Psychology Chapter 1: Psychological Disorders

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a characteristic behavior identified in psychological disorders?

Abnormal behavior with no external impact

Consistent helpfulness to others

Atypical behavior that is distressful (correct)

Behavior that solely conforms to cultural norms

What role does the DSM-5 play in psychological disorders?

It primarily focuses on cultural perspectives

It serves as a diagnostic tool for psychological disorders (correct)

It is a predictive model for all mental health issues

It provides treatment methods only

Which of the following describes a neurodevelopmental disorder?

Bipolar disorder

Temporal lobe epilepsy

Generalized anxiety disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a feature of anxiety disorders?

Feeling calm and relaxed (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of specific learning disorders?

Inability to learn despite high intelligence (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mood disorders is characterized by alternating between high and low moods?

Bipolar disorder (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Experience of trauma or high-stress events (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Recurrent unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why are longitudinal investigations crucial for studying developmental processes and life-course perspectives in psychiatry?

They allow the observation of changes and continuities of traits over time, which is a fundamental aspect of development. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a major limitation to adopting a developmental approach in psychiatry?

The sharp divide between child/adolescent and adult psychiatry research and clinical services. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant difference between neurodevelopmental disorders and other psychiatric disorders regarding their typical course?

Neurodevelopmental disorders usually follow a steady course. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to begin interventions and preventive programs early in life, according to the text?

Because most psychiatric disorders onset by childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a proposed factor that accounts for the varying onset times of different neuropsychiatric disorders?

The timing of exposure to a risk factor across one's life. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between childhood-onset conduct disorder and adolescent-onset conduct disorder?

Childhood-onset conduct disorder is more likely to be associated with neurocognitive deficits and ADHD. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is characteristic of the developmental course of most neurodevelopmental disorders?

Their core features show marked maturational changes from childhood to adult life. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which mental health conditions are most likely to emerge during the shift from childhood to adulthood, as mentioned in the text?

Depression, often coinciding with the transition. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique identifier of the group with conduct problems that begin in childhood?

They show an elevated rate of ADHD. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do risk factors for mental disorders change across the lifespan?

They vary significantly with different developmental stages, encompassing various stressors throughout life. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key element in determining if an inner experience or behavior is considered a psychological disorder?

The intensity and impact of the experience on the individual and others. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'harmful dysfunction' suggest about the nature of psychological disorders?

They are caused by a biological or mental mechanism's inability to perform its natural function. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided content, what is the main purpose of diagnosing psychological disorders?

To provide a common language for professionals and guide treatment. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which publication serves as the main classification system for psychological disorders in the United States?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'comorbidity' refer to in the context of psychological disorders?

The presence of two or more disorders in the same individual. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'TR' in DSM-5-TR signify?

Text Revision, updating statistics and research. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these disorders has the highest lifetime prevalence rate among U.S. adults according to the provided data?

Major Depressive Disorder. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the provided data, which disorder shows the largest difference in lifetime prevalence rates between males and females?

Alcohol Abuse (C) Signup and view all the answers

What makes a behavior more likely to be considered a symptom of a psychological disorder, as opposed to a typical human experience?

If it is significantly distressing or disabling. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, when are inner experiences and behaviors likely considered a disorder?

When they cause significant distress or a disability and suggest a mental dysfunction. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the DSM-5 is correct?

It includes diagnostic criteria, prevalence information, and risk factors for each disorder. (A) Signup and view all the answers

If a person has an obsessive compulsive disorder, what percentage of people with this disorder will also likely meet the criteria for major depressive disorder, according to the provided text?

41%. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is not cited in the text as a determinant of psychological disorder?

The popularity of a behavior in a social setting. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided data, which disorder shows the closest rates of prevalence between men and women?

Social anxiety disorder. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a reason for classifying psychological disorders, according to the text?

To be able to label individuals as abnormal. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the typical characteristics of a psychological disorder?

Atypical, distressful, dysfunctional, and sometimes dangerous thoughts and behaviors (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about atypical behaviors?

They always indicate a psychological disorder (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do cultural expectations influence the identification of psychological disorders?

Behaviors viewed as abnormal in one culture may be normal in another (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these behaviors could potentially indicate a psychological disorder?

An individual washing their hands excessively (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for mental health professionals to agree on what constitutes abnormal behavior?

To provide accurate diagnoses and appropriate interventions (B) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of a person's behavior might be categorized as situational rather than disordered?

A non-conventional sleep schedule due to work (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining symptom of psychological distress that may signify a psychological disorder?

Experiencing extreme feelings of worthlessness (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the concept of psychopathology?

A comprehensive study of psychological disorders and their treatment (B) Signup and view all the answers

How can social support impact recovery from psychological disorders?

By influencing mental health outcomes positively (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of symptoms may indicate the presence of a psychological disorder?

Long-lasting and intense feelings of distress or dysfunction (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which example best illustrates cultural variation in understanding psychological disorders?

An individual in another culture interpreting hallucinations as spiritual experiences (B) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a psychological disorder from a non-disordered state?

The duration and visibility of symptoms (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant change in the DSM-5, regarding major depressive disorder?

The removal of the bereavement exclusion. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How many diagnoses were included in the original (DSM-I) publication?

106 (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors might NOT indicate a psychological disorder?

A student feeling nervous before exams seasonally (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one key difference between the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the DSM classification systems according to the text?

The ICD is more frequently used for clinical diagnosis, and the DSM is more valued for research. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these options describes how a developmental perspective should be utilized in psychiatry?

By recognizing that changes across the lifespan are critical to consider when investigating psychiatric disorders. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest regarding the use of diagnostic labels for mental disorders?

They should be avoided because they objectify people and promote bias. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a key change in the description of mental disorders between the DSM-I and the DSM-III?

A significant increase in both detail of descriptions and number of diagnosable conditions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern some have regarding new diagnoses in the DSM?

That it overpathologizes the human condition by turning common human problems into mental illnesses. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the clinical context, according to the text?

To recognize changes in phenotypes across the life span. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a controversial change made in the DSM regarding homosexuality?

Its removal as a mental illness in 1973. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a problematic psychological condition from normal human experiences?

The intensity and disruptive effect of the thoughts and behaviors on a person's life. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In what way is the DSM-5 criticized with regards to diagnostic criteria?

For loosening diagnostic criteria and potentially creating diagnostic 'hyperinflation'. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary intention behind the revisions and updates to the DSM?

To reflect and incorporate a deeper understanding of mental disorders and how they manifest differently across people. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a major difference between the DSM-I and the DSM-III in terms of length and diagnostic categories?

The DSM-III was nearly seven times the size and had over two times the number of diagnoses as does the DSM-I. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of the compassionate view of mental disorders according to the text?

Acknowledging that people with mental disorders have painful conditions, not of their own choosing. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the DSM considered to be the classification system of choice, in the USA?

Because of its detailed criteria and explanatory text. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of Wakefield's definition of psychological disorder?

An internal mechanism dysfunction (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the harmful dysfunction model, which criterion must be met for dysfunction to be considered harmful?

It leads to negative consequences for the individual or others (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of a psychological disorder as defined by the APA?

Universal acceptance of abnormal behavior (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of significant distress imply in the context of a psychological disorder?

The individual's inner experiences and behaviors are causing major difficulties (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role does culture play in defining a psychological disorder according to the content?

Cultural standards can influence whether a behavior is seen as harmful or dysfunctional (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does dysfunction in internal mechanisms signify according to Wakefield?

A breakdown in rational thinking processes (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best exemplifies a situation that might be classified as a psychological disorder?

Experiencing intense fear of social interactions leading to avoidance of all social situations (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do symptoms of psychological disorders relate to biological processes?

They may reflect dysfunctions in mental processes suggesting neurobiological breakdowns (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason why there is no universal definition of psychological disorder?

Different cultures have varying perspectives on abnormal behavior (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario illustrates an internal mechanism dysfunction?

An individual who obsessively cleans their hands due to fear of germs (D) Signup and view all the answers

For a behavior to be classified as a psychological disorder, it must:

Lead to significant distress or functional impairment (A) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of psychological disorders does the APA definition emphasize?

Disturbances leading to personal and social impairment (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the harmful dysfunction model suggest a disorder might develop?

Through a breakdown of evolved psychological mechanisms (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which description best captures the concept of harmful dysfunction in a psychological context?

A failure in an internal process leading to significant personal distress (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Defining Psychological Disorders

Psychological disorders are characterized by abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Psychopathology is the study of these disorders, examining symptoms, causes (etiology), and treatments.
Mental health professionals need to agree on what constitutes abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Behaviors and inner experiences like excessive hand-washing or hearing voices are often considered abnormal, suggesting a psychological disorder.
Situational, personal, and unconventional experiences are not necessarily disorders (e.g., nervousness, loneliness).

Criteria for Psychological Disorders

A simple approach identifies disorders as atypical, distressful, dysfunctional, and dangerous behaviors and inner experiences.
Atypicality alone doesn't define a disorder.
Distressful experiences may vary across cultures.
Dysfunctional behaviors significantly impair daily functioning, while dangerous behaviors are harmful to self or others.
Cultural expectations influence how we perceive these behaviors.

Cultural Contexts and Disorders

Social norms and expectations vary greatly across cultures and influence perceptions of behavior.
Eye contact, expressions, etc. have different meanings across cultures.
What’s normal in one culture could be considered abnormal in another.
Cultural norms change over time.

Harmful Dysfunction Model

This model defines a psychological disorder as a harmful dysfunction.
It suggests mental processes (cognition, perception, learning) have natural functions.
Dysfunction occurs when an internal mechanism breaks down.
Harm arises when this dysfunction leads to negative consequences (internal anguish, challenges in daily life).

American Psychiatric Association (APA) Definition

The APA's definition includes significant disturbances in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Disturbed patterns reflect dysfunction in biological, psychological, or developmental mechanisms.
These disturbances must cause significant distress or disability.
These disturbances are not expected or culturally acceptable reactions to events.

Importance of Developmental Perspective

Mental disorders often have distinct developmental courses.
75% of mental disorders onset by childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood.
A life-course perspective improves research and treatment.
Factors such as puberty, family stressors, and chronic illnesses influence when disorders appear.

Diagnosing and Classifying Disorders

Accurate diagnosis provides a common language for mental health professionals and facilitates effective treatment.
Classification systems, such as the DSM-5, organize disorders.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

DSM-5 is a classification system used by mental health professionals in the US.
DSM-5 provides detailed descriptions for each disorder (diagnostic features, symptoms, prevalence, risk factors).
Comorbidity (co-occurrence of two disorders) is also considered.
DSM editions have evolved, including changes in classification systems and disorders.
Some criticize DSM's expanding criteria for potential overpathologization.

International Classification of Diseases (ICD)

ICD is another significant classification system.
ICD is used worldwide, not just in US.
ICD has similar categories to DSM but possible differences in criteria.
Efforts are being made to harmonize the two systems.

Compassionate View of Disorders

Mental disorders represent the extremes of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
People with disorders are more than just their conditions.
Treat people with compassion, understanding, and dignity.

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Description

Explore the definitions and criteria surrounding psychological disorders in this quiz. Learn about the classification of atypical, distressful, dysfunctional, and dangerous behaviors. Delve into the nuances of psychopathology and what constitutes abnormal thoughts and feelings.