified as a depressant and may lead to relaxation but also increases emotional and impulsive behaviors?

Alcohol Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk associated with binge drinking?

Five or more drinks consumed in one sitting Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of cannabis makes it difficult to classify strictly as a stimulant or depressant?

Increases appetite in small doses Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the psychological addiction potential of alcohol?

Most users can stop drinking alcohol without difficulty. Signup and view all the answers

What influences drug use in individuals with externalizing temperament?

High influence from peers Signup and view all the answers

What is gender dysphoria primarily characterized by?

Dissatisfaction or discomfort with one's secondary sex characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common therapeutic treatment for gender dysphoria?

Gender affirmation surgery Signup and view all the answers

Which group is commonly associated with experiencing gender dysphoria?

Trans, agender individuals, and children who begin puberty early Signup and view all the answers

What is a key indication of distress in substance use disorders?

The person expresses a desire to use the substance less but cannot. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of dysfunction in substance use disorders?

Increased engagement in hobbies unrelated to the substance. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary argument against diagnosing trans individuals with gender dysphoria?

It over-emphasizes bodies as the source of gender rather than gender identity Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom reflects the danger aspect of substance use disorders?

Feeling ill when deprived of the substance. Signup and view all the answers

What role does discrimination play in the mental health of trans individuals?

It is associated with increased risk of depression and anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of relapse prevention training?

Tracking drug use and recognizing triggers. Signup and view all the answers

Hormone replacement therapy is used to:

Alter secondary sex characteristics to enhance self-comfort Signup and view all the answers

Behavioral addictions such as gambling addiction fall under which category of disorders?

Mental Disorders Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism does the antagonist drug Antabuse use for treatment?

Prevents the pleasurable effects of alcohol. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes self-help programs for substance use disorders?

Groups of individuals sharing experiences for mutual support. Signup and view all the answers

Which substances are included under classes of drugs mentioned in the content?

Alcohol, cannabis, and caffeine Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the causes of substance use disorder is accurate?

Both internalizing and externalizing temperaments may contribute. Signup and view all the answers

How does an individual with a substance use disorder typically respond to social damage caused by their use?

They often deny any damage caused by their substance use. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Week 10: Substance Use and Gender-Linked Disorders

Course: PSY 2234, Fall 2024

Overview

Gender Dysphoria: A feeling of discomfort or dissatisfaction with one's secondary sex characteristics due to a mismatch with one's gender identity.
Diagnostic Controversy: There is debate surrounding the diagnosis of trans individuals with gender dysphoria.
Trans Identity: An identity associated with a gender different from the one assigned at birth.
Substance Use Disorder: A condition involving problematic use of substances.
Diagnostic Criteria: Specific indicators for substance use disorder, including experiencing distress or dysfunction due to substance use. This might involve needing the substance more and more to achieve the same effect, use despite damage to relationships, spending excessive time getting, using, and recovering.
Treatments: Common approaches include gender affirmation surgery (surgical changes to align body with desired gender) and hormone replacement therapy (medication to align hormones and body). Relapse prevention training is also an important part of substance use disorder treatment, involving teaching clients to monitor drug use, recognize triggers, and develop coping mechanisms.
Classes of Drugs: A breakdown of drug categories like alcohol, cannabis, caffeine, and discusses their effects.

Disorders of Sex and Gender

Biological sex (physical characteristics) and gender identity (identification with masculinity/femininity) are distinct concepts.

Sex and Gender

Sex: Physical characteristics associated with masculinity or femininity (e.g., breasts, testicles).
Gender: The degree to which one identifies with masculinity or femininity.

Gender Dysphoria

Dissatisfaction: Feeling of dissatisfaction with secondary sex characteristics.
Mismatch: Discrepancy between secondary sex characteristics and gender identity.

Gender Dysphoria: Common Treatments

Gender affirmation surgery: Surgical procedures intended to improve self-comfort by aligning the physical body with gender identity (e.g., breast augmentation for trans women).
Hormone replacement therapy: Medical treatments used to enhance or induce secondary sex characteristics (e.g., testosterone therapy for trans men).

Gender Dysphoria: Common Occurrence

Transgender individuals: Gender dysphoria is observed among individuals identifying as transgender.
Agender individuals: Agender individuals also experience challenges along these lines.
Children: Gender dysphoria can begin early during puberty in children.
Girls: Commonly observed among adolescent girls.

Fluctuating Norms: Gender Dysphoria

Controversy: There is ongoing controversy about diagnosing transgender individuals with gender dysphoria. This involves differing perspectives on how gender identity should be understood and addressed.

Gender Dysphoria and Trans Identity: Arguments

Arguments in favor: Diagnosis allows access to insurance coverage for appropriate medical interventions. Transgender people may experience significant discomfort and distress with their body.
Arguments against: Some argue the focus on bodily characteristics over-emphasizes the physical aspects when gender identity is a personal experience. Others raise concerns about pathologizing transgender identities.

Trans Identity

Different than assigned: Transgender identity signifies a gender different from the one assigned at birth.

Trans Identity: Risk Factors

Mental Health: Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health difficulties.
Self-harm: Possible increase in self-injury behaviours related to discrimination.

Trans Discrimination

Impact: Discrimination can impact the physical health of marginalized groups like Black Americans. This issue is mentioned in the context of broader discussions regarding trans issues.

Substance Use Disorders:

Criteria: Daily consumption of alcohol, drinking until vomiting/loss of consciousness, or using substances to an "unhealthy" degree, which demonstrates distress and dysfunction.
Distress: Characterized by a person's desire to use less of a substance but is unsuccessful in reducing or stopping the amount used.
Wanting vs. Liking Substance: The wanting of a substance is often more intense than the liking of a substance in individuals that have a substance use disorder.
Dysfunction: Substance use may lead to job or relationship problems
Deviance: Continued use of the substance in spite of negative consequences to relationships or other aspects of life.
Tolerance: Needing a larger amount of substance over time to achieve the same effect.
Withdrawal: Negative physical or mental reaction to not consuming a substance.

Treatments for Substance Use Disorders

Rewarding Sobriety: Focusing on positive aspects of sobriety to encourage continuation.
Preventing Use: Strategies to avoid situations and environments that trigger substance use.
Changing Environment: Changing living circumstances to reduce temptation of substance use.

Relapse Prevention Training

Tracking Use: Recognizing triggers and avoiding them in an ongoing process.
Coping Strategies: Developing alternative methods of coping with triggers.

Antagonist Drugs

Antagonist: A substance that blocks the effects of another substance.
Antabuse: Antabuse makes alcohol use very unpleasant to deter use.
Naloxone (Narcan): Used to counteract opioid overdoses.

Self-Help Programs

Support Groups: Gatherings where members share experiences and strategies.
Self-Awareness: Gaining insight through conversation with others.
Social Rewards: Rewarding members for remaining sober.

Causes of Substance Use Disorders

Temperament: Internalizing (negative emotions) versus Externalizing (acting out) temperaments.

Externalizing Temperament

Psychopathology: Poor impulse control, low frustration tolerance, aggression.
Drug Use: High likelihood of drug use stemming from peer influence.
Immediate vs. Long-Term: Preference for immediate rewards over long-term outcomes.

Internalizing Temperament

Psychopathology: Fear, sadness, negative thinking.
Drug Use: Self-medicating to ease distress or emotional pain, leading to a dependency.

Types of Addiction

Drug: Non-food chemicals consumed to alter mental states. Alcohol, cannabis, caffeine are widely used and potentially addictive.

Caffeine

Stimulant: Increases heart rate, alertness.
Addiction: High physical addiction potential, most users increase tolerance. Easy to cut back or stop initially.

Alcohol

Depressant: Slows the central nervous system.
Addiction: High physical dependence potential; heavy use leads to severe withdrawal.

Cannabis

Stimulant/Depressant/Hallucinogen: Effects depend on dosage and type of use.
Addiction: Low physical dependence, high psychological potential for addiction.

Cannabis Use Disorder

Increase in rates: Consumption is becoming more frequent and more potent.
Ease of Use: Cannabis is easier to consume through various forms of delivery. This leads to potentially increased use frequency.
Legalization: Legalization in various states is associated with increased accessibility and potentially increased rates of consumption.

Behavioral Addictions

Gambling Disorder: Compulsive gambling, despite significant negative consequences.
Internet Gaming Disorder: Excessive internet and video game use leading to significant impairment.

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Description

This quiz covers critical topics related to substance use disorders and gender-linked disorders, including gender dysphoria, the controversies surrounding its diagnosis, and characteristics of substance use disorder. Key treatment approaches are also discussed. Test your understanding of these complex psychological issues.