Psychiatric/Mental Health (Exam One) Flashcards
(113 cards)
An individuals reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response is known as what?
Stress
Describe healthy adaptations to stress.
- Stabilizing internal biological processes
- Preserving self-esteem
Adaptive responses are behaviors that ______ ____ _______ ___ ____ ________.
Maintain the integrity of the individual
Maladaptive responses by the individual are _________ ____ ___ ________ ___ ________.
Considered to be harmful or unhealthy
List examples of adaptive responses.
- Journal
- Exercise
- Relax
List examples of maladaptive responses.
- Substance abuse
- Social isolation
- Lash out in anger
A biological, psychological, social, or chemical factor that causes physical or emotional tension and may contribute to the development of certain illnesses is known as what?
Stressor
What is the effect on the body if an individual endures stress for a prolonged period of time?
- Compromises the immune system
- Become more susceptible to disease and illness
List the three stages of the general adaptation syndrome.
- Alarm reaction stage
- Stage of resistance
- Stage of exhaustion
Describe the alarm reaction stage.
Physiological responses of fight-or-flight syndrome are initiated
Describe the stage of resistance.
- Uses physiological responses from previous stage as defense mechanism to adapt
- If adaptation occurs the third stage is prevented/delayed
Describe the stage of exhaustion.
- Body responds to prolonged exposure to a stressor
- Adaptive energy is depleted
- Chronic illness/disease may occur
Why types of stressors are not resolved as rapidly as physical stressors and may deplete the bodies adaptive energy more quickly?
- Psychological stressors
- Emotional stressors
The process by which an individual’s response to change results in preservation of individual integrity or timely return to equilibrium is known as what?
Adaptation
Which biological system is responsible for the fight-or-flight response?
Sympathetic nervous system
What effects does epinephrine have on the body?
- Increase respiratory rate
- Increase heart rate
- Increase muscle strength
- Increase blood glucose for energy
- Slows digestion
- Dilates pupils
A 25-year-old man barely avoids a motor vehicle accident. His heart is pounding, his palms are sweaty, and his respirations are increased. This is an example of which stage of the general adaptation syndrome? A. Alarm reaction stage B. Stage of resistance C. Stage of exhaustion D. Stage of biological stress
A
What tool measures stress?
Recent Life Changes Questionnaire (RLCQ)
A ______ score on the RLCQ places in the individual at ______ susceptibility to physical or psychological illness
- High
- Greater
For a time frame of 6-months, what score is indicative of a high level of recent life stress according to the RLCQ?
Equal to or greater than 300 life changing units (LCU)
For a time frame of 1-year, what score is indicative of a high level of recent life stress according to the RLCQ?
Equal to or greater than 500 life changing units (LCU)
Life changes questionnaires have been criticized because they do not consider what factors?
- Individual perception of event
- Cultural variation
- Individual coping strategies
- Available support systems during event
What factors reduce the intensity of stressful life changes and promote a more adaptive response?
- Positive coping mechanisms
- Strong social/familial support
What is cognitive appraisal?
Individual evaluation of the personal significance of an event or occurrence