Chapter 13: Categories Of Psychological Disorder Flashcards
What is a mental disorder?
Affects one or more functions of the mind: it is a severe, ongoing mental health problem that can interfere with a person’s thoughts, emotions, perceptions, and behaviours.
What is psychosis?
Refers to situations when there is some loss of contact with reality. The person may experience hallucinations, or lose the distinction between reality and imagination. Eg. Schizophrenics have episodes of psychosis.
What is neurosis?
Refers to non-psychotic illnesses such as anxiety, depression and personality disorders. There are difficulties with thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, but are still in touch with reality.
What is gambling?
Any behaviour that involves the risk of money or possessions on the outcome of a game that is determined by chance.
It can become a mental health problem, this behaviour impacting family, friends and employers.
What is an addiction?
Refers to an activity that people are completely absorbed in and pursue, regardless of any negative consequences.
Under this definition, gambling is considered and addicting or an addiction disorder.
What is the diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling?
A few examples include:
- becomes restless or irritable when trying to reduce time spent gambling.
- gambles when feeling distressed.
- uses gambling to make up for what has been lost gambling.
- relies on others for financial support in desperate situations caused by gambling.
What is an anxiety disorder?
When the intensity of anxiety is out of proportion to the situation and interferes with our daily life.
What are some symptoms of anxiety?
Emotional component- eg. Feeling tense.
Cognitive component- eg. Worrying about the situation.
Behavioural component- eg. Avoiding the situation.
Physiological component- eg. Increased heart rate.
What is a phobia?
An irrational fear of a specific object or situation.
What is the difference between a fear and a phobia?
Fears can actually be healthy since things such as for eg. Spiders, may be a threat to our safety.
A fear can turn into a phobia when the person experiences intense anxiety in the presence of an item or situation, or even when merely thinking about it. This fear is so strong that it interferes with daily activities.
What is MDD?
Major depressive disorder.
When a person has very low moods and low self-esteem, lack of motivation and have difficulty thinking for a considerable time.
How is MDD diagnosed?
A person must experience a depressed mood or loss of interest and pleasure for at least two weeks. In addition they must experience at least four symptoms such as:
- insomnia
- appetite changes
- feelings of worthlessness
- suicidal thoughts
