Diagnosis & Classification
What is the DSM-5, and how is it used in psychology?
The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) is used by mental health professionals to diagnose and classify mental disorders based on specific criteria.
What is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
GAD is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday things that lasts for at least six months.
What is major depressive disorder?
It is a mood disorder involving persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, and other emotional and physical symptoms lasting at least two weeks.
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and impaired functioning.
What is paranoid personality disorder?
It is a disorder characterized by pervasive distrust and suspicion of others without sufficient basis.
What defines a psychological disorder?
A psychological disorder is a condition characterized by abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that cause significant distress or impair functioning.
What defines a panic attack?
A panic attack is a sudden period of intense fear or discomfort with physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
What characterizes bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder includes episodes of depression and mania, which is a period of abnormally elevated mood, energy, and activity.
What are hallucinations in the context of schizophrenia?
Hallucinations are perceptual experiences (e.g., hearing voices) that occur without external stimuli.
What are the traits of antisocial personality disorder?
People with antisocial personality disorder disregard the rights of others, often engage in deceitful or manipulative behavior, and lack empathy.
What is the biopsychosocial model?
It is an approach that explains psychological disorders as a result of the interaction between biological, psychological, and social factors.
What is a specific phobia?
A specific phobia is an intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation, such as heights or spiders.
Which neurotransmitters are commonly associated with depression?
Serotonin and norepinephrine are often implicated in depressive symptoms.
What are delusions?
Delusions are strongly held false beliefs that are not based in reality, such as believing one is being watched or has special powers.
What is borderline personality disorder?
It is marked by unstable moods, self-image, and relationships, and includes impulsive behavior and fear of abandonment.
What does the term “comorbidity” mean in mental health?
Comorbidity refers to the co-occurrence of two or more psychological disorders in the same person.
What is social anxiety disorder?
It is a condition characterized by intense fear and avoidance of social situations due to fear of embarrassment or judgment.
What is dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder)?
It is a chronic form of depression with less severe symptoms lasting for at least two years.
What is flat affect?
Flat affect is a lack of emotional expression, often seen in individuals with schizophrenia.
What is dependent personality disorder?
It involves excessive reliance on others for emotional and decision-making support, and difficulty being alone.
What is lifetime prevalence in the context of psychological disorders?
It refers to the proportion of individuals in a population who have ever experienced a particular psychological disorder during their lifetime.
What are the key features of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
OCD involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.
What is anhedonia, and why is it significant?
Anhedonia is the inability to experience pleasure and is a core symptom of major depressive disorder.
What are negative symptoms of schizophrenia?
Negative symptoms include diminished emotional expression, lack of motivation, reduced speech, and social withdrawal.
What is histrionic personality disorder?
It is characterized by attention-seeking behaviors, excessive emotionality, and a strong desire to be the center of attention.