Chapter 15 - Psychological Disorders

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes anxiety disorders in contrast to normal anxiety?

Excessive and persistent fear and anxiety that are disproportionate to threats (correct)

Anxiety that is temporally synchronized with the threat

Fear that only arises during social situations

A transient feeling that dissipates after the threat is gone

Which group is most affected by anxiety disorders according to prevalence statistics?

The U.S. population as a whole

Elderly individuals

Men compared to women

Women compared to men (correct)

What is a common behavior often exhibited by individuals with social anxiety disorder?

Excessive enthusiasm in social interactions

Seeking constant validation from others

Rehearsing sentences before speaking (correct)

Avoiding all social gatherings

What statistical prevalence does social anxiety disorder have in the U.S. population during their lifetime?

12% Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is considered a risk factor for developing social anxiety disorder?

Severe teasing in childhood Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of heritability is associated with panic disorder, indicating a potential genetic contribution?

43% Signup and view all the answers

Which brain structure is suggested to be involved in panic disorder through the regulation of norepinephrine?

Locus coeruleus Signup and view all the answers

In the context of panic attacks, which theory suggests that bodily sensations resembling anxiety can trigger panic responses?

Conditioning Theory Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes obsessions in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Unwanted and intrusive thoughts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common obsession in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Pleasure-seeking urges Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of compulsive behaviors in OCD?

To minimize distress from obsessions Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive process is common in individuals with panic disorder, leading to heightened symptoms?

Catastrophic interpretation of sensations Signup and view all the answers

What duration of mood symptoms is required for a diagnosis of a manic episode?

At least one week Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a symptom required for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder?

Increased energy levels Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the U.S. population is affected by major depressive disorder at least once in their lifetime?

16.9% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common risk factor for developing major depressive disorder?

Living in urban areas Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is associated with mania in bipolar disorder?

Flight of ideas Signup and view all the answers

What is the lifetime prevalence of bipolar disorder in the U.S. population?

1 out of 100 Signup and view all the answers

What genetic concordance rate is observed among identical twins for major depressive disorder?

50% Signup and view all the answers

Which group is at a significantly higher risk of developing bipolar disorder?

Direct relatives Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the comorbidities related to major depressive disorder?

It often occurs with anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of elevated cortisol levels in relation to depression?

To activate the amygdala and deactivates the prefrontal cortex Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitters are primarily involved in mood disorders?

Serotonin and norepinephrine Signup and view all the answers

What does Aaron Beck suggest about individuals prone to depression?

They are likely to have depressive schemas filled with negative themes. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Diathesis-Stress model, what two factors contribute to the onset of depression?

Cognitive vulnerability and stressful life events Signup and view all the answers

What defines the concept of 'depressive schemas' according to cognitive theories of depression?

They contain themes of loss, failure, rejection, and worthlessness. Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive theory suggests that negative thoughts create a sense of hopelessness leading to depression?

Hopelessness Theory Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'cognitive biases' in depression imply?

They prompt individuals to interpret experiences negatively. Signup and view all the answers

How do lithium medications function in treating bipolar disorder?

They block norepinephrine activity at the synapse. Signup and view all the answers

What view does hopelessness theory suggest regarding negative life events?

They are believed to have stable and global causes, creating a long-term view of negative implications. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Psychological Disorders

Definition: Psychopathology is the study of psychological disorders, including their symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Characteristics: A psychological disorder is a condition characterized by abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. These behaviors, thoughts, and inner experiences are atypical, dysfunctional, or dangerous.
No Single Definition: There is no single definition of psychological abnormality or normality. Just because something is unusual doesn't mean it's disordered.
American Psychological Association (APA) Definition: A psychological disorder is a condition with significant disturbances in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, outside of cultural norms. These disturbances reflect some kind of biological, psychological, or developmental dysfunction and lead to significant distress or disability in one's life.

The Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

Purpose: Appropriately identifies and labels sets of defined symptoms. Requires classification systems to organize psychological disorders systematically.
Publication: Published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Revisions: First published in 1952 and has undergone numerous revisions, including the removal of homosexuality as a disorder in 1973. DSM-5 is the most recent version, used by most mental health professionals.
Organization: Categorizes and describes each disorder, including diagnostic features (overview), and criteria (specific symptoms required for diagnosis). Prevalence (percent of the population afflicted) and risk factors are also included. Provides information about comorbidity (the co-occurrence of two disorders).

Prevalence Rates (DSM-IV)

Graph shows the percentage prevalence of psychological disorders among adult males and females in the United States (using DSM-IV). Alcohol abuse is now classified under Alcohol Use Disorder in DSM-5.

Comorbidity (DSM)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder and major depressive disorder frequently co-occur.

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD)

Published by: World Health Organization (WHO).
Similarities to DSM: Classification and criteria for specific disorders are similar to the DSM, but some differences exist.
Uses: Used to examine general health of populations and monitor disease/health problem prevalence worldwide. More frequently used for clinical diagnosis globally, compared to DSM, which is more valued for research. ICD includes more explicit criteria and explanatory text.

Biological Perspectives

View psychological disorders as linked to biological phenomena (genetic factors, chemical imbalances, brain abnormalities).
Evidence: Supported by the fact that most psychological disorders have a genetic component. Risk of developing schizophrenia increases if a relative has schizophrenia, with closer genetic relationships correlating with higher risk.

Diathesis-Stress Model

Integrates biological and psychosocial factors to predict likelihood of a disorder.
Definition: Diathesis + Stress -> Development of a disorder
Importance: People with an underlying predisposition for a disorder (diathesis) are more likely to develop the disorder when faced with adverse environmental or psychological events.

Types of Psychological Disorders

Numerous types of disorders exist (Anxiety, Mood, Personality, Neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dissociative disorders, Schizophrenia etc.) Specific examples: Anxiety Disorders (Specific Phobia, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, GAD, OCD, PTSD, ADHD), Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder), Personality Disorders (Antisocial Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder).

Anxiety Disorders (Specific Examples)

Fear vs Anxiety: Fear is an instantaneous reaction to an imminent threat, while anxiety is apprehension, avoidance, and cautiousness regarding a potential threat. Anxiety motivates action or avoidance.
Social Anxiety Disorder: Characterized by persistent fear/anxiety and avoidance of social situations, potentially leading to significant impairments.

Panic Disorder

Recurring Panic Attacks: Characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, along with concern about such further attacks.
Physical Manifestations: Panic attacks are characterized by extreme fear/discomfort. Common physical symptoms include dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, accelerated heart rate, nausea, & abdominal distress.
Causes: Potential genetic, neurobiological (e.g., locus coeruleus, norepinephrine), and conditioning/cognitive factors are implicated in the development of panic disorder.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Involves Obsessions and Compulsions: OCD involves intrusive and unwanted thoughts/urges (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions).
Examples of Obsessions: Concerns about germs, doubts, order or symmetry.
Examples of Compulsions: Ordering or cleaning to reduce stress from obsessions.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Defining Criteria: PTSD is characterized by exposure to, witnessing, or experiencing a traumatic event including threats of death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Symptoms persist for at least one month.
Symptoms: Intrusive and distressing memories of the event, flashbacks, avoidance of stimuli connected to the event, and persistently negative emotional states
Risk Factors: Factors include lack of immediate social support, subsequent life stress, and the nature of the traumatic experience (e.g., harm by others is a greater risk factor).

Mood Disorders (Specific Examples)

Massive Mood Disruptions: Characterized by massive disruptions in mood and emotions.
Major Depressive Disorder: Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, noticeable loss of interest in activities, and at least five symptoms persisting for at least two weeks.
Bipolar Disorder: Involves mood states fluctuating between depression and mania (extreme elation and agitation).
Genetics and Biological Basis: Evidence indicates a role for genetics, brain structure (like enlarged ventricles or reduced gray matter), hormones (like cortisol), and neurotransmitters.

Schizophrenia Causes and Symptoms

Prevalence Affects 1% of the population.
Genetics Risk is 6 times greater if a close relative has schizophrenia (including adopted relatives).
Neurotransmitters Dopamine hypothesis: Overabundance of dopamine or too many dopamine receptors could cause schizophrenia. Medications that block dopamine activity reduce symptoms.
Brain Anatomy Enlarged ventricles, reduced gray matter in frontal lobes, less frontal lobe activity.
Symptoms: Hallucinations (perceptual experiences without external stimulus), delusions (beliefs contrary to reality), disorganized thinking, disorganized or abnormal motor behavior, negative symptoms.

Dissociative Disorders

Characterized by: Split or dissociation from their core sense of self
Dissociative Amnesia: Inability to recall personal information.
Dissociative Fugue: Wandering away from home or having confusion about their identity.
Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder: Recurrent episodes of depersonalization (feeling detached from oneself), derealization (feeling detached from the world), or both.

Personality Disorders

Characterized by: Pervasive, inflexible personality styles, markedly different from cultural expectations leading to distress or impairments.
Clusters of Disorders: Personality disorders are separated into clusters (A, B, C), based on similar characteristics.
examples of disorders: Paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal, antisocial, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic

Borderline Personality Disorder

Characterized by: Instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, mood, marked impulsivity
Symptoms: Difficulty tolerating being alone, intense and unstable relationships, rapidly shifting self-perception, impulsivity, and inappropriate anger (often verbal or more passive forms of aggression).

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Characterized by: Complete lack of regard for other people's rights and feelings.
Symptoms: Repeatedly performing illegal acts, lying, impulsive acts, and lack of remorse.
Risk Factors and Causes: Genetic factors and adverse environmental circumstances play a role, likely in complex interplay.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Characteristics: Constant pattern of inattention and/or hyperactive and impulsive behavior that interferes with normal functioning.
Symptoms: Difficulty sustaining attention, following instructions, disorganization, easily distracted, excessive activity.
Causes: Genetic factors, potential neurotransmitter imbalances, and brain structure differences (e.g., frontal lobe volume and activation).

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Characteristics: Difficulties in social interaction, communication (verbal and nonverbal), and repetitive patterns of behavior or interests.
Prevalence: Affects approximately 1 in 88 children in the U.S., five times more common in boys. Often identified in early childhood.
Causes: Likely combination of genetics (including differences in genes associated with synaptic circuit formation) and environmental factors (e.g., possible pollutant exposure during pregnancy and development).

Suicide

Prevalence: Suicide is a serious but preventable health problem.
Risk Factors: Mental disorders (especially mood disorders), substance abuse problems, previous suicide attempts, access to lethal means, and feelings of hopelessness/entrapment.

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Description

Explore the definitions, characteristics, and classifications of psychological disorders in this quiz. Understand the impact of abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors on mental health and learn about the DSM's role in diagnosing these conditions.