Psychology Chapter 1: Psychological Disorders

Atypical, distressful, dysfunctional, and dangerous behaviors; These behaviors are significantly different from culturally expected norms and may cause significant distress to the person experiencing them.

The cultural context plays a significant role in how psychological disorders are identified and perceived. What is seen as abnormal in one culture may be seen as normal in another.

The harmful dysfunction model defines psychological disorders as breakdowns in mental functioning that are harmful to the individual or others. The DSM-5 is the official diagnostic manual used in the United States to classify and diagnose mental disorders.

The DSM-5 is a categorized manual detailing the criteria for diagnosing mental disorders. It offers a standardized framework for mental health professionals to reach a common understanding.

Neurodevelopmental disorders are characterized by difficulties in brain development that affect cognitive, social, and emotional functioning. These disorders typically emerge during childhood and can persist throughout life. Examples include autism spectrum disorder and ADHD.

Learning disorders are characterized by difficulties in acquiring and using academic skills, such as reading, writing, and math. These disorders typically appear during school years and can have a significant impact on academic achievement. Examples include dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia.

Motor disorders involve problems with motor coordination, movement, and muscle control that can affect balance, coordination, and fine motor skills. These disorders typically appear in childhood and can have a significant impact on daily activities. Examples include developmental coordination disorder and Tourette's syndrome.

Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive fear, worry, and nervousness. These disorders can manifest in different ways depending on the specific type. Examples include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

A condition involving abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

The study of psychological disorders, including their causes, symptoms, and treatments.

A set of behaviors and experiences considered atypical, distressing, dysfunctional, and potentially dangerous.

The degree to which an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors deviate from societal expectations.

The extent to which an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors cause personal distress.

The extent to which an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors negatively impact their daily function.

The potential for an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to cause harm to themselves or others.

Cultural norms and values play a role in interpreting behaviors as normal or abnormal. What is considered 'odd' in one culture might be acceptable in another.

Not all behaviors that violate cultural expectations are disorders. It's important to consider the context and possible cultural variations.

The study of how psychological disorders develop and progress over an individual's lifespan.

Commonly held beliefs about mental illness, which may or may not be accurate.

The idea that people with mental illnesses are dangerous or unpredictable. This misconception can perpetuate stigma and discrimination.

The assumption that mental illness is a sign of weakness or lack of willpower. This can prevent people from seeking help.

Mental illnesses are not easily identifiable by just observing someone's behavior.

The idea that people with mental illness can 'snap out of it' just by trying harder. This reinforces stigma and discourages treatment seeking.

A psychological disorder is defined by disturbances in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that lead to functional impairment in one's life and are not culturally expected reactions to events.

It's the idea that psychological disorders arise from the inability of a mental mechanism to perform its natural function effectively, resulting in harm.

The DSM-5 is a widely-used manual that provides standards for diagnosing and classifying mental disorders, offering criteria for identification and treatment guidelines.

The DSM-5 includes categories of disorders such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and dissociative disorders, providing detailed information about each.

The DSM-5 provides data on the prevalence of disorders, indicating the percentage of the population affected by a specific disorder.

The DSM-5 provides data on lifetime prevalence rates, measuring the percentage of individuals in a population who develop a disorder during their lifetime.

Comorbidity refers to the simultaneous occurrence of two or more disorders in the same individual.

The DSM-5 illustrates comorbidity, showing that a significant portion of people diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder also meet the criteria for major depressive disorder.

The DSM-5 recognizes a high level of comorbidity between substance use disorders and other mental illnesses, demonstrating a significant overlap between these conditions.

A proper diagnosis provides a common language for mental health professionals, allowing them to communicate effectively about a disorder with patients, colleagues, and the public.

A proper diagnosis is crucial for guiding appropriate treatment and improving the chances of successful treatment outcomes.

Classification systems, like the DSM-5, are essential for organizing psychological disorders systematically, helping professionals understand and treat them.

The DSM-5's inclusion of detailed information about each disorder, including diagnostic criteria, prevalence, and risk factors, helps mental health professionals assess and understand the specific symptoms and characteristics of disorders.

The DSM-5 provides valuable data on prevalence rates, which help mental health professionals understand the extent and distribution of certain disorders in the population.

Understanding the cultural context is crucial to distinguish between culturally expected reactions and actual psychological disorders.

A view of psychiatric disorders that considers the development of these disorders across the lifespan, from prenatal life to older life.

The onset of most psychiatric disorders occurs during childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood.

The overlap in features and genetic factors between different psychiatric disorders.

The different ages at which various psychiatric disorders typically first appear.

The influence of the timing of exposure to a risk factor on the development of a psychiatric disorder.

Changes in risk factors and stressors across the lifespan.

A group of disorders characterized by difficulties in brain development arising in early childhood, with symptoms often persisting into adulthood, like autism and ADHD.

A pattern of disruptive and aggressive conduct, showing different trajectories depending on age of onset and associated features.

The separation of child/adolescent and adult mental health services.

The need for early intervention and prevention programs in mental health, focusing on risk and protective factors.

For a dysfunction to be considered a psychological disorder, it must be harmful, leading to negative consequences for the individual or others, according to the individual's culture. Harmful consequences could include significant internal distress (like anxiety or depression) or difficulties in daily life (like social or work issues).

A psychological disorder is a condition characterized by significant disturbances in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, reflecting a dysfunction in biological, psychological, or developmental mechanisms, leading to significant distress or disability in one's life, not reflecting expected or culturally approved responses to certain events.

Unusual inner experiences and behaviors that are negative, self-defeating, and often troubling to those around the person, suggesting a dysfunction in internal biological, psychological, and developmental mechanisms leading to normal, healthy psychological functioning.

Disturbed patterns of inner experiences and behaviors should reflect some flaw (dysfunction) in the internal biological, psychological, and developmental mechanisms that lead to normal, healthy psychological functioning.

A person's inner experiences and behaviors are considered to reflect a psychological disorder if they cause the person considerable distress or greatly impair his ability to function as a normal individual (often referred to as functional impairment, or occupational and social impairment)

Disturbances in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors must be socially unacceptable responses to certain events that often happen in life.

The harmful dysfunction model suggests that disorders are a result of broken internal mechanisms (dysfunctions) that cause negative consequences (harm) for the individual or society.

The harmful dysfunction model explains that internal mechanisms, like cognition, perception, and learning, have important functions in helping us understand the world and think rationally. Disorders arise when these mechanisms malfunction.

The 'Harmful Dysfunction' model emphasizes the importance of considering multiple factors and perspectives when determining if a disorder is present.

The concept of 'harmful dysfunction' is a framework for understanding psychological disorders by focusing on the breakdown of internal mechanisms and their negative consequences.

The symptoms of a psychological disorder are assumed to reflect dysfunctions in mental processes, similar to how the symptoms of physical illness reflect dysfunctions in biological processes.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) definition of a psychological disorder aligns with the harmful dysfunction model, recognizing the importance of dysfunction, distress, disability, and cultural context

The harmful dysfunction model is a theoretical framework used to conceptualize psychological disorders. It emphasizes the role of internal mechanisms functioning correctly or malfunctioning within the context of causing harm to an individual and society.

The 'Harmful Dysfunction' model provides a helpful perspective on understanding psychological disorders. By considering the dysfunction of internal mechanisms and their harmful consequences, this model contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of mental illness.

The DSM has been revised several times over the years, with each edition reflecting advancements in our understanding of mental disorders and changes in diagnostic criteria. This evolution reflects ongoing scientific research and a growing awareness of mental health issues.

The DSM-5, the latest edition, includes changes to the organization, naming of categories, and diagnostic criteria for different disorders. It emphasizes the importance of considering gender and cultural differences in the expression of symptoms.

Some critics argue that the expansion of diagnoses in the DSM risks overpathologizing common human experiences, potentially turning normal difficulties into mental illnesses. They worry about potentially mislabeling individuals with conditions that might simply represent normal human variations.

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD), published by the World Health Organization (WHO), is another classification system used worldwide to categorize various diseases and health conditions, including mental health disorders. It's used for clinical purposes and to track population health trends.

While the DSM and ICD share similar categories and criteria for specific disorders, some differences exist. The ICD is used more often for clinical diagnosis, while the DSM is favored for research purposes due to its more explicit criteria and explanatory text.

It's crucial to remember that people with psychological disorders are individuals who deserve compassion and understanding. Viewing them solely as embodiments of their disorders is stigmatizing and harmful. They experience debilitating conditions that are not their fault and require empathy and support.

The developmental perspective highlights the importance of considering mental health conditions within the context of a person's lifespan. Many changes in brain development and behavior are expected during childhood and adolescence, and these changes need to be taken into account when evaluating potential mental health issues.

Physical, behavioral, brain, and biological changes occur throughout life, with significant transformation during fetal development, childhood, and adolescence. It's essential to understand that these changes can be both typical and atypical, influencing developmental trajectory and potentially impacting mental health.

The idea that homosexuality was considered a disorder in earlier editions of the DSM highlights how our understanding of mental health evolves over time. Recognizing the changing perspectives and continued progress is crucial in promoting mental health awareness and inclusivity.

The increase in the number of diagnoses included in the DSM over time reflects a growing understanding of the spectrum of mental health conditions. While this growth is intended to improve diagnostic accuracy, it also raises concerns about potential overdiagnosis and the need for careful, nuanced assessments.

Removing the bereavement exclusion for major depressive disorder in DSM-5 means that sadness and grief following a loved one's death can now be considered a symptom of major depression. This change reflects the recognition that grief can be intense and prolonged, potentially necessitating professional support.

Critics of the DSM argue that loosening diagnostic criteria could lead to an over-diagnosis of mental health conditions, potentially trivializing the experience of those genuinely struggling with mental illness. This concern emphasizes the need for careful clinical judgment in diagnosis.

The DSM involves a continuous process of refinement and revision to ensure that the classification system reflects the most up-to-date knowledge and clinical practices. This ongoing evaluation allows for the incorporation of new research findings and evolving mental health perspectives.

The ICD is used globally to track health trends and prevalence of various diseases, including mental health disorders. This allows for a better picture of the overall health of populations and the impact of mental health conditions worldwide.

The effort to harmonize the DSM and ICD reflects a growing recognition of the need for a more consistent and globally-relevant approach to mental health classification. This goal aims to promote better communication and collaboration between mental health professionals worldwide.