Module 40: Basic Concepts of Psychological Disorders

Question 1

Psychological Disorder

Answer 1

A syndrome marked by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior.

• Deviant, Distressing, Dysfunctional
• Thoughts, emotions, behaviors are dysfunctional or maladaptive accompanied by distress
• – Interfere with day - to - day life

Question 2

The Medical Model

Answer 2

The concept that diseases, in this case psychological disorders, have physical causes that can be diagnosed, treated, and, in most cases, cured, often through treatment in a hospital.

Question 3

Vulnerability - Stress Model

Answer 3

Individual characteristics combine with environmental stressors to increase or decrease likelihood of developing a disorder.
- Biopsychosocial approach gave rise to this

Question 4

Epigenetics

Answer 4

“Above” or “in addition to” (epi) genetics; the study of the molecular mechanisms by which environments can influence genetic expression (without a DNA change).
- In one environment a gene is expressed, in another it’s dormant

Question 5

Classification

Answer 5

• Aims to PREDICT a disorder’s future course
• SUGGEST appropriate treatment
• PROMPT RESEARCH into its causes

Question 6

DSM-5

Answer 6

The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition; a widely used system for classifying psychological disorders.

Question 7

Attention - deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Answer 7

A psychological disorder marked by extreme inattention and / or hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Question 8

Suicide

Answer 8

• Anxiety —> risk tripled

- Depression —> risk quintupled