Psychiatric Diagnostic Concepts Quiz

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Questions and Answers

According to the provided content, what is the primary difference between signs and symptoms?

  • Symptoms are always related to specific mental disorders, while signs can be caused by various factors.
  • Signs are observable indicators, while symptoms are subjective reports from the individual. (correct)
  • Signs are experienced solely by the individual, while symptoms are observed by others.
  • Signs are more important than symptoms in making a diagnosis.

What is the main purpose of a psychiatric classification system?

  • To organize and categorize different forms of mental illness into more manageable groups. (correct)
  • To define clear boundaries between each mental illness.
  • To provide definitive diagnoses for all mental health issues.
  • To eliminate the variability and complexity in diagnosing mental disorders.

What is a syndrome, as described in the provided content?

  • A disease for which the cause and mechanisms are fully understood.
  • A collection of signs and symptoms that commonly occur together. (correct)
  • A specific mental disorder that can be readily explained by other medical conditions.
  • A single symptom that is characteristic of a specific disorder.

Which of the following best describes the process of diagnosis?

<p>Placing an individual into a diagnostic category based on observed signs and reported symptoms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements highlights a potential problem with solely focusing on diagnostic criteria?

<p>It can lead to an overemphasis on specific symptoms and ignore other influencing factors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is the difference between a disorder and a disease?

<p>Disorders are syndromes that cannot be explained by other conditions, while diseases have a well-understood cause and mechanisms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a sign in the context of a mental health assessment?

<p>Avoiding social situations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The content suggests that a diagnosis should be made based on:

<p>A combination of both signs and symptoms, taking into account other contributing factors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of the Statistical Model for defining mental disorders?

<p>It assumes all common conditions are normal. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Subjective Distress Model defines mental disorders primarily based on:

<p>The individual's experience of psychological pain. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an ego-syntonic condition, as described in the text?

<p>Anorexia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it problematic to use life trauma history as a sole predictor of schizophrenia?

<p>It can lead to stereotyping individuals with schizophrenia. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Biological Model defines mental disorders by:

<p>The presence of biological disadvantages. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key disadvantage of the Subjective Distress Model in defining mental disorders?

<p>It fails to distinguish between ego-dystonic and ego-syntonic conditions effectively. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it challenging to establish a definitive cut-off point for defining a disorder based on statistical rarity?

<p>There's no clear line between normalcy and abnormality. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following models for defining mental disorder emphasizes the importance of psychological pain?

<p>Subjective Distress Model (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of individuals with GAD, according to the provided text?

<p>They experience a dramatic increase in autonomic activity in anxious situations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Emotional Stroop task?

<p>Assessing the impact of emotional words on an individual's reaction time. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do individuals with GAD interpret ambiguous stimuli?

<p>They are more likely to interpret stimuli as threatening. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key finding regarding individuals with GAD and their responses to threatening words in the Emotional Stroop paradigm?

<p>They struggle to name the colors of threatening words, taking longer than with non-threatening words. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the Visual Dot-Probe task, how do individuals with GAD respond to the presentation of threat words?

<p>They are significantly slower to respond to the dot when it appears on the same side as the neutral word compared to the threat word. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of stimuli used in the Visual Dot-Probe task to assess attentional bias in individuals with GAD?

<p>Positive words (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The content suggests that individuals with GAD often demonstrate inconsistencies across research findings. What is the main reason given for this inconsistency?

<p>The use of different assessment methods. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of the suppressed and rigid autonomic activity associated with worry in individuals with GAD?

<p>It may impair the individual's long-term adaptation to stressors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a domain within the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework?

<p>Emotional Processing Systems (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the RDoC framework?

<p>To guide research into the biological underpinnings of mental disorders. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a unit of analysis within the RDoC framework?

<p>Social Interactions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between RDoC and traditional diagnostic systems?

<p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the 'Negative Valence Systems' domain within the RDoC framework?

<p>To mediate responses to stressful or threatening situations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between PTSD and most other mental disorders?

<p>PTSD is characterized by a lack of recovery whereas other disorders often involve periods of remission. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a criterion for a PTSD diagnosis according to the DSM-5?

<p>The individual must be diagnosed with at least one other mental disorder to meet the criteria. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of individuals who are eventually diagnosed with PTSD?

<p>They become stuck in a state of non-recovery despite the passage of time. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered an 'arousal and reactivity symptom' of PTSD as per the DSM-5 criteria?

<p>Exaggerated startle response. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest is one explanation for the higher rate of PTSD diagnosis in women compared to men?

<p>Women are more likely to be exposed to certain types of trauma that are known to increase PTSD risk. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a core element of PTSD as described in the provided content?

<p>A significant impairment in social functioning due to the traumatic event. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text mentions that the development of PTSD is often a result of what?

<p>The failure of the natural recovery process after a traumatic event. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following changes was made in DSM-IV, compared to DSM-III?

<p>Introduced an appendix for culture-bound syndromes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential disadvantage of the polythetic approach to diagnosis, as implemented in DSM-III-R and DSM-IV?

<p>Higher likelihood of overlapping diagnoses and comorbidity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a criticism of DSM-5, according to the text provided?

<p>It lowered the diagnostic threshold for several disorders, potentially leading to over-diagnosis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern regarding the high levels of comorbidity in mental health diagnoses?

<p>It complicates diagnosis and treatment planning, as multiple conditions may need to be addressed. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the medicalization of normality contribute to the criticisms of the current diagnostic system?

<p>It conflates normal human experiences with pathological conditions, potentially leading to over-diagnosis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the inter-rater reliability of DSM-5 diagnoses?

<p>Inter-rater reliability is highly variable across different diagnostic categories. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following changes contributed to the medicalization of normality, as discussed in the text?

<p>The lowering of diagnostic thresholds for existing disorders. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central argument regarding the proliferation of new diagnoses in DSM-5?

<p>It may result from a lack of rigorous scientific evidence for new diagnoses. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information provided, how does the text characterize the impact of comorbidity on mental health diagnoses?

<p>Comorbidity is highly problematic, challenging the validity and reliability of the current diagnostic system. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the text's argument regarding the DSM's evolution over time?

<p>The DSM has been subject to criticisms regarding its reliability and validity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Risk Factors in Depression

Negative life events are common triggers for depressive episodes.

Schizophrenia and Trauma

Previous life traumas are reported in 80-100% of schizophrenia cases.

Caution in Diagnosis

Diagnoses should guide treatment, but not stereotype patients.

Statistical Model of Disorders

Mental disorders are statistically rare but defining this cutoff is challenging.

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Subjective Distress Model

Mental disorders involve psychological pain, regardless of prevalence.

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Ego-Dystonic vs. Ego-Syntonic

Ego-dystonic conditions conflict with self-concept; ego-syntonic does not.

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Limitations of Subjective Distress

It cannot determine intensity or duration of distress effectively.

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Biological Model of Disorders

Disorders may indicate biological disadvantages, like heightened suicide risk.

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Polythetic approach

A diagnostic method using multiple symptoms to define a disorder.

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Interrater reliability

The degree to which different raters give consistent estimates of the same phenomenon.

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Comorbidity

The occurrence of two or more disorders in the same individual.

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DSM-5 controversies

Debates regarding the changes and criteria in the DSM-5 compared to previous versions.

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Cultural syndromes

Disorders recognized only within specific cultural contexts, included in DSM-IV.

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Medicalization of Normality

The trend of defining normal behaviors as medical conditions in the DSM.

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Diagnostic threshold

The criteria level required to diagnose a disorder, which can vary between DSM editions.

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Lumping and splitting

Combining narrower disorders into broader categories or vice versa in diagnosis.

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Hierarchy of diagnoses

The organization and prioritization of disorders in DSM editions, relaxed in DSM-IV.

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Field trials

Studies assessing the clinical usefulness and validity of new diagnostic categories.

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Classification System

An overarching taxonomy of mental illness used to organize disorders.

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DSM-5

The main classification system for mental disorders used in North America.

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ICD

International Classification of Diseases used for classification of health conditions worldwide.

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Diagnosis

The act of placing an individual into a category based on their signs and symptoms.

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Signs

Observable indicators of a condition, such as crying in a patient.

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Symptoms

Subjective indicators reported by individuals, like feelings of guilt or sadness.

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Syndrome

A constellation of signs and symptoms that co-occur in individuals.

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Disorder

Syndromes that cannot be explained by other conditions, like OCD.

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RDoC Framework

Research framework developed by NIMH focusing on pathophysiology and classification of mental disorders.

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RDoC Units of Analysis

The categories within RDoC including genes, molecules, cells, circuits, physiology, and behavior.

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Negative Valence Systems

Systems responsible for responses to negative stimuli like fear and anxiety.

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Positive Valence Systems

Systems that respond to positive motivations such as reward-seeking and habit learning.

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Cognitive Systems

Responsible for various cognitive processes, including thinking and problem-solving.

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CBT and Meds Relapse Rates

CBT without meds is linked to lower relapse rates; combined treatment has higher relapse rates.

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PTSD Definition

PTSD is a non-recovery disorder following trauma, affecting many who experience it.

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Natural Course of PTSD

The majority of people naturally recover from trauma without developing PTSD.

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Criterion A for PTSD

Involves exposure to a traumatic event, including learning about it through loved ones.

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Criterion B for PTSD

At least one intrusion symptom like memories, nightmares, or flashbacks must be present.

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Criterion C for PTSD

Includes avoidance symptoms, where individuals steer clear of internal trauma cues.

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Criterion D for PTSD

Requires two or more negative cognition/mood symptoms, like guilt or distorted self-blame.

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Gender Differences in PTSD

Women are more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD compared to men, even with trauma type considered.

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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

A mental health condition characterized by excessive, uncontrolled worry about various aspects of life.

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Baseline autonomic activity in GAD

Individuals with GAD exhibit higher baseline autonomic arousal, but less dramatic increases in stressful situations.

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Autonomic activity and stress adaptation

Rigid autonomic responses may provide short-term relief but hinder long-term adaptation to stressors.

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Information Processing Biases

GAD individuals interpret ambiguous stimuli as more threatening and remember negative events better.

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Emotional Stroop Paradigm

A task where individuals name the color of words, showing slower responses for threatening words in GAD.

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Dot-Probe Task

A measure assessing attentional biases, GAD individuals respond faster to threats than neutral stimuli.

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Attentional Bias toward Threat

GAD individuals show a preference for focusing on threatening words and images over neutral ones.

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Physiological Responses to Stress

GAD individuals experience short-term avoidance of stress responses, impairing their long-term stress adaptation.

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Study Notes

Psychiatric Diagnosis: Conceptual Issues and Controversies

  • Psychiatric classification systems organize mental illnesses into homogenous categories. Effective systems aid in parsing the diverse range of psychological disorders for clinical understanding.
  • A classification system, like the DSM-5, provides a taxonomy for mental illness. The DSM-5 is used primarily in North America, while the ICD is used elsewhere.
  • Diagnosis places individuals into categories based on signs and symptoms observed in a specific taxonomy. More emphasis is placed on symptoms for diagnosis, as opposed to classification.
  • Signs are observable indicators, such as behaviors (e.g., crying in depression). Symptoms are subjective indicators, such as feelings reported by the person (e.g., feeling guilty).

Syndrome, Disorder, and Disease

  • Syndromes are constellations of signs and symptoms that frequently co-occur (e.g., antisocial personality disorder).
  • Disorders are syndromes that are difficult to explain by other conditions (e.g., OCD).
  • Diseases are disorders with well-understood pathologies and etiologies (e.g., sickle-cell anemia).

Functions of Psychiatric Diagnosis

  • Diagnosis facilitates communication about conditions, summarizing information for better understanding.
  • Establishing linkages between diagnoses aids in evaluating the complete clinical picture.

Defining Mental Disorder

  • Statistical model: Mental disorders are statistically infrequent; this approach lacks clear guidelines for determining cut-offs for normal vs. abnormal.
  • Subjective distress model: This model focuses on the psychological pain experienced by a person. Disadvantage is inability to distinguish between ego-dystonic conditions (conflict with self-concept) and ego-syntonic conditions (consistent with self-concept)
  • Biological Model: A disorder is defined as a biological disadvantage to an individual. Disadvantage is failing to distinguish between behaviors that incur disadvantages but are not considered disorders.

Criticisms of Current Diagnostic Systems

  • Comorbidity: Disorders often coexist, raising questions about overlapping diagnostic criteria, clinical selection bias, or the representation of different disorders
  • Medicalization of normality: DSMs trend towards increasing the number of diagnoses, sometimes lowering thresholds or splitting diagnoses for greater clarity; potentially leading to a broadening net than necessary
  • Low reliability of diagnoses: Inconsistent agreement between clinicians in diagnosing.

DSM-I to the Present

  • DSM-I and DSM-II attempted rudimentary classification but had low inter-rater reliability.
  • DSM-III and later revisions emphasized theoretical agnosticism and standardized diagnostic criteria.
  • DSM-5, while popular, also faced criticism for potentially lowering diagnostic thresholds and potentially splitting diagnostic criteria.
  • DSM 5 used a statistical model instead of a categorical to generate data

Dimensional Approaches

  • Dimensional approaches posit mental disorders are along dimensions, rather than categories.
  • HiTop (Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology) utilizes data-driven approaches for understanding overlaps between conditions.
  • RDOC (Research Domain Criteria) emphasizes a conceptual framework for understanding and classifying mental disorders based on biological, behavioral, and cognitive factors
  • These approaches may facilitate a better understanding or classification of disorders.

Intollerance of Uncertainty

  • Intolerance to uncertainty is a significant cognitive factor influencing the experience of worry and anxiety.

Additional Considerations

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is highly comorbid with other disorders.
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder involving non-recovery from severe trauma.

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