Psychopathology and Mental Health Disorders

Psychopathology and Mental Health Disorders

• Psychopathology is the scientific study of mental disorders, including symptoms, causes, and treatments.
• Biopsychosocial model considers biological (genetics), psychological (cognition), and social (culture) factors in mental illness.
• Serotonin is linked to depression and anxiety.
• DSM-5 uses a categorical approach to classify mental disorders.
• Comorbidity is the presence of two or more mental disorders in one person.
• Longitudinal studies track individuals over time to study mental health progression.
• Compulsions (repetitive behaviors) are a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder, not schizophrenia.
• Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycles of depressive and manic episodes.
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves persistent, excessive worry.
• Social anxiety disorder is characterized by fear of social judgment.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for anxiety disorders, targeting irrational fears and avoidance behaviors.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a key treatment for depression.
• Schizophrenia is strongly linked to dopamine system dysfunction.
• Negative symptoms of schizophrenia include avolition (lack of motivation) and social withdrawal.
• Diathesis-stress model suggests mental illness results from genetic vulnerability (diathesis) combined with environmental stressors.
• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as abuse or neglect, increase the risk of future mental health problems.
• Cultural considerations are essential in mental health assessments.
• Trauma-informed care recognizes and responds to the impact of trauma on an individual's mental health.
• Personality disorders can be treated, especially borderline personality disorder with DBT.
• Stigma prevents many from seeking mental health treatment due to shame and discrimination.
• Social support can reduce the impact of adversity and trauma.

True/False Questions

• The DSM-5 uses a dimensional, not strictly dimensional, classification system. (False)
• Comorbidity refers to the presence of multiple co-occurring mental disorders. (True)
• PTSD symptoms must develop immediately after trauma. (False)
• The biopsychosocial model considers only biological influences on mental disorders. (False)
• Anxiety disorders are more common in women than men. (True)
• Early adverse childhood experiences increase the risk of mental disorders in adulthood. (True)
• Longitudinal studies examine changes over time. (True)
• Cognitive distortions contribute to the development of depression. (True)
• Pharmacotherapy is the only effective treatment for mood disorders. (False)
• Schizophrenia is caused solely by environmental stressors. (False)
• Social support can lessen the impact of adverse childhood experiences. (True)
• Personality disorders cannot be treated with therapy. (False)
• Research ethics require informed consent in all psychological studies. (True)
• The stigma surrounding mental health prevents many from seeking treatment. (True)
• DSM-5 includes considerations of culture in mental health diagnoses. (True)