Psychiatry Block

Question 1

Define “normal” behaviour.

Answer 1

Behaviour aligned to what is normal and expected within a given culture (social group, generation and culture).

Question 2

Define “psychological dysfunction”.

Answer 2

A set of symptoms that leads to an INTERRUPTION in occupational and social roles.

Question 3

Define “personal distress”.

Answer 3

A set of symptoms which cause the person to feel distressed.

Question 4

Define “atypical response”.

Answer 4

Behaviours and psychological characteristics that are not common in a given cultural context.

Question 5

Discuss “abnormal beliefs and thoughts”.

Answer 5

• difficult to understand by others
• May cause distress
• May be fixed and obsessional
• May lead to alienation.

Question 6

Define Psychosis Syndrome

Answer 6

A syndrome, NOT AN ILLNESS, which warrants investigation and diagnosis.
- Problems with brain function characterised by a. a loss of reality b. impairment of mental functioning c. incorrect evaluation of perception and thoughts d. make incorrect inferences about external reality.

Question 7

What are the clinical features of PSYCHOSIS?

Answer 7

Delusions, hallucinations, disorganised behaviour, speech and thought; altered mood and affect.