Psychology Chapter: Diagnosis of Disorders

Questions and Answers

What is a key reason why functional disorders are more difficult to diagnose than learning disabilities?

They do not impact a person's ability to function.

They involve numerous biological, psychological, and social factors. (correct)

They are primarily identified through medical imaging.

They exclusively involve psychological factors.

Which statement best describes the outcome of diagnosing a mental health disorder?

It can help in understanding and managing the individual's difficulties. (correct)

It always leads to immediate improvement in a person's condition.

It guarantees that the individual receives effective treatment.

It prevents the individual from experiencing any adverse effects.

What is one factor that would typically rule out a diagnosis of a mental health disorder?

Presence of chronic psychological symptoms.

Need for various medical evaluations.

Distress resulting from common stressors like bereavement. (correct)

Involvement of friends and family in the assessment.

Which aspect is least likely to be included in the assessment process for a clinical diagnosis of a mental health condition?

Formal testing using medical imaging. Signup and view all the answers

How can labeling a person's mental health issue potentially have negative effects?

It can lead to increased stigma and self-fulfilling prophecies. Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological assessment technique involves the observation of a person's behavior in their natural environment?

Behavioral assessment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically associated with depression?

Increased motivation to engage in activities Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of panic disorder compared to occasional panic attacks?

Panic disorder is characterized by recurring attacks without clear triggers Signup and view all the answers

Which type of assessment evaluates knowledge, skills, or personality through standardized series of tests?

Psychological tests Signup and view all the answers

What combination of factors is thought to trigger depression?

A mix of internal and external factors acting together Signup and view all the answers

What primarily happens to the body during a phobic response when anticipating fear?

Pupils dilate Signup and view all the answers

Which type of phobia manifests as a fear of specific situations, like flying or visiting the dentist?

Situational phobias Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of blood-injection-injury phobias?

Causes a vasovagal reaction Signup and view all the answers

What mental state is commonly associated with the development of agoraphobia?

Fear of being trapped Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can contribute to the development of a specific phobia?

Genetics and environmental influences Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is NOT typically associated with agoraphobia?

Uncontrollable laughter in public spaces Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following phobia types is characterized by fear arising from natural events?

Natural environment phobia Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of habitual avoidance of a feared object or situation in phobia sufferers?

Worsening of the phobia Signup and view all the answers

What cognitive symptom is commonly experienced by individuals with phobias?

Negative thoughts about potential outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What role does early childhood experience play in the development of specific phobias?

May trigger phobic behavior based on stressful situations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Diagnosis of Psychological Disorders

Distressing symptoms often involve circular thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Diagnosis is complex, matching physical and psychological symptoms to behavioral patterns of recognized disorders.
Learning disabilities and neuropsychological disorders are more easily identified than functional disorders affecting personality and conduct.
Mental health disorders present unusual mood, thinking, and behaviors that cause significant distress and impairment.
Common stressors, like bereavement, do not constitute a mental health disorder.
Cultural and social factors can impact behaviors, influencing diagnoses.

Assessment Process

Clinical diagnosis follows careful assessment, including behavior observation and discussions with patients and families.
Naming a person’s distress can provide understanding but may negatively impact their self-perception.
Physical examinations may be required to rule out medical conditions causing psychological symptoms.
Imaging techniques and blood tests can help identify brain injury or genetic predispositions to disorders.

Categories of Disorders

Depression

Diagnosed after a person experiences a depressed mood and loss of enjoyment for over two weeks.
Symptoms: low self-esteem, hopelessness, tearfulness, irritability, and guilty feelings.
Can lead to social withdrawal, worsening the cycle of depression.
Caused by a combination of biological, social, and environmental factors.
WHO reports over 350 million people suffer from depression globally.
Treatment options include psychotherapy, antidepressants, and lifestyle changes like exercise.

Panic Disorder

Characterized by recurring panic attacks triggered by fear or excitement.
Symptoms include sweating, increased heart rate, hyperventilation, and feelings of impending doom.
Attacks can last around 20 minutes and create a pattern of fear of future attacks.
One in ten people experience occasional attacks; panic disorder is less common.
Diagnosis involves ruling out other medical illnesses that mimic symptoms.

Specific Phobia

A type of anxiety disorder where contact or exposure to a feared object or situation causes extreme anxiety or panic.
Commonly arises from past traumatic events or learned behavior from family.
Symptoms: rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, and a sense of losing control.
Can develop during childhood and often coexists with other psychological conditions.
Treatments typically involve behavioral therapy and may not require formal diagnosis.

Agoraphobia

An anxiety disorder marked by fear of situations where escape is difficult.
Individuals may avoid public transport, crowds, or leaving home due to associated panic attacks.
Symptoms disrupt daily life and foster avoidance behavior.
Potential development after experiencing panic attacks; affects approximately one-third of panic attack sufferers.

Claustrophobia

An irrational fear of confined spaces, accompanied by anxiety and panic attacks.
Can lead to physical symptoms similar to those experienced with agoraphobia.
Often rooted in childhood experiences or traumatic events.
Individuals may actively plan to prevent situations where they might feel trapped.

Healing Therapies

Therapy approaches must align with an individual’s unique disorder experience for optimal outcomes.
Psychologists aim to improve mental and physical health through various therapies and evaluations.

Roles of Mental Health Professionals

Psychologists: Conduct assessments and deliver various therapies.
Psychiatrists: Medical doctors specializing in mental disorders, authorized to prescribe medication.
GPs and other healthcare providers: Can prescribe medications and therapies for mental health issues.
Health psychologists: Focused on the psychological aspects of physical health and illness management.
Clinical psychologists: Help individuals with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other disorders.

Specializations Within Psychology

Health psychologists assist with chronic illness management and disease prevention strategies.
Clinical psychologists provide targeted therapy for specific mental health challenges.
Counselling psychologists address life issues like bereavement, relationship difficulties, and emotional support.

Mind-Body Connection

Research demonstrates a correlation between mental and physical health, influencing how psychological assessments and treatments are approached.### Assessment and Strategy for Change
Psychologists examine multiple factors contributing to an individual's illness or issue.
Strategies may involve identifying harmful behaviors like smoking or poor diet, and promoting positive habits such as exercise and healthy eating.
Improving sleep practices and scheduling preventive medical screenings are also essential elements of health psychology.
Cognitive behavior changes are encouraged to empower individuals, promoting a sense of control over their lives.

Managing Health Conditions

Health psychologists assist individuals diagnosed with serious conditions, such as cancer or addiction, focusing on coping strategies for mental and physical challenges.
They evaluate what can be modified to enhance coping abilities in response to pain and the repercussions of illnesses.
Diverse strategies aid in rehabilitation, such as building self-esteem and motivation, fostering positive thinking, and encouraging support from family and health professionals.
Alternative therapies, including yoga and acupuncture, are integrated to support overall wellness and manage cravings or depression.

Role of Therapy

Psychotherapies are designed to modify detrimental thoughts and emotions, promoting self-awareness and improved mental health.
Communication with a therapist is central to the process, often referred to as "talking therapies."
The aims include managing adversity, maximizing potential, organizing behavior into achievable goals, and facilitating deeper self-understanding.
Therapy helps identify and understand the impact of past negative experiences on current behavior and reactions, promoting progression beyond harmful thought patterns.

Types of Therapy

Various therapeutic methods exist, categorized by underlying philosophies and delivery modes (individual, group, online).

Psychoanalytical and Psychodynamic Therapy

Focus relies on uncovering unconscious beliefs that lead to maladaptive thoughts and behaviors.
Gaining insights into these beliefs aids in managing and relieving psychological problems.

Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy

Based on the premise that personal distress arises from how individuals interpret events, rather than the events themselves.
Empowers clients to change their thought processes, influencing their reactions and behaviors positively.

Humanistic Therapy

Emphasizes listening and encourages clients to explore their thoughts and feelings.
Views clients as capable of personal growth, fostering responsibility and self-acceptance.

Systematic Therapy

Examines issues within the context of relationships and interactions among family or group members.
Enables a collective approach to problem-solving, aiding identity exploration within community structures.

Rating Mental Health

Psychologists utilize questionnaires to assess and distinguish between psychological health and emotional well-being.

Psychological Health Questions

Mood: Assessment of general mood positivity.
Positive Relationships: Evaluation of social connections.
Cognitive Function: Ability to think and process information effectively.

Emotional Well-Being Questions

Anxiety: Presence of anxiety symptoms.
Depression: Assessment of depressive feelings.
Control: Feelings surrounding personal control and emotional regulation.

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Description

Explore the complexities of diagnosing psychological disorders in this quiz. Learn about the assessment process, the impact of cultural factors, and the distinction between different types of mental health disorders. Test your knowledge on how psychological symptoms relate to diagnosis.