Psychological Problems & Culture

A personality disorder characterized by disregard for social rules and the rights of others. Individuals with this disorder often engage in irresponsible behavior, lack remorse, and manipulate others for personal gain. They may also struggle with impulse control and show aggressive tendencies.

A cluster of personality traits that often co-occur. The triad includes narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism, all of which involve a lack of empathy and a focus on achieving power.

A personality disorder characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Individuals with NPD often have a fragile sense of self-worth and may be overly sensitive to criticism.

The tendency to view others as tools or resources to be manipulated in order to achieve one's own goals. This trait is often associated with a lack of empathy, deceitfulness, and a focus on personal gain.

A behavioral disorder in childhood characterized by aggression, rule violations, and disregard for others' feelings. It can be a precursor to Antisocial Personality Disorder in adulthood.

The initial antipsychotic medicines, introduced in the 1950s, aimed to reduce the positive symptoms associated with schizophrenia.

These medications, like chlorpromazine (Thorazine), revolutionized the treatment of schizophrenia by effectively reducing hallucinations and delusions.

A debilitating side effect of older antipsychotics, marked by involuntary movements of the face, body, and limbs.

A type of therapy that focuses on modifying negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to schizophrenia symptoms.

These are the symptoms that reflect a decrease or loss of normal functions, like motivation, social interaction, and emotional expression.

These are the symptoms that involve an excess or distortion of normal functions, like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thought and speech.

These newer medications aim to reduce both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, offering more comprehensive treatment.

Specialized interventions that aim to improve cognitive abilities, often focusing on memory, attention, and problem-solving.

A behavioral therapy method, often used for children with autism, that utilizes operant conditioning techniques to teach specific skills and behaviors.

Medication classified as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used to manage some symptoms of autism, such as repetitive behaviors and aggression.

A type of medication that can help reduce certain behaviors associated with autism, such as rocking, self-harm, and repetitive actions.

A condition that involves significant difficulties in social interaction and a rigid adherence to routines and interests, but without limitations in communication or intellectual ability.

A personality disorder characterized by hypersensitivity to criticism and rejection, fear of close relationships, and a tendency toward social isolation.

A personality disorder marked by a strong need for others' approval and a tendency to rely heavily on others for decision making and emotional support.

A personality disorder distinguished by a relentless pursuit of order, perfection, and control. This can manifest in excessive organization, rigid adherence to rules, and difficulty relaxing.

Two types of attention with ADHD: Type 1 is automatic, like noticing a flash of light. Type 2 is focused, like reading a book. ADHD can cause problems with engaging Type 2 to override Type 1.

ADHD has 3 subtypes: Combined, Predominantly Inattentive, and Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive. Each has unique symptom clusters but impacts a person's ability to function.

ADHD symptoms must have shown up in childhood, before age 12, with 50-60% experiencing symptoms throughout adulthood.

A key difficulty in ADHD is with a particular type of sustained attention, called goal-directed persistence. This means sticking to a task, even when it's challenging.

ADHD can't be blamed on simple things like diet or food intolerance; focusing on underlying brain functioning and genetic factors is crucial.

Medications like Ritalin and Adderall are often effective for ADHD, impacting dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to improve focus and impulse control.

ADHD medications can have side effects like increased anxiety or disrupted sleep, requiring careful monitoring and adjustments.

ADHD can affect relationships and opportunities, but early intervention and support can really help individuals manage their symptoms and thrive.

An eating disorder characterized by excessive weight loss, intense fear of gaining weight, distorted body image, and a refusal to maintain a healthy body weight.

An eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating (consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time) followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging (vomiting, laxatives, excessive exercise) to prevent weight gain.

An eating disorder defined by recurrent episodes of binge eating without regular compensatory behaviors.

Eating disorders that do not meet the full criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder, but display significant eating disturbances.

A subjective perception of one's body as too large, even when it is not.

A significant preoccupation with weight and experiencing an intense fear of gaining weight.

A disorder characterized by a significant disturbance in the way one's body shape is experienced and a misperception of actual body shape.

A symptom of anorexia nervosa, usually characterized by fine, downy hair growth, particularly on the arms, back, and legs.