Somatic & Dissociative Disorders
What key feature distinguishes somatic symptom disorders from malingering?
Symptoms are not intentionally produced
What core feature differentiates major depressive disorder from normal sadness?
Duration and functional impairment
What does health psychology primarily study?
How behavior and psychology influence health
Which eating disorder is the most prevalent?
Binge-eating disorder
What is the key diagnostic focus in gender dysphoria?
Distress, not identity
What is dissociation best described as?
A disruption in consciousness, memory, identity, or perception
What distinguishes bipolar disorder from unipolar depression?
History of manic or hypomanic episodes
What is allostatic load?
Cumulative wear and tear from chronic stress
Why are eating disorders considered high-risk disorders?
Medical complications and mortality risk
What distinguishes sexual dysfunction from normal variation?
Clinically significant distress or impairment
Why are dissociative symptoms often linked to trauma?
They function as coping mechanisms for overwhelming stress
Why is suicide risk assessment an ongoing process rather than a one-time task?
Risk fluctuates with stressors and mood
Why should clinicians avoid saying symptoms are “all in your head”?
It invalidates real physiological experiences
What maintains insomnia according to the behavioral model?
Conditioned arousal and maladaptive habits
Why are paraphilic interests not automatically disorders?
Consent and harm matter
How does depersonalization differ from derealization?
Self vs environment feels unreal
What is one reason antidepressants require careful monitoring early in treatment?
Energy may improve before mood
How does chronic stress affect immune functioning?
Suppresses immune response
Why is CBT-I preferred over medication for insomnia?
Addresses long-term maintenance mechanisms
What ethical risk arises from pathologizing sexual diversity?
Stigma and harm
Why is longitudinal assessment critical in dissociative disorders?
Symptoms fluctuate and overlap with other conditions
Why is suicide best understood through an integrative model?
Biological, psychological, and social factors interact
Why is an integrative approach essential in treating physical disorders?
Multiple interacting systems affect illness
How do cultural norms influence eating and sleep behaviors?
Shape expectations, stigma, and behaviors
Why must clinicians prioritize consent in sexual disorder diagnoses?
Nonconsent defines clinical concern