Theories
This theory assumes people are neither good nor evil, but we all can do wrong. Proposes that people refrain from committing criminal acts because they do not want to jeopardize their bonds to conventional society.
What is social control theory?
"has the sufficient present ability to consult with their lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational thought and whether they have a rational and factual understanding of the proceedings against them"
What is the Dusky Standard?
A 16-year-old high school student, Alex, is referred to you by his school counselor due to declining academic performance and suspected depression. During therapy, Alex discloses that he has been using substances to cope with stress but does not want his parents to know because he fears they will react harshly. He asks you to keep this information confidential.
This disorder is marked by at least one manic episode lasting at least one week, during which an individual may experience elevated mood, increased energy, grandiosity, and risky behaviors. While depressive episodes are not required for a diagnosis, they often occur.
What is Bipolar I?
This individual finds themselves trapped in a cycle of repetitive thoughts about potential disasters, leading them to conduct elaborate safety checks before leaving their home. They often spend hours ensuring that all doors and windows are locked, convinced that if they don’t, something terrible will happen. Despite understanding that these behaviors are excessive, they feel a compulsion to perform them to alleviate their anxiety.
What is OCD?
A theory that is based on the evolutionary perspective that protection from predators is the biological function of connecting with one's caregiver
What is the Drope standard?
You are a psychologist working in a private practice, and your client, Maria, has recently lost her job and is struggling financially. She asks you to adjust the billing codes on her insurance claim so that her sessions will be covered under a more favorable diagnosis. Maria believes this will allow her to continue therapy without interruption, and she promises to pay you back once she finds stable employment.
This disorder is characterized by chronic, excessive worry about a variety of topics, such as work, health, and social interactions, occurring more days than not for at least six months. Accompanied by symptoms like restlessness, muscle tension, irritability, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating, the worry is difficult to control and is disproportionate to the actual likelihood or impact of the feared events.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
This individual has a history of alternating episodes of depression and hypomania, during which they often feel a surge of creativity and energy. Their depressive episodes last for several weeks, leading to feelings of worthlessness and fatigue. However, they find that during their hypomanic phases, they can accomplish significant tasks, but these periods leave them feeling drained and struggling to manage the fallout when their mood shifts back to depression.
What is Bipolar II?
Experience of strain or stress tends to generate negative emotions like anger, frustration, depression, and despair. Negative emotions in turn are said to create pressure for corrective action like crime as a possibility.
What is General Strain Theory?
The person accused was laboring under such a defect of reason, from the disease of the mind, as to not know the nature and quality of the act her was doing OR if the person did know it, that he didn't know that it was wrong"
What is the M'Naughten standard?
You are the only licensed psychologist in a small rural town. One of your clients, Dave, whom you have been seeing for depression, is also the town's only mechanic. Recently, your car broke down, and Dave offers to repair it at a significant discount. He assures you that this will not impact your therapeutic relationship, as he views it as a favor rather than a business transaction
This disorder involves a pervasive pattern of distrust and suspicion of others, leading to a reluctance to confide in others and an ongoing belief that others are exploiting, harming, or deceiving them. Individuals with this disorder may bear grudges, read hidden meanings into benign remarks, and are often unjustifiably suspicious of their spouse or partner's fidelity.
What is Paranoid Personality Disorder?
This individual often seeks attention and approval from others through exaggerated emotional expressions and theatrical behavior. They may frequently change their appearance to draw attention, wear provocative clothing, and engage in flirtatious interactions, even in inappropriate contexts. While they appear charming and lively, their relationships tend to be superficial, as they often struggle to maintain deeper connections and may become easily upset when they feel ignored or unappreciated, resulting in dramatic displays of emotion to regain focus from those around them.
What is Histrionic Personality Disorder?
What is Merton's Strain Theory?
An accused is not criminally responsible if his unlawful act was the product of a mental disease or defect
What is the Durham Rule or the Product Test?
You are a newly licensed psychologist starting a private practice. To attract clients, you decide to list “trauma specialist” on your website and marketing materials, although you only took one introductory course on trauma during your graduate training and have limited clinical experience in this area. A potential client reaches out to you seeking help for severe PTSD, believing you are highly specialized in trauma treatment.
This disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions, as well as marked impulsivity. Individuals with this disorder often experience intense episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety, which may last only a few hours or days. Their relationships are often tumultuous, characterized by alternating extremes of idealization and devaluation, and they may engage in self-destructive behaviors such as self-harm or suicidal gestures.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder?
This individual has developed a pattern of intense fear and avoidance of public speaking, which has led them to decline promotions at work and skip social gatherings. They experience physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and heart palpitations at the thought of speaking in front of others. Despite knowing that their fear is disproportionate to the situation, they feel overwhelmed by the anxiety and often preemptively avoid any situation that may require them to speak publicly.
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Predicts negative emotional and mental health outcomes in lifespans. Posits that exposure to multiple risk factors increase the chance of developing anti-social behavior.
What is the Cumulative Risk Model?
As a result of a mental disease or defect, the person did not possess substantial capacity either to appreciate the criminality of his conduct or to conform his conduct to the requirements of the law
What is the Brawner Standard or the ALI Test?
You are a licensed psychologist supervising a predoctoral intern, Emily, at a private practice. Emily recently disclosed to you that she is struggling financially and may not be able to continue her internship due to her living expenses. You offer her a paid position to help you organize and manage some of your personal affairs, including scheduling appointments and handling some administrative tasks for your practice, outside of her training hours. Emily hesitates but agrees because she cannot afford to lose the internship opportunity. Over time, you notice that her performance as an intern starts to decline, and she appears overwhelmed and anxious during supervision meetings.
This disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression in interpersonal settings. Individuals with this disorder typically prefer solitary activities, demonstrate little interest in forming close relationships (including with family), and often appear indifferent to praise or criticism. They may lead a lifestyle marked by a lack of desire for intimacy and a preference for solitary pursuits, which can result in significant social isolation.
What is Schizoid Personality Disorder?
This individual exhibits peculiar behaviors and beliefs, often expressing unusual ideas about the world that others find strange. They might claim to have magical thinking or a special connection with the universe and frequently engage in eccentric dress or mannerisms. While they may desire social interactions, their odd speech patterns and tendency to interpret neutral events as having personal significance often lead to social discomfort and isolation.
What is Schizotypal Personality Disorder?