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Abnormal Psychology
Exam 1
230
Psychology
Undergraduate 3
02/06/2012

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Cards

Term
What is the working definition of "abnormal?"
Definition
A psychological dysfunction associated with distress or impairment in functioning that is not typical or culturally expected.
Term
What does DSM stand for and what does it contain?
Definition

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual

Diagnostic Criteria

Term
What is psychopathology?
Definition
The scientific study of psychological disorders.
Term
What are some other ways we define "abnormal?"
Definition

1. Violation of Norms

2. Personal Suffering or Distress

3. Disability or Dysfunction

4. Statistical Infrequency

Term
What is the Violation of Norms called, and why is it considered a sign of abnormality?
Definition

Deviance

The behavior is highly unusual, many psychological disorders break social norms.

Term

What do proponents argue about the view of Personal Suffering or Distress as a definition of abnormality?

 

What do some therapists also take into account when looking at Personal Suffering or Distress as a definition of abnormality?

Definition

Proponents of this view argue that a behavior is only abnormal if the individual suffers as a result of the behavior(s) and wishes to be rid of them.

 

Some therapists object to the subjective discomfort criterion because people are not always aware of problems that their behavior may create for themselves or others. For example, someone may not be suffering directly from their disorder, but someone else may be suffering because of that person's disorder.

Term
When does Disability or Dysfunction get applied to the definition of "abnormal?"
Definition

When the behavior prevents normal daily functioning.

 

Think of the case of Tom (man who was afraid of riding the escalator). If this behavior makes him have to climb 5 flights of stairs everyday to work, subsequently making him late and stressed out, this would prevent normal daily functioning.

Term
How do we use Statistical Infrequency as a indicator of "abnormality?"
Definition
When the behavior is considered 'rare'
Term

What does Statistical Infrequency depend on?

 

What are some arguments against Statistical Infrequency?

Definition

The norms for that behavior in a culture. For example, urinating in your house in a tribal culture might not be against social norms and therefore not considered to be abnormal.

 

Statistical Infrequency cannot be the only criterion because there are people who are on the other end of the spectrum (i.e. IQ scores and the Bell Curve) who are not considered to have a mental disorder.

Also, you can display traits of a disorder without having the disorder (i.e. being depressed because you got a bad test grade). Therefore, in these cases, Statistical Infrequency does not matter.

Term
Why do we often laugh at instances in abnormal psychology?
Definition
We laugh at what is unexpected or unorthadox, and what can make us uncomfortable.
Term
Who can provide treatment within the field of psychopathology?
Definition

1. Psychiatrists

2. Clinical Psychologists

3. Social Workers

4. Professional Counselors

5. Marriage and family therapy (MFT)

6. Psychiatric Nurses

7. Psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR) professionals

Term

1. What is Psychiatry?

2. What level of education must a Psychiatrist receive?

3. What is something specific about Psychiatrists?

Definition

1. The branch of medicine that is concerned with the study and treatment of mental disorders.

2. M.D. (Medical Doctorate)

3. Psychiatrists are licensed to practice medicine and therefore are able to prescribe medication.

Term

1. What is Clinical Psychology?

2. What level of education must you earn to be a Clinical Psychologist?

3. What is something specific about Clinical Psychology?

Definition

1. The psychology concerned with the application of psychological science to the assessment and treatment of mental disorders.

2. Ph.D or Psy.D.

3. One can also obtain a Ph.D. degree in counseling psychology, a more applied field that focuses on training, assessment, and therapy. Sometimes they can prescribe a prescription, but cannot claim to be a psychologist until licensed.

Term

1. What is Social Work

2. What level of education must one have to become a Social Worker?

3. What is something specific about Social Workers?

Definition

1. Social work is a third profession that is concerned with helping people to achieve an effective level of psychosocial functioning.

2. Master's Degree

3. Social Work is state dependent, requires supervision in which the supervisor will read and review notes. They work on placing individuals where they need to be (i.e. children in foster care).

Term

1. What do Professional Counselors do?

2. What level of education must you have to become a professional counselor?

Definition

1. Work in a many different settings, ranging from schools and government agencies to mental health centers and private practice.

2. Master's Degree

Term

1. What is Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)?

2. What level of education must you have to participate in MFT?

Definition

1. It is a multidisciplinary field in which professionals are trained to provide psychotherapy.

2. Master's Degree

Term
What are Psychiatric Nurses?
Definition
Psychiatric Nurses can have a bachelor's degree or lower (Nursing license) that aid individuals with psychological disorders. If they are a Nurse Practitioner (Master's degree) they can administer medication under supervision.
Term

What is the highest occupation in terms of clinically trained professionals providing mental health services in the U.S.?

What is one of the occupations most in need?

Definition

Social Workers have the highest number.

 

Psychiatrists are one of the occupations most in need.

Term
Describe the Scientist-Practitioner Approach:
Definition
The approach that views the mental health professional as a 1) Consumer of Science, 2) Evaluator of Science, and 3) a Creator of Science.
Term
Describe what it means if a mental health professional is a Consumer of Science:
Definition
They are enhancing the practice. They do so by reading research and keeping up to date (continued education).
Term
Describe what it means in a mental health professional is an evaluator of science:
Definition
They help determine the effectiveness of the practice.  They judge studies (i.e. the EMDR eye movement study).
Term
Describe what it means if a mental health professional is a creator of science:
Definition
They are conducting research that leads to new procedures useful in practice. Utilize the scientific approach to treatment.
Term
What is the focus of studying psychological disorders within the Scientist-Practitioner Approach?
Definition

Clinical Description

Causation (etiology)

Treatment and Outcome

Term
What does Clinical Description aim to do?
Definition

Distinguish clinically significant dysfunction from common human experience.

For example, if you forget why you came into a room, this may be a normal human experience. If it happens more often than usual, it may be abnormal.

Term
Clinical Description also aims to...
Definition

Describe the prevalence and incidence of disorders

Describe prevalence and incidence of disorders

Describe onset of disorders

Describe course of disorders

Determine a Prognosis

Term
What is prevalence?
Definition
The number of people with the disorder (time periods, i.e. total number of people with depression from 2000-2010).
Term
What is incidence?
Definition
The number of new cases (i.e. new cases of depression in 2012).
Term

What is the onset of a disorder?

 

What is acute onset?

 

What is insidious onset?

Definition

How the disorder starts.

 

Sudden onset

 

Gradual or Slow onset

Term

What is the course of a disorder?

 

What is an episodic course?

 

What is a time-limited course?

 

What is a chronic course?

Definition

The pattern of a disorder over time

 

Recover and re-onset of symptoms reoccur -> Depression

 

Improves without treatment in a short period

 

Lasts a long time and may be insidious in onset -> Personality Disorders

Term
What is a Prognosis?
Definition
The pattern we expect/severity we expect. Course is included in prognosis. (i.e. Dementia= poor prognosis with a chronic course.)
Term
What is Etiology?
Definition
The cause of the disorder; what contributes to the development of psychopathology?
Term
How does the Scientist-Practitioner Approach lead to treatment development?
Definition
We take the scientific approach to treatment methods. For example, we've determined Bipolar disorder is largely biological in nature (chemical imbalance). Therefore, we should develop a biological treatment in order to address the true nature of the disorder.
Term
What are the Three Dominant Traditions?
Definition

1. Supernatural Theories

2. Biological Theories

3. Psychological Theories

Term
What do Supernatural Theories believe in?
Definition
Divine intervention, curses, demonic possession, and personal sin were all to blame for illness.
Term
What were biological theories?
Definition
Similar to phsycial disease, breakdown of some systems of the body.
Term
What were psychological theories?
Definition
Mental disorders as the result of trauma(s)
Term

1. What time frame did Supernatural Tradition take place?

2. What were some common ideas?

3. What was the Chinese Supernatural Theory?

4. How were you 'cured' of supernatural possession?

Definition

1. Stone Age (Ancient China)

2. Spritual Possession and Trephination

3. Yin and Yang

4. To get the spirits out, you would try to make the body as uncomfortable for the spirit as possible. This could be by extreme heat or cold... etc. Also, Yin and Yang was looking at the balance between 'yin' and 'yang'. You could sometimes rebalance with food.

Term
What is Trephination?
Definition
Drilling a hole into someone's head in order to release the spirit.
Term

Who is the psychiatrist associated with the Biological Tradition?

 

What was his ideology?

Definition

Dr. Wilhelm Griesinger

 

He thought all disorders could be explained by a brain disease. Some of his followers created a classification system in which the modern DSM is based off of.

 

Term
What disease did Dr. Wilhelm Griesinger's biological theory relate to, and what is the story behind it?
Definition
The disease what Syphilis and it's relation to general paresis. Wilhem saw and questioned if there was a connection between the two disorders. He decided to expose those with paresis to syphilis. If they had already been infected with syphilis, they would have build up antibodies and not shown symptoms. If they did react, it was a new infection. He then saw the link. Also, if they had syphilis, researchers would then inject them with malaria to stop the paresis. Overall this was extremely unethical.
Term
What are the two portions of the Psychogical Tradition we discussed?
Definition

1. Psychoanalytic Perspective

2. Behaviorism

Term
Who was the first psychoanalyst we discussed in class, and what was his story?
Definition

Franz Anton Mesmer

Mesmer believed in animal fluids within the body that could get out of balance. His treatment involved vats of fluid (chemicals) with metal rods of different types that the patient would touch to restore balance. This process was elaborate, but the overall mood was very relaxing. Patients often described going into a trance, or becoming "mesmerized." This setting was thought to be helpful and lead to the development of a relaxing setting by psychoanalysts.

Term
What are the three components in Freud's Topography of the mind?
Definition

1. Conscious

2. Preconscious

3. Unconscious

Term
Describe Freud's "conscious"
Definition
The part of the mind in awareness. For instance, we know what we are thinking of.
Term
Describe Freud's "preconscious"
Definition
Information not currently in awareness, but that we can recall or make ourselves aware of. For instance, "what did you eat yesterday?"
Term
Describe Freud's "unconscious"
Definition
Part of your mind you can't access. This was the most important part ot Freud.
Term
What are the three components to the Freudian Theory of Personality?
Definition

1. Id

2. Ego

3. Superego

Term
Describe the Id:
Definition

The Id is the entirely unconscious and primal part of your personality that wants gratification and doesn't care about the consequences. The Id operates on the Pleasure Principle. The Id is active when we are babies.

An example is taking yoru classmates granola bar just because you're hungry, and you don't care about the consequences.

Term
Describe the Ego:
Definition
The Ego is the part of your personality that is aware of consequences (conscious), is in reality, and still tries to meet the needs of both the Id and the Superego. The ego takes into account the xternal world. The ego operates on the Reality Principle.
Term
Describe the Superego:
Definition
The superego is the moral part of your personality. Some parts on unconscious. It acts on rules and values taught by your parents and society. Superego acts on the Morality Principle, which tells you to behave morally no matter the consequences. This can be bad, for instance, when a woman gets beat by her husband and wants to leave, but her superego tells her divorce is bad.
Term
The Id acts on the 1.                        , the Ego acts on the 2.                         , and the Superego acts on the 3.                        .
Definition

1. Pleasure Principle

2. Reality Principle

3. Morality Principle

Term
How do defense mechanisms get created?
Definition
Whe your Ego doesn't balance the needs of your Id and Superego correctly, defence mechanisms are created.
Term
What are the five defense mechanisms created by Freud?
Definition

1. Repression

2. Denial

3. Projection

4. Reaction Formation

5. Sublimation

Term
What is Repression?
Definition
When you keep uncomfortable impulses or previous behaviors out of awareness (i.e. abuse)
Term
What is Denial?
Definition
Refusing to believe a current state of affairs exist (i.e. death)
Term
What is Projection?
Definition
Assigning one's own unacceptable qualities to someone else (i.e. grump roommate with senioritis)
Term
What is Reaction Formation?
Definition
A way to relase an unacceptable impulse is to release an opposite reaction. For example, if someone is a homosexual they may speak out against homosexuals to show they are against homosexuality. This is because they are uncomfortable with their desired reaction.
Term
What is Sublimation?
Definition
Transforming an inappropriate impulse into an acceptable form. For example, if your impulse is to hurt people/inflict pain you may choose to play football.
Term
What is the difference between Denial and Repression?
Definition
Repression deals with putting past issues into the unconscious. Denial is thinking something currently going on doesn't exist.
Term
What are the stages and ages corresponded with Freud's Psychosexual Stages of Development?
Definition

1. Oral 0-2

2. Anal 2-3

3. Phallic 3-7

4. Latency 7-11

5. Genital 11-Adult

Term
Describe the Oral stage (ages) and what fixation may occur:
Definition

The infant achieves gratification through oral activities, such as feeding, thumb sucking, and babbling.

0-2

 

Babies put everything in their mouths, however we must moderate how much they put in their mouth or they will develop an oral fixation. An oral fixation may manifest as an adult through habits such as nail chewing, gum chewing, drinking, smoking, or thumb sucking.

Term
What type of personality is in control in the Oral Stage?
Definition
The Id is in control
Term
Describe the Anal Stage (ages) and what type of fixation may occur:
Definition

The child learns to respond to some of the demands of society (such as bowel and bladder control). The child receives gratification through bowel movements, but society is restricting when you can receive this gratification. This is leading to the development of the Ego.

2-3

 

Fixation (based on how potty training went) results in the person either being Anal Retentive- perfectionist, neat, OR Anal Expulsive - messy.

One disease linked with fixation (Anal Retentive) is OCD.

Term
What facet of personality is forming in the Anal Stage of Psychosexual Development?
Definition
The Ego.
Term
Describe the Phallic Stage and the ages:
Definition

The child leanrs to rezlise the differences between males and females and becomes aware of sexuality.

3-7

Phallic= penis like

You model the same sex parent to get morals, values, and follow cultural standards

Term
What facet of personality develops during the Phallic Stage:
Definition
The superego developed here because you model the same sex parent to get morals, values, and follow cultural standards.
Term
What is the Oedipal Complex?
Definition

The Oedipal complex is based off of the story of Oedipal: a boy destined to kill his father and marry his mother. To prevent this from happening his father (the king) sent Oedipus away.

The complex states that boys are sexually attracted to their mother. They become afraid that their father will get mad and castrate them. This leads to castration anxiety. Instead, the boy decides to copy and mirror their father. They repress the attraction to their mother.

Term
What is the Electra Complex?
Definition

The Electra Complex also comes from a Greek mythological story that involves a love triangle. In the story a girl's father dies. She then wanted her brother to avenge her father's death by killing their mother. Freud did not develop this theory, his followers did.

The complex states that the girl is originally attracted to her mother until she learns that she doesn't have a penis. She blames and dislikes the mother. She liked her father instead and develops penis envy. Eventually she associates with her mother to viariously get to her father's penis.

Term
What can dysfuction at the Phallic Stage lead to?
Definition

Men may show that they weren't castrated, and will be very sexually active.

Women may dress seductively to get their "penis envy" taken care of.

Term
What is the Latency Stage (ages) and what does fixation here lead to?
Definition

The child continues his or her development but sexual urges are relatively quiet. 7-11.

 

Fixation here leads to asexuality, or no attraction to anyone.

Term
Describe the final state of psychosexual development, Genital Stage (ages):
Definition

The growing adolescent shaked off old dependencies and learns to deal maturely with the opposite sex. 11-Adult.

 

We're supposed to stay at this stage. We are also conscious of this stage.

Term
What are the two aspects of Psychoanalytic Thought today?
Definition

1. Object Relations

2. Four Stages

Term
What are objects?
Definition
Our images and values of significant others
Term
What is Object Relations?
Definition
How we develop these objects, view our relations, self image, and how we relate to others.
Term
What are the Four Stages?
Definition

1. Undifferentiated

2. Symbiosis

3. Separation-individuation

4. Integration

Term
Describe the Undifferentiated Stage:
Definition
This is the stage we are born into as newborns. We do not distinguish between selves and others. For example, a newborn gets angry when they are hungry because they may think others are hungry too (they are hungry, why don't they feed me).
Term
Describe the stage of Symbiosis:
Definition
The individual still thinks there is no difference between self and others, but develop images of good and bad (what they like or don't like). Everything is black and white (don't like food or do, there is no in between).
Term
Describe Separation-Individuation:
Definition
We recognize and differentiate betwen others and ones self, but we still see in black and white. For example, a child says "I hate you" because they cannot blend (they may mean it too).
Term
Describe Integration:
Definition
Things have both good and bad qualities and we realize we are separate beings from our objects. "I'm mad at you, but I still love you."
Term
By what age should an individual have gone through all Four Stages?
Definition
The individual should have gone through all four of them by the age of three.
Term
What is a disorder that may occur if an individual does not get through all Four Stages?
Definition
Borderline Personality Disorder
Term
What does Psychoanalytic Theory strive to do?
Definition

Unearth the hidden intrapsychic conflicts

"The real problems"

Term
Is psychoanalytic therapy typically short or long term?
Definition
Typically it is long term (years)
Term
What are two techniques used in Psychoanalytic Therapy?
Definition

Free Association - saying whatever you want to. They try to see a pattern

Dream Analysis

Term

What is the theory of Behaviorism?

What are its two main facets?

Definition

Your personality consists of what you can observe. Not just whats inside us, but our environment shapes us as well.

 

Classical Conditioning and Operant Conditioning

Term
What is Classical Conditioning?
Definition
The association of one stimulus with another
Term
What is the Unconditioned Stimulus (US)?
Definition
The stimulus that brings about a response without any training or learning. It is natural. For example, the steak.
Term
What is the Unconditioned Response (UR)?
Definition
The reaction to a stimulus that occurs without any training. For example, the dog salivating (in response to the steak).
Term
What is the Conditioned Stimulus (CS)?
Definition
The stimulus that is paired with the US, and comes to bring about the same response as the US even when the US is no longer present. For example, the bell tone being paired with the food.
Term
What is the Conditioned Response (CR)?
Definition

The response that happens without the original US.

For example, salivation without the steak being present.

Term
What is the US, UR, CS, and CR is the case of Dog Phobia?
Definition

The US= being bitten by a dog

The UR= fear

The CS= dog

The CR= fear

Term
What is Classical Conditioning sometimes referred to as?
Definition
Anticipatory Learning
Term
What is Operant Conditioning?
Definition

How the consequences of a behavior effect the frequency of the behavior.

 

Term
What is Reinforcement?
Definition

The frequency of a behavior increases in the future.

 

Behavior increases in the future due to addition or subtraction

Term
What is Punishment?
Definition

The frequency of a behavior decreases in the future

 

Behavior decreases in the future due to addition or subtraction

 

 

Term
What is Positive Reinforcement?
Definition
A particular behavior increases in the future when something pleasant is added to the environment after the action.
Term
What is Negative Reinforcement?
Definition
The increase in frequency of a behavior due to the removal of an unpleasant stimulus after the action
Term
What is Positive Punishment?
Definition
A behavior dereases in future frequency when an unpleasant stimulus is added.
Term
What is Negative Punishment?
Definition
A behavior decreases in frequency in the future when there is the removal of an enjoyable stimulus.
Term
Stimulus Taken Away, Behavior Decreases
Definition
Negative Punishment
Term
Stimulus Added, Behavior Decreases
Definition
Positive Punishment
Term
Stimulus Added, Behavior Increases
Definition
Positive Reinforcement
Term
Stimulus Taken Away, Behavior Increases
Definition
Negative Reinforcement
Term
What is an example of Positive Reinforcement?
Definition
Giving a child a cookie for doing their homework= increasing frequency of behavior in future + adding a stimulus
Term
What is an example of Negative Reinforcement?
Definition
Increasing the frequency of behavior in a child by telling them that if they do their homework before dinner, they won't have to do dishes (removing unpleasant stimulus)
Term
Give an example of Positive Punishment:
Definition
Spanking a child (addition of an unpleasant stimulus) decreases the unwanted behavior in the future
Term
Give an example of Negative Punishment
Definition
Placing the child in a time out (removing the enjoyable environment) to decrease an unwanted behavior.
Term
With Reinforcement, behavior increases when...
Definition

A pleasant stimulus is added (positive reinforcement)

OR

An unpleasant stimulus is removed (negative reinforcement)

Term
With Punishment, the frequency in a behavior decreases when...
Definition

An unpleasant stimulus is added to the environment (Positive Punishment)

OR

A pleasant stimulus is removed from the environment (Negative Punishment)

Term

What is Systematic Desensitization?

 

What is it an example of?

Definition

Slowly exposing someone to what they fear; used to treat phobias or anxiety disorders

 

Classical Conditioning

Term
What is a Token Economy?
Definition

When you reward a behavior to increase the frequency of that behavior in the future.

An example is the old man Dr. Lowery worked with... when he would behave he would get a poker, he could save up these poker chips for prizes.

Term
What is the main idea of the Biopsychosocial Model?
Definition
That the facets of Biological, Psychological, and Social do not act independently of one another; they function through feedback loops. For example, Biological predisposition may influence a psychological aspect.
Term
What does the Biological aspect of the Biopsychosocial Model focus on?
Definition
Emphasis on biological processes (i.e. genetics)
Term
What does the Psychological aspect of the Biopsychosocial Model emphasize?
Definition
On psychological factors, such as early childhood experience and self-concept
Term
What does the Social aspect of the Biopsychosocial Model emphasize?
Definition
Interpersonal relationships and social environment
Term
What are the Biological Theories of Abnormality?
Definition

Genetic Theories- disordered genes

Structural Theories- abnormalities in the structure of the brain

Biochemical Theories- imbalances in the levels of neurotransmitters or hormones

Term
What is Behavior Genetics?
Definition
The study of genetics influence on behavior
Term
Chromosomes are...
Definition
made up of individual genes. We get half of our genetics from each parent (23 from each) for 46 total chromosomes.
Term
Alterations in the strucutre or number of chromosomes can...
Definition
cause major defects.
Term
What does it mean if something is a Polygenic Process?
Definition

It takes multiple genetic abnormalities to create one disorder.

 

We believe most things are polygenic in nature.

Term
What do Family History Studies aim to do?
Definition

Identify people who clearly have the disorder in question-probands

 

Look at these individuals first-degree relatives to see if they may also have a disorder

Term
What are probands?
Definition
A typical case; only have one disorder
Term
What are the functions of the Thalamus?
Definition
It is the sensory waylay center. Most sensory information will go to the Thalamus, where it will then be sent to the part of the brain where it is processed. Damage to this area may be a potential cause of schizophrenia.
Term
What are the functions of the Hypothalamus?
Definition

It is involved in controlling five drives (5 F's):

1. Fight/Flight

2. Feeding

3. Fever (temperature regulation)

4. Falling asleep

5. Fornication (sex)

Term
What is the function of the Amygdala?
Definition
Emotion regulating center
Term
What is the function of the Hippocampus?
Definition
Memory/short term memory (converting short term memory to long term memory)
Term
What is the function of the Limbic System?
Definition
Regulating our emotional experience and expression. Controls impulses
Term
What are the parts of the limbic system?
Definition

Hippocampus

Cingulate Gyrus

Amygdala

Thalamus

Hypothalamus

Term
What are the lobes of the brain?
Definition

Frontal

Temporal

Parietal

Occipital

Term
Where is the temporal lobe and what does it do?
Definition
It is located under the ears and deals with hearing (processing auditory information) and advanced visual processing).
Term
Where is the Occipital lobe located and what does it do?
Definition
At the back (base) of the skull. Visual. It processes visual information.
Term
Where is the parietal lobe located and what does it do?
Definition
Located between the occipital lobe and the frontal lobe (middle). It is involved in body sensations, like knowing what you are touching, where your foot is when you can't see it.
Term
Where is the frontal lobe located, and what does it do?
Definition
Planning of movements, recent memory, some aspects of emotion (impulse control).
Term
What are neurotransmitters?
Definition
Chemical messengers between neurons
Term
Know the neuron parts
Definition
Term
What is reuptake?
Definition
When unused neurotransmitters are absorbed by the previous cell.
Term
What are the neurotransmitters we must know?
Definition

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Dopamine

Serotonin

Norepinephrine

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

Glutamate

Term
What are some examples of malfunctions with ACh?
Definition
With Alzheimer's disease, ACh-producing neurons deteriorate. (not enough ACh)
Term
What are some examples of malfunctions with Dopamine?
Definition

Excess dopamine receptor activity is linked to schizophrenia. Starved of dopamine, the brain produces the tremors and decreased mobility of Parkinson's disease.

 

Too much= linked to schizophrenia

Too little= linked to Parkinson's

Term
What are some examples of malfunctions with Serotonin?
Definition
Undersupply is linked to depression; Prozac and some other antidepressant drugs raise serotonin levels.
Term
What are some examples of malfunctions with Norepinephrine?
Definition
Undersupply can depress mood
Term
What are some examples of malfunctions with GABA?
Definition
Undersupply linked to seizures, tremors, and insomnia. GABA tends to slow things down, so when you have too little= no sleep
Term
What are some examples of malfunctions with Glutamate?
Definition
Oversupply can overstimulate brain, producing migraines or seizures (which is why some people avoid MSG, monosodium glutamate, in food). Oversupply brain with stimulants= migraines.
Term
What are the effects that medications can have on neurotransmitters?
Definition

They can act as:

Agonists

Antagonists

Inverse Agonists

Term
What does it mean if a drug is an agonist?
Definition

It increases the activity of a neurotransmitter. It might act like a neurotransmitter or might cause the neuron to make more of the neurotransmitter.

With Parkinson's, the medicine acts like the neurotransmitter dopamine

Term
What does it mean if a drug is an antagonist?
Definition
It decreases, destroys, or blockes the functions of the neurotransmitter.
Term
What does it mean if a drug in an inverse agonist?
Definition
It produces effects opposite of the neurotransmitter.
Term
Most drugs are either 1.                         or 2.                         .
Definition

1. Agonistic

2. Antagonistic

Term
What are the four theories of abnormal psychology?
Definition

Psychodynamic Theories

Behavioral Theories

Cognitive Theories

Humanistic and Existential Theories

Term
Who are the two psychologists who created the Cognitive Theories of Abnormality?
Definition
Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis
Term
What do cognitive theories of abnormality entail?
Definition

Theories that explain how our thoughts effect our moods and emotions.

What eefect our emotions is not what happens to us, but what we thing of what happened to us.

Term
What is the Usual Model of Emotional Disturbance (and emotions generally)
Definition

Activating Event ------------> Emotional Consequence

(get a puppy) -------------> Excited Feeling

 

Term
What is Aaron Beck's Model of Emotional Disturbance?
Definition

Activating Effect ---> Automatic Thought---> Emotional Consequence

 

Get a Puppy ----> Automatically get excited -----> Act excited

Term
How does our automatic thought occur?
Definition
Quickly almost without awareness. How we think is how we feel.
Term
Beck's Model shows the difference in people because...
Definition

It shows how different individuals have different interpretation of the same events, leading to different feelings. Show that our thoughts are what makes our emotion. We can change through a process to be more positive.

Turned Down For a Date----> "that's the dating world for you" ----> Slightly Disappointed

 

Turned Down For a Date ---> I'm a freak and I'll die single ---> Despondent

Term
What are some common global dysfunctional assumptions and their simple explanations?
Definition

"I should be loved by everyone for everything I do"- Dating Example

"I must have perfect self-control"- Must be perfect

"Once something affects my life, it will affect it forever" - Something goes wrong now, it will effect me forever

"I should be terribly upset by certain situations"- "right" way to feel about situations

"It is better to avoid problems than to face them"- Irrational

Term
What is the Cognitive theory of abnormality developed by Martin Seligman?
Definition
Learned Helplessness and Learned Optimism
Term
What is Learned Helplessness?
Definition

Where you don't feel you have control over bad stuff that happens in your life, so you just give up and become helpless. This is the example with the dogs in the cage getting shocked.

 

Term
What is Learned Optimism?
Definition

Where you develop a more positve outlook at outcomes. You gain control of the situations.

 

This is where the animals are given some sort of way to avoid the shock, and then feel optimistic that they can avoid it.

Term
Describe the Humanistic Theories of Abnormality
Definition

Suggests that all humans strive to fulfill their potential for good and to self-actualize.

 

Term
What does self-actualization mean?
Definition
Making real their potential
Term
When do problems arise in the humanistic theory of abnormality?
Definition

When the inability to fulfill one's potential arises from the pressures of society to conform to others' expectations and values, and from existential anxiety.

 

You have always wanted to become a veterinarian, but everyone wants you to become a medical doctor.

Term
What may someone who is suffering existential anxiety feel?
Definition
As though their life has no meaning
Term
What are the two Social and Interpersonal Approaches of the Biopsychosocial Theory?
Definition

Interpersonal Theory

Family Systems Theory

Social Structural Theory

Term
What is the point of Social and Interpersonal Approaches?
Definition
Focus more on the larger social structures within which an individual lives.
Term
What is the Interpersonal Theory?
Definition
The theory that focuses on relationships and our relationships with others as a cause of problems
Term
Who is the psychologist we discussed in the Interpersonal Theory?
Definition
Harry Stack Sullivan
Term
What did Harry Sullivan come up with and what are these based off of...
Definition

Prototypes or images of self; these images are based off of interactions with others:

Bad me

Good me

Not me

He also came up with the idea of scripts

Term
Describe "good me"
Definition
Receive praise/compliments... a good aspect about ourselves that we believe
Term
Describe "bad me"
Definition
Someone criticized us- we believe and accept the negative aspects they gave us
Term
Describe "not me"
Definition
Qualities we've been told we have, but we don't accept. Don't want to believe about ourself "angry individual."
Term
What are scripts?
Definition
Expectations that we have for how we should behave towards each other. Partners should behave certain ways "loving."
Term
What is the Family Systems Theory?
Definition

The root of all disorders are within the family, not the individual.

 

 

Term
Who might the Family Systems Theory apply more to?
Definition
They may be more applicable to treatment of children since they are more enmeshed within the family than other members of the family. Adults have options as to how much they want to be involved.
Term
What are some Social Structural Theories?
Definition

Some cultures may support the development of certain disorders "evil eye"

Some people live in more chronically stressful circumstances than others, and these people appear to be at greater risk- dangerous or poverty stricken environment

Society influences the types of psychopathology by having rules about what types of abnormal behavior a acceptable and in what circumstances - Anxiety disorders happen more in women than men maybe because it happens more in women, or because our culture doesn't support men talking about anxiety.

Term
What is Assessment?
Definition
The process of gathering information from a new patient
Term
What is a classification system?
Definition

A list of various types of problems and their associated symptoms

Psychological disorders are grouped together when they are similar.

Term
What is a Diagnosis?
Definition

The identification or recognition of a disorder on the basis of its characteristic symptoms.

 

We utilize a classification system to come up with a diagnosis.

Term
What is the most common form of Assessment we use?
Definition
Clinical Interviews
Term
What are the three kinds of Clinical Interviews?
Definition

1. Unstructured

2. Structured

3. Semi-structured

Term
What is an unstructured clinical interview?
Definition
The interviewer asked many open ended questions and is not goal-oriented. No certain types of information are sought... just like you're meeting with a friend.
Term
What is a structured clinical interview?
Definition
The interviewer has a very specific set of questions to ask. This is used in research more often than the clinical setting.
Term
What is a semi-structured interview?
Definition

Doesn't have specific questions, but does have goals. You don't need to go in a certain order... let the conversation flow... just finish will all of the pieces of information.

 

The most common form of clinical interview used.

Term

When assessing someone's current symptoms, what is the clinician looking for?

 

Definition

How much the symptoms interfere with the clients ability to function

How does he/she cope with stressfull situations

Term
Besides just looking at the current symptoms, what else may a clinician look at to gather symptoms and history?
Definition

Recent Events

History of Psychological Disorders

Family History of Psychological Disorders

Term
What are some Physiological and Neurophysiological Factors a clinician may look at when doing a clinical assessment?
Definition
  • Physical Condition - Any medical conditions? i.e. being diagnosed with cancer may cause depression.
  • Drug and Alcohol Use- Is the client taking any drugs that could cause symptoms? Is the client taking any prescriptions that could interact negatively? Illegal drug use?
  • Intellectual and Cognitive Functioning - Any cognitive deficits that could cause symptoms? i.e. held back in school, history of learning disabilities. Not an intelligence assessment.

 

Term
What are some Sociocultural Factors the clinician may look at?
Definition
  • Social Resources- Friends and family, amount of contact, and the quality of these relationships. How close are they? What kind of support are they getting. How much social contact.
  • Sociocultural Background- socioeconomic status, welfare, struggling financially, unemployed
  • Acculturation- To what extent do they identify with group of origin v. the mainstream dominant culture? Minorities especially, Hmong husband, Caucasian wife example.
Term
What is mental status exam?
Definition
The clinicians observation of the patients behavior.
Term
What are some apects of the Mental Status Exam?
Definition

Appearance and behavior

Thought processes

Mood and affect

Intellectual functioning

Sensorium

Term
What are some examples of how a clinician may look at appearance and behavior?
Definition
Check facial expression, gooming, posture...
Term
What are some examples of how a clinician may look at thought processes
Definition
Rate of speech, flow of speech, thoughts following a logical path.
Term
What are some examples of what a clinician will look for when assessing Mood and Affect?
Definition
What their current mood is. If their affect is appropriate or flat
Term
What is Mood?
Definition
predominant emotional state - observe over time, you get this from the patient
Term
What is Affect?
Definition
Emotional state in current moment. Is affect appropriate? Laughing when talking about previous child abuse.
Term
What is an example of intellectual functioning?
Definition
Ability to process questions- do they understand questions? Abstract reasoning "shallow brookes are noisy" - give interpretation.
Term
What is an example of Sensorium?
Definition
Sensorium= orientation, awareness of surroundings. Clinicians orientation to "person," "place," and "time" (sometimes "situation"). For example, if a person thinks that it's 1985 and he is Jesus located in Kentucky, he clearly is not oriented right.
Term
What is validity?
Definition
The ability of the test what it was intended to test. Measures what it is supposed to measure
Term
What are the types of Validity?
Definition

Face

Content

Concurrent

Predictive

Construct

Term
What is Face Validity?
Definition
Test appears to measure what it is supposed to measure based off asking an expert in the area of study to look at the test and assess if it is a good test.
Term
What is Content Validity?
Definition
Test assess all important aspects of phenomenon by asking an expert to make sure nothing is missing from the test (fatigue is included in the circle surrounding depression)
Term
What is Concurrent Validity?
Definition

Test yield the same results as other measures of the same behavior, thoughts, or feelings.

Test gets the same results as other tests that measure the same thing. Making the comparable.

Term
What is Predictive Validity?
Definition
Test predicts the behavior it is supposed to measure. Take a group of individuals, some that have the disorder, some that do not have the disorder. Give them the test and see if it predicts who has it and who doesn't accurately.
Term
What is Construct Validity?
Definition
Test measures what it is supposed to measure and not something else. Our test measures for depression (concurrently) but not anxiety, anger, or insomnia. Imagine a Venn Diagram
Term
What is reliability?
Definition
How consistent the test is in yielding the same results.
Term
What are the types of reliability?
Definition

Test-Retest

Alternate Form

Interal

Interrater or Interjudge

Term
What is Test-Retest Reliability?
Definition
Test produces similar results when given at two points in time. Take the same test twice at two different times and get the same results.
Term
What is Alternate Form Reliability?
Definition
Two versions of the same test product similar results. This is the big lecture hall test example- two versions of the same exam are supposed to give you the same grade on either exam (Chemistry). Give three different versions of the test and see if they get the same results.
Term
What is Internal Reliability?
Definition
Different parts of the same test produce similar results. This is where the test has two parts, so the first half results= the second half results within the same exam
Term
What is Interrater of Interjudge Reliability?
Definition
Two or more raters or judges who administer a test to an individual and score it come to similar conclusions. More than one person's opinion.
Term
A test can have high reliability without...
Definition

having validity.

Activity where words flashed across screen. Most everyone got the same answer (high reliability), however it wasn't the right answer, leading to no validity.

Term
What is a Neuropsychological Intelligence Test?
Definition
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)
Term
What is a Mental Age?
Definition
The age group the individual's intellectual functioning compares to.
Term
What is the Mental Age of an individual compared to?
Definition
The Chronological Age of the individual (actual age)
Term
What are the three aspects of the WAIS test?
Definition

Performance IQ

Verbal IQ

General IQ

Term
What is Performance IQ?
Definition
Nonverbal reasoning and motor ability. Anything that requires thinking without verbalization
Term
What is Verbal IQ?
Definition
Memory, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning.
Term
What is General IQ?
Definition
The combination of performance and verbal
Term
How can this information be used?
Definition
To help assign a person with a disability to a job they would be able to do... i.e. if they have a high performance IQ, but low verbal IQ, they should try to avoid jobs that involve memory, vocabulary, and/or verbal reasoning
Term
What is the second most used way of clinical assessment after Semi-structured Clinical Interviews?
Definition
Questionnaires
Term
What is a type of Questionnaire?
Definition
Personality Inventories
Term

What do personality inventories do?

 

What is an example of a personality inventory questionnaire?

Definition

Assess people's typical ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving

 

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)- measures problematic personality traits T OR F, has trick questions embedded.

Term
What is an example of behavior observation?
Definition
Watching a child interact with another child to see what provokes him or her
Term
What is an example of Self-Monitoring?
Definition
Asking a client to keep track of the number of times per day he or she engages ina specific behavior such as smoking a cigarette. Can't always watch them all the time, then you use this.
Term
What are the two reasons why we need to classify abnormal behavior?
Definition

1. A classification system is useful to clinicians, who must match their clients' problems with the form of intervention that is most likely to be effective. Helps us with figuring out a treatment.

2. A classification system must be used in the search for new knowledge. Learn more.

Term
What are the two diagnostic systems for mental disorders?
Definition

1. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DMS) -published by the American Psychiatric Association

2. International Classification of Disease (ICD)- published by the World Health Organization

Term
What is the difference between the DSM and the ICD?
Definition

DSM- just psychological disorders

ICD- same psychological disorder section, but includes all physical diseases, used by doctors

Term
What are the five Axis' of the DSM-IV-TR?
Definition

Axis I: Clinical Disorders - almost all psychological disorders fall in here

Axis II: Personality Disorders & Mental Retardation (rating scale)- long going, not treated well

Axis III: General Medical Conditions- Medical conditions, specifically those that may be linked to a psychological disorder

Axis IV: Psychosocial and Environment Problems- factors in a person's environment that may impact a person's ability to function. Poverty, divorce...

Axis V: Global Assessment of Functioning- Overall rating on the person's ability to cope with life (0-100 in ten unit increments)

Term
Why label someone?
Definition
Helps with treatment...
Term
Be able to describe Rosenhan's Study
Definition
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