Week 1: Psychopathology Questions

A learning process in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus, eliciting a similar response. It was first described by Ivan Pavlov in his experiments with dogs.

A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response without prior learning.

The unlearned, automatic reaction to the unconditioned stimulus.

A previously neutral stimulus that, after being paired with the unconditioned stimulus, triggers a conditioned response.

A learned response to the conditioned stimulus, which is similar to the unconditioned response.

The phenomenon where exposure to cues (e.g., sights, smells, or sounds associated with a specific behavior, such as drug use) triggers cravings or responses.

Van den Hout's experiments showed that during EMDR, the process of taxing working memory reduces the emotional intensity of traumatic memories during recall.

A perspective that views mental disorders as interconnected systems of symptoms, rather than isolated conditions.

A response that is learned through conditioning and counteracts the effects of a drug or stimulus.

A therapeutic technique where a person is exposed to cues linked to a problematic behavior without engaging in it, aiming to weaken the learned response.

A procedure where one stimulus predicts the presence of another, while a different stimulus predicts its absence.

A previously encountered stimulus that didn't have any significant consequence is less likely to become a conditioned stimulus.

Two neutral stimuli are paired initially, and later, one of them is associated with an unconditioned stimulus, leading the other neutral stimulus to also elicit a response due to the initial pairing.

Changes in the perceived intensity or value of the unconditioned stimulus after conditioning.

The gradual decrease or elimination of a learned response by repeatedly presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus.

The reappearance of a learned response when the context changes after extinction.

The restoration of a conditioned response (CR) by presenting the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) alone, even if extinction has occurred.

The reappearance of a conditioned response (CR) over time after extinction, without any further conditioning.

Violation of one norm (e.g., smoking) can weaken adherence to other norms (e.g., avoiding drinking).

Conducting extinction in multiple environments to reduce the likelihood of renewal.

A type of behavioral therapy that involves pairing a maladaptive cue with a positive experience; aim is to reduce the negative response to the cue.

Interventions that aim to disrupt the retrieval of maladaptive memories during the consolidation process.

Using techniques like mirrors or public commitments to increase self-awareness and accountability.

Changes in gene expression caused by environmental factors, like trauma, that can alter how genes are read and utilized.

A model where genetically modified animals, like mice with specific gene changes, are used to study the effects of genes on behavior and brain function.

Studies on animals, often rodents, that are subjected to chronic stress or early-life hardship, mimicking human conditions like PTSD.

Animal experiments that help us understand the role of neurotransmitters in mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and psychosis.

Using animals to test how effective and safe various treatments, like medications and therapies, are for mental health conditions.

A type of medication targeting the serotonin system, often used to treat depression and anxiety.

Medications that specifically influence dopamine activity, typically used to reduce symptoms of psychosis.

Changes in brain chemicals caused by medication, leading to improvements in mental health conditions.

A good theory is clear, logically consistent, can be tested with data (empirically testable), can predict future events, and is open to being disproven.

Therapists understanding how and why their interventions work is important for ethical practice, improving treatment outcomes, building trust with clients, and advancing the field of therapy.

Clark's model suggests panic disorder is caused by misinterpreting bodily sensations as catastrophic, leading to a vicious cycle of anxiety and arousal.

Studies have shown that cognitive restructuring, behavioral experiments, and interoceptive exposure can reduce panic symptoms by targeting misinterpretations and breaking the panic cycle.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for panic disorder because it targets maladaptive beliefs, reduces avoidance behaviors, and helps individuals interpret bodily sensations accurately.

Some individuals are more prone to panic because of biological factors that amplify sensations, such as deficiencies in alpha-2 adrenergic receptors which can increase noradrenaline and sympathetic nervous system activity.

Both increases and decreases in carbon dioxide levels can trigger physical symptoms that could lead to panic attacks.

Without understanding the underlying theory behind therapy techniques, therapeutic interventions become unreliable and potentially harmful practices.

The initial, fast, and often unconscious detection of stimuli, often influenced by automatic biases. It's like a quick glance where you notice something eye-catching, but maybe not all the details.

The sustained focus on stimuli, influenced by conscious processing and emotional significance. It's like when you decide to really look at something in detail and fully process it.

A therapeutic approach that aims to change maladaptive cognitive biases by training responses. It's like retraining your brain to react differently to certain situations.

A task designed to measure attentional bias. It presents neutral and emotionally salient stimuli and measures how quickly people respond to probes replacing those stimuli. Faster responses to probes replacing salient stimuli indicate attentional bias.

A task used to assess automatic associations between concepts. It measures response times to link concepts. For example, how quickly you associate "alcohol" with "fun" suggests your automatic associations.

A task that measures approach or avoidance tendencies toward stimuli. It presents stimuli and observes how people respond (e.g., pulling a joystick closer or pushing it away). This can help understand automatic reactions to certain things.

A tendency to focus more on maladaptive cues, which fuels problematic behavior. It's like getting stuck on negative thoughts or focusing on unhealthy choices, making it harder to resist.

The persistent recurrence of problematic behaviors, especially after initial treatment success. It's like relapsing into old habits even after trying to change.