Psychology Chapter 5: Disorders Course and Onset

Questions and Answers

What does a time-limited course of a disorder imply?

The disorder will improve with treatment only.

The disorder will recur frequently.

The disorder requires long-term management.

The disorder will improve without treatment in a short period. (correct)

What term describes a disorder that begins suddenly?

Insidious onset

Gradual onset

Chronic onset

Acute onset (correct)

Why is understanding the typical course of a disorder important?

It helps predict future behavior of patients.

It aids in knowing what to expect and how to manage the disorder. (correct)

It relates to the moral implications of treatment.

It determines the financial cost of treatment.

What does a 'guarded' prognosis indicate?

The outcome is uncertain and does not look promising. Signup and view all the answers

How might a psychological disorder present differently in children compared to adults?

Children may assume they are physically ill during severe anxiety. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of knowing whether a disorder is chronic or not?

It influences the choice of treatment options. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'insidious onset' refer to?

Gradual development of symptoms over time. Signup and view all the answers

Why might someone with a mild disorder and a time-limited course avoid expensive treatment?

The disorder is expected to resolve quickly without treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to refer to mental health professionals who integrate scientific methods with clinical practice?

Scientist-practitioners Signup and view all the answers

How do scientist-practitioners most effectively serve their patients?

By keeping up with scientific developments Signup and view all the answers

In what way do scientist-practitioners evaluate their practice?

By assessing their own assessments or treatment procedures Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the psychological model in the context of abnormal behavior?

Cognitive and emotional processes Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the biological model regarding psychological disorders?

It focuses on genetic and neurobiological factors Signup and view all the answers

What implication does the supernatural model have on treatment approaches?

Rely predominantly on spiritual interventions Signup and view all the answers

What is often a limitation of the psychological model when addressing abnormal behavior?

It overlooks biological and neurological factors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the approach of scientist-practitioners to their clinical work?

They combine scientific research with clinical practice Signup and view all the answers

Which model of abnormal behavior suggests that psychological disturbances can be attributed to the imbalance of bodily fluids?

Humoral Model Signup and view all the answers

What would be the most appropriate definition for the term 'prevalence' in clinical descriptions?

The total number of existing cases in a population at a given time. Signup and view all the answers

Which historical figure associated melancholy with a psychological condition rather than a supernatural occurrence?

Nicholas Oresme Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the etiology of a psychological disorder?

The mechanisms and factors that lead to the disorder. Signup and view all the answers

Which term would help to describe the outcome expectations for an individual with a psychological disorder?

Prognosis Signup and view all the answers

In what way may the psychological model best explain an individual's distress over a personal relationship?

By considering their thoughts and feelings about the situation. Signup and view all the answers

What will likely happen if Kofi does not receive treatment for his condition?

His condition will deteriorate rapidly. Signup and view all the answers

If three new cases of bulimia were reported in one county but not in another, what clinical description does this situation illustrate?

Incidence Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course and Onset of Disorders

Disorders can have a time-limited course, improving without treatment in a short period and with minimal risk of recurrence.
Acute onset refers to disorders that begin suddenly, while insidious onset describes gradual development over time.
Knowledge of a disorder's course is crucial for prognosis and treatment decisions.
For mild disorders that are time-limited, costly treatments may be unnecessary, akin to recovering from a cold.
Chronic disorders may warrant treatment, as their longevity negatively impacts quality of life.

Prognosis

Prognosis indicates the expected course of a disorder, ranging from good (likely recovery) to guarded (poor outlook).
Age is an essential factor in how psychological disorders manifest differently across childhood, adulthood, and old age.

Children vs. Adults

Children often misinterpret severe anxiety, believing themselves to be physically ill due to limited understanding of psychological disorders.

Clinical Definitions and Examples

Presenting problem: The immediate issue a patient faces.
Prevalence: The total number of cases of a disorder at a given time within a population.
Incidence: The number of new cases of a disorder reported over a specific timeframe.
Prognosis: The predicted outcome or course of a disorder.
Course: The progression or duration of a disorder.
Etiology: The causes or origins of a disorder.

Clinical Approach

Many mental health professionals adopt a scientific approach, identified as scientist-practitioners.
Scientist-practitioners stay updated with the latest research to implement evidence-based diagnostic and treatment methods.
They evaluate their assessments and treatment effectiveness, contributing to the scientific understanding of psychological disorders.

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Description

Explore the different courses and onsets of psychological disorders in this quiz based on Chapter 5 of psychology. Understand the distinctions between acute and insidious onset and the implications for treatment and recovery. Test your knowledge on how these characteristics affect the management of various disorders.