CHAP 15 Flashcards
(43 cards)
Cognitive model
Abnormal thoughts or beliefs
Sociocultural model
Violation of local social norms
Biological model
Changes in biological functioning
Defining ‘Abnormal’
Abnormality is inextricably attached to cultural norms, expectations and laws
ADHD in the US vs. Europe
Disorders of sexuality
Cultural responses to abnormality and mental illness
psychological disorder
a condition characterized by abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
Thomas Szasz, MD
Argued that the mental disorder classification system is an attempt by society to control those who are different
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
The standard reference manual for disorder diagnosis and classification
Advantages of the DSM
Can be a useful tool, when used properly, for diagnosis and treatment of disorders
Provides systematic structure for future research
Provides systematic structure for insurance reimbursement
Criticisms of the DSM
Number of disorders increases with each new edition
From 66 in first DSM to over 400 in DSM-5
Providing classifications may lead to overdiagnosis
ADHD, MPD/DID
PD-NOS is most commonly diagnosed disorder – despite there being 400 defined disorders
Particularly a concern with newer dimensional approach and risk syndromes
Panic Disorder
An anxiety disorder in which a person experiences recurring panic attacks, feelings of impending doom or death, accompanied by physiological symptoms such as rapid breathing and dizziness
Phobias
An exaggerated, unrealistic fear of a
specific situation, activity, or object
Agoraphobia
A set of phobias, often set off by a panic attack, involving the basic fear of being away from a safe place or person
Often self-fulfilling
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
When a person who has experienced traumatic events has symptoms such as numbing, reliving of trauma, detachment, relationship challenges, self-destructive behaviors
Military service
Sexual abuse
9/11
First responders
Symptoms last longer than 6 months
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Person feels trapped in repetitive, persistent thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualized behaviors (compulsions) designed to reduce anxiety
Person understands that the ritual behavior is senseless but guilt and anxiety increase if not performed
Often tied into cleanliness vs. contamination
Major Depressive Disorder
Disturbances in emotion (excessive sadness),
Behavior (loss of interest in one’s usual activities)
Cognition (thoughts of hopelessness)
Body function (fatigue and loss of appetite)
Affects about twice as many women as men
Also Persistent Depressive Disorder, which is more chronic, but may have lower severity of symptoms
Major Depressive Disorder Requires 5 of the following symptoms in last 2 weeks:
Depressed mood
Reduced interest in almost all activities
Significant weight gain or loss, without dieting
Sleep disturbance (insomnia or too much sleep)
Change in motor activity (too much or too little)
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Reduced ability to think or concentrate.
Recurrent thoughts of death
Theories of depression
Biological - genetics and brain chemistry
Social - the stressful circumstances of people’s lives
Attachment - problems with close relationships.
Cognitive – negative / maladaptive habits of thinking or interpreting events (e.g. learned helplessness)
Bipolar Disorder
A mood disorder in which a person alternates between episodes of depression and mania (excessive euphoria)
Driven primarily by brain chemistry
Personality Disorders
Rigid, maladaptive patterns that cause personal distress or an inability to get along with others
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
A disorder characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance and self-absorption
Paranoid Personality Disorder
A disorder characterized by habitually unreasonable and excessive suspiciousness and jealousy
Borderline Personality Disorder
Intense but unstable relationships, fear of abandonment, unrealistic self-image, emotional volatility, self-destructive behavior
Controversial because of loose diagnostic criteria, possible overdiagnosis
Antisocial Personality Disorder
A disorder characterized by antisocial behavior such as lying, stealing, manipulating others, and sometimes violence; and a lack of guilt, shame and empathy
Dissociative Identity Disorder
Used to be called Multiple Personality Disorder
Disorder marked by the appearance within one person of two or more distinct personalities, each with its own name and traits
Often has roots in intense childhood sexual abuse
The identity splits (dissociates) in order to repress or confine the memory to one identity, while other identities remain happy and oblivious
