Diagnoses
After surviving a serious car accident, Sam, a 28-year-old, experiences frequent nightmares, flashbacks, and heightened anxiety when driving or hearing loud noises. They avoid discussing the accident and feel emotionally numb, struggling with concentration and sleep.
PTSD
Mark has been feeling overwhelmed with work and personal stress. During a therapy session, his therapist creates a warm, non-judgmental space and allows Mark to talk freely, encouraging him to express his thoughts and feelings at his own pace.
Client-centered therapy
What are the components of the ABC Model of Attitudes?
A - Affective
B - Behavioral
C - Cognitive
List 3 positive and negative symptoms of Schizophrenia each.
Positive symptoms: Hallucinations, Delusions, Bizarre behaviors
Negative symptoms: Social withdrawal, Behavioral deficits, Flat affect
What is the difference between obsessions and compulsions? Explain with examples.
Obsessions: thoughts, urges
Compulsions: repetitive and ritualistic acts
Jordan, a 25-year-old, has a history of deceitfulness, aggression, and disregard for others' rights. They frequently manipulate people for personal gain, show no remorse for harmful actions, and have been involved in illegal activities since adolescence.
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Mack is terrified of flying. How might a behavioral therapist approach this? What is a technique they might use and what is the theoretical reasoning behind it?
Systematic desensitization: gradual exposure to an anxiety-producing stimulus is paired with relaxation to extinguish the response of anxiety
Classical conditioning
I didn't score well because criminology is a really hard major.
What is the locus and stability of the cause?
Locus: Situational/External cause
Stability: Stable
What are the key techniques employed by Psychoanalytic therapists? (at least 2 with explanation)
Free association – patient relaxes and says whatever comes to mind
Dream analysis- therapist interprets meaning of treats
Transference - transfer of feelings to a psychoanalyst of love or anger that had been originally directed to a patient’s parents or other authority figures
What is anhedonia?
What disorder is this typically associated with?
Diminished ability to experience pleasure
Major Depressive Disorder
John has been feeling incredibly energetic this past week, staying up late working on projects and talking much faster than usual. However, today, he feels completely drained, struggling to get out of bed and feeling hopeless.
Bipolar disorder
Sarah often feels anxious for no apparent reason and struggles with relationships, though she can’t pinpoint why. During a therapy session, her therapist asks her to recall her earliest memories and discuss her past in detail.
Psychodynamic
What are some influences on aggression? List at least 4.
Chemical: testosterone and serotonin; Environment; Media; Alcohol; Drugs; Frustration
David has a family history of disorders. While he has always been relatively quiet and introverted, he’s managed to live a relatively stable life. Recently, however, he has been facing a lot of stress—his job has become increasingly demanding, and he's going through a difficult breakup. Lately, David has begun hearing voices and feeling paranoid about the people around him.
Schizophrenia; Diathesis-Stress Model
How can we define abnormality?
Deviant: does not conform to accepted social standards, violates cultural norms (E.g., hallucinations); Maladaptive; Personal discomfort; Legal concept: insanity as a legal definition (e.g., Jeffrey Dahmer)
Mia, a 30-year-old professional, experiences constant worry about work, finances, and relationships, even when there is no immediate threat. She struggles with restlessness, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
List 3 antidepressants drugs and explain what they do.
Tricyclics increase availability of norepinephrine at the synapses.
MAO inhibitors prevent the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) from breaking down neurotransmitters.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) target neurotransmitter serotonin, permitting it to linger at the synapse by blocking reuptake.
Condition 1: You are paid $1 to lie to participants.
Condition 2: You are paid $20 to lie to participants.
Explain attitude change in terms of cognitive dissonance theory.
Unpleasant mental experience of tension resulting from two conflicting thoughts or beliefs - motivated to reduce the dissonance
Greater attitude change if we are paid less because we don't want to believe that we would lie for $1.
Mark has been feeling overwhelmed with work and personal stress. His therapist begins by helping him identify and challenge negative thought patterns, then shifts to providing a supportive, non-judgmental space where Mark can express his feelings. Later, the therapist teaches him relaxation exercises to manage his stress.
Eclectic
What are some criticisms of the DSM? List at least 3.
Categorical; High comorbidity; Medicalizes & pathologizes social deviance; Driven by insurance industry
Alex, a 22-year-old student, struggles with intense mood swings, unstable relationships, impulsive behaviors, and a deep fear of abandonment. They engage in self-harm and experience chronic feelings of emptiness.
Borderline Personality Disorder
What is the drug that supported deinstitutionalization of mental asylums?
Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
Antipsychotic drug that decreased symptoms of schizophrenia
What are the factors that influence helping? List 5.
Personality; Gender; Situational (mood, time, observation); Kinship; Social exchange; Social responsibility
Match the following (A to B):
A. Prejudice, Stereotype, Discrimination
B. Attitude/Feeling/Prejudgment/Evaluation, Belief, Action/Behavior
Explain with examples.
Prejudice - Attitude/Feeling/Prejudgment/Evaluation
Stereotype - Beliefs/Expectations
Discrimination - Action/Behavior
What are some possible causes of MDD?
Cognitive: negative thoughts about self, world and future; Rumination related to negative outcome (women are more likely)
Social: Loneliness, perceived social isolation
Biological: 35% heritable; Serotonin; Disturbances in circadian rhythms – spend to much time in REM