Psychopathology Flashcards
(23 cards)
Statistical deviation
When an individual is different what is statistically considered ‘normal’ and usual behaviour
Deviation from social norms
Behaviour that differs from what is expected from a society, what is deemed acceptable and normal
Failure to function adaquately
When someone is unable to cope with ordinary demands of life.
Deviation from ideal mental health
When someone deviates from a set of criteria for a good mental health
Characteristics of a good mental health
No symptoms of distress Cope with steer Self actualise Rational and accurate perception of self Realistic view of world Independent Good self esteem
Behavioural characteristics of phobias
Panic- panic in respond to stimulus of phobia
Avoidance- completely avoid facing phobia
Endurance- when remain in presence of phobia, high levels of anxiety continue
P. A. E
Emotional characteristics of phobias
Anxiety- they can’t relax or experience positive emotions and they get into an unpleasant and high arousal state
A
Cognitive characteristics of phobias
Selective attention- hard to divert attention from phobia stimulus
Irrational beliefs- unrealistic views on phobia which increase pressure on individual
Cognitive distortions- perception of phobia negatively differs to a non sufferer
SA.IB.CD
Behavioural characteristics of depression
Activity levels- reduced energy and withdrawal from usual activities
Or opposite- struggle to relax, psychomotor agitation
Disruption to eat and sleep-often reduced sleep (insomnia) and reduced eating or increased appetite and sleep
Aggression and self harm- verbal and physical to other and directed at self
A. D. A
Emotional characteristics of depression
Lowered mood-lethargic and sad, often feel worthless and empty
Anger- more negative emotions, angry at themselves and other
Lowered self esteem- like them self less and see them self as less desirable
L. A. L
Cognitive characteristics of depression
Poor concentration- difficult to stick at task or make decision
Dwell in negative- often ignore positives of situations
Absolutist thinking- situations are either all good or all bad. Black and white thinking
PC. DN. AT
Behavioural characteristics of OCD
Compulsions- repetitive and reduce anxiety. Compelled to repeat behaviour in order to reduce anxiety
Avoidance- avoid situation and stimulus which will trigger obsession and anxiety
C. A
Cognitive characteristics of OCD
Obsessive thoughts- recurring unpleasant thoughts
Cognitive strategies- coping to particular obsessions to manage anxiety
Insight to excessive anxiety
O. C. I
Emotional characteristics of OCD
Anxiety and distress- obsessive thought are unpleasant and frightening, accompanied by anxiety
Depression- anxiety=low mood and lack of enjoyment for activity
Guilt and disgust- over moral issues directive externally or on oneself
AD. D. GD
2 types of treating phobias
Systematic desensitisation and flooding
What is systematic desensitisation
Gradually exposing patient to phobia to reduce anxiety and encourage relation. Using classical conditioning
What are the 3 stages of systematic desensitisation
Anxiety hierarchy- discuss stimuli which trigger phobic responses and anxiety
Relaxation- learn to relax, may use mental imagery, mediation or drug Valium
Exposure- are gradually exposed starting at the bottom of the list of anxiety heirachy
What is flooding
An immediate exposure to a phobia which in unavoidable so that phobia becomes harmless
Example of systematic desensitisation
Newman and Adams- teenage boy and his phobia of dogs. Started off with things like picture of dog, dog through a window, same room on lead, in park
Support for systematic desensitisation
Gilroy
Compared 45 cases of spider phobias treated by systematic desensitisation and compared to a control group who just learned relaxation and weren’t exposed. 3 and 33 months after it was found that the SD patients feared spiders less now
Example/support for flooding
Wolpe- treated a girl with a phobia of cars by taking her out in a car for several hours. Her anxiety was extremely high to begin with, it reduced and by the end of the journey it had disappeared
Strengths of systematic desensitisation
It is suitable for a range of patients and phobias
Appropriate for anxiety and learning disorders and difficulties
Doesn’t involve a bad degree of trauma, low refusal and attrition rate
Limitations of flooding
Extremely traumatic and can often worsen them fear of stimulus
Often refused and patients often drop out
Not suitable for all patients and phobias
Cost and time effective
