Understanding Mental Disorders

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Questions and Answers

What epigenetic change is often observed in identical twins, where one twin develops bipolar disorder while the other does not?

Decreased DNA methylation at specific genetic locations (correct)

Increased DNA expression at random genetic locations

Increased DNA methylation at specific genetic locations

Decreased genetic variability between twins

How do negative life events relate to individuals with bipolar disorder?

Their effects are negligible regardless of mood states.

They are significantly less common compared to individuals without bipolar disorder.

They often precede manic or depressive episodes. (correct)

They occur at the same frequency during manic episodes as during euthymic states.

Which type of symptoms in schizophrenia involves 'added' experiences such as hallucinations?

Disorganized symptoms

Negative symptoms

Positive symptoms (correct)

Cognitive symptoms

What factor in family dynamics is linked to higher relapse rates in bipolar disorder?

High expressed emotion Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of negative symptoms in schizophrenia?

Emotional/social withdrawal Signup and view all the answers

What behavior is classified as disorganized symptomatology in schizophrenia?

Grossly disorganized behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a schizophrenia diagnosis according to DSM-5-TR?

Presence of hallucinations Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by research regarding the timing of negative events and mood episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder?

Negative events frequently occur before mood episodes. Signup and view all the answers

What ratio indicates the prevalence of ASD diagnoses in boys compared to girls?

4:1 Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key theories explaining the origins of ASD?

Impaired empathizing and superior systematizing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how ADHD can present in individuals?

Inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or combined presentation Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of adults is estimated to meet the criteria for ADHD?

4% Signup and view all the answers

What brain-related abnormality is often found in individuals with ADHD?

Abnormalities in frontosubcortical networks Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the common risk factors associated with conduct disorder?

Maternal smoking Signup and view all the answers

What is one key characteristic of conduct disorder?

Aggression toward people or animals Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Severely depressed mood and/or inability to experience pleasure lasting two weeks or more Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Persistent Depressive Disorder is correct?

It lasts for at least 2 years with less severe symptoms than MDD. Signup and view all the answers

How long must ADHD symptoms persist in order to qualify for diagnosis?

At least 6 months Signup and view all the answers

What does Double Depression refer to?

The coexistence of Persistent Depressive Disorder and episodes of major depression Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic group has a higher prevalence of depression?

Women, associated with hormonal differences Signup and view all the answers

What role do genetic factors play in depression?

Severe depression has a heritability estimate of around 50%. Signup and view all the answers

What brain activity is commonly observed in individuals with depression?

Increased activity in the amygdala and insula Signup and view all the answers

According to the Cognitive Model by Aaron T. Beck, what is a common tendency in depressed individuals?

To overlook positive experiences Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is part of the Helplessness Theory related to depression?

Seeing negative experiences as internal, stable, and global Signup and view all the answers

What are the three broad areas of symptoms a child must exhibit to meet the criteria for conduct disorder?

Rule-breaking, theft/deceit, aggression Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following personality disorder clusters does NOT include disorders related to anxiety?

Dramatic/erratic Signup and view all the answers

What is a common co-occurring disorder with conduct disorder?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Signup and view all the answers

In which version of the DSM were personality disorders classified as separate from other disorders?

DSM-IV Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is emphasized in studies of conduct disorder development?

Inherited genetic factors interacting with environmental stressors Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the U.S. population is estimated to be diagnosed with a personality disorder?

15% Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) from other disorders?

It begins with a history of conduct disorder before age 15 Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a common criticism regarding personality disorders?

They may not qualify as true disorders Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of Behavioral Therapy?

To change maladaptive behaviors Signup and view all the answers

Which therapeutic approach emphasizes cognitive restructuring?

Cognitive Therapy Signup and view all the answers

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is characterized by which of the following attributes?

Problem-focused and action-oriented Signup and view all the answers

What role does a therapist play in Group Therapy?

Acts as a facilitator for the group Signup and view all the answers

What is a common serious side effect of antipsychotic medications?

Tardive dyskinesia Signup and view all the answers

Which type of medication is primarily used to enhance GABA’s calming effects?

Antianxiety medications Signup and view all the answers

What do SSRIs primarily target in the treatment of mood disorders?

Serotonin levels Signup and view all the answers

Which therapy is especially effective for adolescents struggling with issues?

Family Therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the need to monitor blood levels when using lithium as a mood stabilizer?

It may lead to kidney and thyroid issues. Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is primarily indicated for severe depression and some cases of bipolar disorder?

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following alternative treatments is specifically linked to lower rates of depression and suicide?

Omega-3 fatty acids Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment method uses a powerful pulsed magnet to alter neuronal activity in the brain?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

Impaired short-term memory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following treatments is considered to have minimal side effects, primarily headaches?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Signup and view all the answers

Which alternative therapy is indicated for treating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

Phototherapy Signup and view all the answers

Which surgical method involves the destruction of specific brain areas and is considered controversial?

Psychosurgery Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mental Disorders

Definition: A persistent disturbance in behavior, thoughts, or emotions causing distress or impairment.
Medical Model: Abnormal psychological experiences are illnesses with biological and environmental causes, defined symptoms, and possible cures.
Diagnosis involves assessing signs (objective indicators) and symptoms (subjective experiences). Examples include high blood pressure (sign), feeling lightheaded (symptom).
Example: Robin Williams showed symptoms of depressive disorder and substance use disorder.

Differentiating Terminology

Disorder: A common set of signs and symptoms.
Disease: A pathological process affecting the body.
Diagnosis: Determining if a disorder or disease is present.
Prognosis: The likely course of a disease or ailment.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

Classification system for mental disorders.
Describes symptoms for each disorder.
Distinguishes disorders from similar problems.
DSM-5-TR: Contains 22 major categories and over 200 disorders.
Comorbidity: Over 80% of individuals with mental disorders report two or more disorders.

Epidemiology

Study of the distribution and causes of health and disease.
The U.S. has the highest rate of mental disorders among countries.

Cultural Context and Mental Disorders

Culture influences experiences, descriptions, assessment, and treatment.
The Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) helps understand cultural influences on a client's experience.
The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is used globally, similar to the DSM in its structure.

Prognosis of Mental Disorders

Typically has a predictable course, with potential for treatment and cure.
The medical model can be oversimplified, focusing on a single internal cause and/or cure.

Biopsychosocial Perspective on Mental Disorders

Interactions of biological, psychological, and social factors influence mental health.
Diathesis-stress model: Vulnerability (diathesis) + stressor = mental illness.

DSM and the Evolution of Mental Disorder Classification

DSM is more of a guide or dictionary than a fixed rulebook.
The Research Domain Criteria Project (RDoC) shifts focus from surface symptoms to underlying processes.
Example using cocaine addiction: Focuses on abnormalities in "responsiveness to reward."

Research on Addiction and Mental Disorders

Variations in the DRD2 gene are linked to abnormalities in brain connectivity related to reward.

Stigma and Mental Health Treatment

Stigma associated with mental disorders reduces treatment-seeking behavior..

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is the predominant feature; often experience more than one type.
Comorbidity with depression.
Phobic disorder: Persistent fear and avoidance of specific objects or situations.
Specific phobia examples: animals, natural environments, situations, blood/injections/injury, other.
Panic disorder: Characterized by sudden occurrences of terror. Agoraphobia (fear of public places) is sometimes associated.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Chronic, excessive worry.

Panic Disorder

Characterized by sudden, multiple psychological and physiological symptoms (extreme terror).
Agoraphobia is a fear of public spaces often caused by panic attacks.
Hereditary component: 30-40% of the risk of developing panic disorder is genetic.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Characterized by chronic, excessive worry, and irrational fears.
Symptoms: restlessness, fatigue, concentration problems, irritability, muscle tension, sleep issues.
Biological and psychological factors contribute, including a hereditary component.
Treatments might include benzodiazepines, and antidepressants.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Classified separately from anxiety.
OCD related obsessions and compulsions (checking, ordering, moral concerns, contamination).
Brain-imaging studies show differences in brain activity in OCD individuals.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Characterized by chronic physiological arousal, intrusive thoughts/images, and avoidance of trauma reminders.

Mood Disorders

Mental disorders primarily characterized by disturbances in mood. Examples: depression and bipolar disorder.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Characterized by a severely depressed mood and inability to experience pleasure for at least two weeks.
Symptoms: Feelings of worthlessness, lethargy, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): Similar to MDD but less severe symptoms lasting longer.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Seasonal pattern of depression, usually in winter.
Gender differences: More common in women.

Bipolar Disorder

Extreme shifts between manic (high mood) and depressive (low mood) episodes.
Bipolar I: At least one manic episode, one depressive episode.
Bipolar II: At least one depressive episode, one hypomanic episode (less intense form of mania),
Cyclothymic disorder: Chronic, less severe form of bipolar disorder.
Symptoms of mania: Elevated/expansive/irritable mood, decrease in need for sleep, grandiosity.
Psychotic features are possible.

Bipolar Disorder Vulnerability

Shared genetic vulnerability with schizophrenia.
Possible epigenetic changes influence the development of bipolar disorder

Stress and Environmental Factors in Bipolar Disorder

Negative life events can precede manic or depressive episodes.
Expressed emotion in families (criticism, hostility, overinvolvement) linked to higher relapse rates.

Schizophrenia

Psychotic disorder of thought, emotional disturbance, and disruptions in behavior.
Two or more symptoms (positive, negative, and disorganized), for at least one month with signs lasting at least six months.
Genetic component plays a moderate to strong role.
Brain abnormalities (e.g., enlarged ventricles).

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Characterized by persistent communication deficits and restricted repetitive behaviors.
Boys are diagnosed more frequently.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Characterized by inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that significantly impacts functioning.
Three types: Predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, and combined.
Genetic factors and brain abnormalities play significant roles.

Conduct Disorder

Characterized by persistent pattern of deviant behavior (aggression, property damage, theft, deceit). Also often co-occurs with other disorders like ADHD.

Personality Disorders

Enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating to others that deviate from cultural expectations, causing distress or impaired functioning.
Often begins in adolescence or early adulthood, and are relatively stable.
10 different personality disorders and 3 clusters.

Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD)

Pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others, starting in childhood/teens.
Diagnostic criteria include at least 3 of 7 signs, such as illegal behavior, deception, impulsivity.

Suicide and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (NSSI)

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., 2nd among those aged 15-24. About 80% of suicides are committed by men.
Risk factors include mental disorders, negative life events, medical problems.
NSSI: Deliberate destruction of body tissue; often used to manage emotional pain and distress.

Treatment Considerations and Effectiveness

Placebo effect: Improvement from believing in treatment.
Natural improvement: Recovery without intervention.
Research methods (RCTs/double-blind studies).

Ethical and Practical Considerations in Treatment

Iatrogenic illness: Illness from treatment.
Ethical standards: Benefits, no harm, honesty, avoiding bias.
Empirically supported treatments: Therapies based on research.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Other Neurological Treatments

ECT: Using electrical shocks to induce seizures for treating severe depression and some types of bipolar disorder.
TMS: Using pulsed magnets to stimulate specific brain areas for reducing depression related symptoms.
DBS: Implanting a device to stimulate specific brain areas.
Psychosurgery: Surgically destroying specific brain areas (lobotomies).

Alternative Treatments for Mental Health

Natural supplements (e.g., Omega-3s) have mixed evidence.
Phototherapy can treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

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Description

This quiz explores the definition, classification, and differentiation of mental disorders and diseases. It covers essential concepts from the DSM and examples of real-life cases. Test your knowledge on how diagnosis and prognosis play a role in mental health.