Psychology: Mental Status & Defense Mechanisms

Mental Status Examination

• The mental status examination includes an assessment of thought patterns, including clarity, relevance, and flow.
• Orientation is not included in the assessment of thought patterns.

Neurotransmitters and Disorders

• GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is the neurotransmitter linked to anxiety.
• Serotonin and Norepinephrine are the neurotransmitters linked to depression.
• Dopamine is the neurotransmitter linked to Schizophrenia.

Defense Mechanisms

• Rationalization is a defense mechanism where individuals attempt to justify their actions with socially acceptable explanations.
• Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where individuals express feelings that are the opposite of their true feelings, often to protect their ego.
• Displacement is a defense mechanism where individuals channel their anger or frustration towards a less threatening target.
• Projection is a defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others.
• Repression is a defense mechanism where individuals involuntarily bury unpleasant memories or thoughts in their unconscious mind.
• Regression is a defense mechanism where individuals revert to earlier, less mature behaviors in response to stress.

Psychological Therapies

• Cognitive Psychology uses the RBT (Rational Behavior Therapy) technique.
• Eclectic Psychotherapy uses techniques from different schools of thought based on the client's needs.
• Carl Rogers emphasized that therapists should refer to clients as "clients" instead of "patients".

Psychoanalytic Therapy

• Hypnotherapy was used by Frederic Mesmer to treat hysteria.

Psychoanalytic Concepts

• Latency Stage is a period of psychosexual development characterized by dormant sexual feelings.

Personality Disorders

• Schizophrenia is diagnosed using the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS).

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

• Communication Disorders are categorized into five types according to DSM-5.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Impaired thinking is not a characteristic of Autism Spectrum Disorder, it is associated with intellectual disability.
• Characteristics of ASD include:
  • Overreaction
  • Repetitive behavior
  • Attachment to routines

Learning Disorders

• Learning disorders are characterized by difficulties in perception and information processing skills.

Other Important Concepts

• Valid Test: A test is considered valid if it accurately measures what it is intended to measure.
• Reliable Test: A test is considered reliable if it consistently produces similar results when repeated.
• Childhood Onset Fluency Disorder is a speech disorder characterized by disturbances in the normal flow of speech.
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a brain stimulation technique used to treat some mental illnesses.
• Echolalia is a speech disorder characterized by the repetition of words or phrases spoken by others.
• Rontala was a practice involving dance and believed to cure people possessed by spirits.
• Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) is a projective test not considered a self-report test.
• Stone Age believed that abnormal behavior was caused by evil spirits.

Mental disorders and Treatment

• Mental distress (also known as psychological distress or emotional distress) is a state of emotional suffering. It is considered a mental disorder and requires professional help.
• Physical distress does not necessarily qualify as a mental disorder.
• Psychologists can provide therapy but not prescribe medication.
• Psychiatrists can provide both therapy and medication.

This quiz covers key concepts in psychology, focusing on the mental status examination, neurotransmitters connected to various disorders, and defense mechanisms. Test your understanding of how these psychological principles apply in real-life situations and their implications for mental health. Improve your knowledge about the interactions between mental processes and emotional well-being.