Explaining and Classifying Psychological Disorders - AP Psychology

1. What is a psychological disorder?

   A syndrome characterized by clinically significant disturbance in behavior or cognition. Must cause distress or impairment in daily functioning.

2. Identify a common symptom of autism spectrum disorder.

   Impairment in social communication and interaction. May also include repetitive behaviors and restricted interests.

3. What is the main feature of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

   Re-experiencing traumatic events through flashbacks or nightmares. Often triggered by exposure to life-threatening events.

4. What is the main symptom of major depressive disorder?

   Persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. Symptoms must persist for at least two weeks for diagnosis.

5. What is the primary treatment for phobias?

   Exposure therapy. Gradually exposes patients to feared objects or situations.

6. What is the main focus of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)?

   To teach skills for emotional regulation and distress tolerance. Originally developed for borderline personality disorder.

7. What is the main symptom of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

   Inattention and/or hyperactive-impulsive behavior. Symptoms must appear before age 12 for diagnosis.

8. What is the biopsychosocial model?

   A model that explains disorders through biological, psychological, and social factors. Recognizes that multiple factors interact to cause mental disorders.

9. What is a phobia?

   An intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation. Fear is disproportionate to actual danger posed.

10. What is the main goal of psychodynamic therapy?

    To explore unconscious conflicts and motivations. Based on Freud's theory of the unconscious mind.

11. Identify a cognitive symptom of schizophrenia.

    Disorganized thinking. Includes difficulty organizing thoughts and speaking coherently.

12. What is the main feature of histrionic personality disorder?

    Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior. Behavior is often theatrical and designed to draw attention.

13. Which disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings and energy levels?

    Bipolar disorder. Manic episodes involve elevated mood and increased activity.

14. What is the term for experiencing multiple distinct identities?

    Dissociative identity disorder (DID). Previously known as multiple personality disorder.

15. What is the primary symptom of paranoid personality disorder?

    Pervasive distrust and suspicion of others. Often involves interpreting neutral actions as threatening.

16. What is the difference between bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa?

    Bulimia involves binge eating and purging; anorexia involves severe food restriction. Both involve distorted body image and unhealthy eating patterns.

17. What are positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

    Hallucinations and delusions. Called 'positive' because they add abnormal experiences.

18. What is the primary symptom of social anxiety disorder?

    Intense fear of social situations and being judged by others. Can significantly impair work, school, or social functioning.

19. Which disorder is characterized by alternations between mania and depression?

    Bipolar disorder. Episodes can last weeks to months without treatment.

20. Identify a symptom of avoidant personality disorder.

    Extreme sensitivity to criticism and rejection. Leads to social isolation and reluctance to take risks.

21. Identify a symptom of borderline personality disorder.

    Instability in interpersonal relationships and self-image. Leads to chaotic relationships and fear of abandonment.

22. What is agoraphobia?

    Fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable. Can lead to complete avoidance of leaving home.

23. What is a common symptom of narcissistic personality disorder?

    Exaggerated sense of self-importance. Often includes lack of empathy for others.

24. What is the primary characteristic of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder?

    Preoccupation with orderliness and perfectionism. Different from OCD, which involves intrusive thoughts.

25. Identify the main purpose of the DSM-5.

    To provide a standardized classification system for mental disorders. Ensures consistent diagnosis and treatment across different practitioners.

26. What is the main characteristic of antisocial personality disorder?

    A pervasive pattern of disregard for others' rights. Often involves criminal behavior and lack of remorse.

27. What is the primary effect of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

    Alleviates severe depression symptoms. Used when medication and psychotherapy are ineffective.

28. Which category of disorders includes depression and bipolar disorder?

    Mood disorders. Both involve significant changes in emotional state and functioning.

29. Identify a characteristic of dependent personality disorder.

    Excessive need to be taken care of by others. Leads to difficulty making independent decisions.

30. Identify the defining feature of schizophrenia.

    Distorted thinking, perception, emotions, and behavior. Affects reality testing and ability to function normally.

31. Identify a key characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

    Recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Compulsions are performed to reduce anxiety from obsessions.

32. What are negative symptoms of schizophrenia?

    Apathy, lack of emotion, and poor social functioning. Called 'negative' because they represent absence of normal functions.

33. What is an example of a somatic symptom disorder?

    Illness anxiety disorder. Involves excessive worry about having a serious medical condition.

34. What is the DSM-5?

    Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition. The official manual used by mental health professionals for diagnosis.

35. What is the primary symptom of generalized anxiety disorder?

    Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life. Worry is difficult to control and causes significant distress.

36. What is the primary focus of humanistic therapy?

    Personal growth and self-fulfillment. Emphasizes client's inherent potential for positive change.

37. What is the focus of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?

    Changing negative thought patterns to improve emotions and behaviors. Combines cognitive restructuring with behavioral techniques.

38. Identify a key feature of dissociative identity disorder (DID).

    Presence of two or more distinct personality states. Each identity may have different memories and behaviors.

39. Identify a symptom of panic disorder.

    Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. Attacks include physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and sweating.

40. Identify one biological factor contributing to anxiety disorders.

    Genetic predisposition. Family history increases risk of developing anxiety disorders.

Study these flashcards