CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Question 1

What are the four definitions of abnormality in psychology?

Answer 1

1. Statistical Infrequency – Rare behavior.
2. Deviation from Social Norms – Violates societal rules.
3. Deviation from Ideal Mental Health – Lacks self-growth, autonomy, positive relationships.
4. Failure to Function Adequately – Can’t cope with daily life.

Question 2

What are the 4Ds of abnormal behavior?

Answer 2

1. Deviance – Different from norms.
2. Distress – Causes negative emotions.
3. Dysfunction – Breakdown in cognition, emotion, or behavior.
4. Danger – Harm to self or others.

Question 3

What are the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

Answer 3

1. Hallucinations – Seeing/hearing things that aren’t real.
2. Delusions – False beliefs (e.g., paranoia).
3. Disorganized Thoughts – Jumbled speech.
4. Catatonic Behavior – Unresponsive or repetitive movements.

Question 4

What are the negative symptoms of schizophrenia?

Answer 4

1. Alogia – Reduced speech.
2. Anhedonia – Loss of pleasure.
3. Affective Flattening – Lack of emotional expression.
4. Avolition – Lack of motivation.
5. Asocial – Avoids social interactions.

Question 5

Which neurotransmitter is linked to schizophrenia?

Answer 5

Dopamine – Excess in limbic system (positive symptoms), low in prefrontal cortex (negative symptoms).

Question 6

What are the main treatments for schizophrenia?

Answer 6

1. Antipsychotic Drugs – Block dopamine receptors.
2. Atypical Antipsychotics – Fewer motor side effects.
3. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps manage distress.
4. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) – Induces seizures, rarely used.

Question 7

What are mood disorders?

Answer 7

Psychological conditions affecting emotions (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder).

Question 8

What neurotransmitters are involved in mood disorders?

Answer 8

Serotonin (low in depression), Norepinephrine & Dopamine (imbalances contribute).

Question 9

Treatment for mood disorder?

Answer 9

1. SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.(e.g., Prozac)) – Increase serotonin.
2. Mood stabilizers (e.g., Lithium) – Used for bipolar disorder.
3. CBT – Helps change negative thinking patterns.

Question 10

What are impulse control disorders?

Answer 10

Disorders where individuals struggle to resist urges (e.g., gambling, kleptomania).

Question 11

What neurotransmitter is linked for impulse control disorder?

Answer 11

Dopamine – Plays a role in reward-seeking behavior.

Question 12

Treatment for impulse control disorder?

Answer 12

1. CBT – Helps control impulsive behaviors.
2. Medication – SSRIs or mood stabilizers in some cases.

Question 13

What are common anxiety disorders?

Answer 13

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – Excessive worry.
2. Panic attacks – Sudden fear episodes.
3. Phobias – Extreme fear of specific things (e.g., heights, spiders).

Question 14

What neurotransmitters are involved in common anxiety disorders?

Answer 14

GABA Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (low in anxiety), Serotonin & Norepinephrine (imbalances contribute).

Question 15

Treatment for common anxiety disorders?

Answer 15

1. SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) & Benzodiazepines – Increase serotonin/GABA.
2. Exposure Therapy & CBT – Reduce fear response.

Question 16

What are the symptoms of OCD?

Answer 16

1. Obsessions – Unwanted thoughts.
2. Compulsions – Repetitive behaviors (e.g., handwashing).

Question 17

Which neurotransmitter is involved in OCD?

Answer 17

Serotonin – Low levels linked to OCD.

Question 18

Treatment for OCD?

Answer 18

1. SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) – Increase serotonin.
2. CBT (Exposure and Response Prevention) – Helps break compulsive cycles.