Vocab
What is the DSM-5?
The standard classification system used by mental health professionals in the United States to diagnose and classify psychological disorders.
what is a specific phobia?
this disorder is characterized by persistent, irrational fears of specific objects or situations that are out of proportion to the actual danger
what is the behavioral perspective?
this perspective views psychological disorders as the result of learned behaviors that have been reinforced over time, often suggesting that "maladaptive" habits can be unlearned
how is major depressive disorder characterized?
This mood disorder is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, lasting for at least two weeks.
what is client-centered therapy?
this humanistic therapy emphasizes the therapist's use of empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard to help clients reach self-actualization.
Define meta-analysis and explain its use (what do researchers use meta-analysis for?)
A statistical procedure that combines the results of many different research studies to provide a bottom-line conclusion. Researchers use meta-analysis to determine the overall effectiveness of psychotherapy.
what is panic disorder?
individuals with this condition experience unpredictable, minutes-long episodes of intense dread which may include chest pain, shortness of breath, or the feeling of a heart attack
what is the cognitive perspective?
adherents of this school of thought argue that disorders arise from irrational, distorted, or negative thought patterns and focus on changing how a patient interprets events
what is mania/a manic episode?
In the bipolar cycle, mania is marked by hyperactive, wildly optimistic behavior, often leading to poor judgment and risky decision-making.
what systematic desensitization?
This behavioral technique involves creating a hierarchy of fears and using relaxation exercises to help a patient gradually face their phobia.
Define transference
Transference is the process where a patient redirects (transfers) emotions linked with other relationships onto the analyst.
what is generalized anxiety disorder? (GAD)
this disorder involves a continuous, "free-floating" state of tension and apprehension that lasts for six months or more, often without a specific triggered cause
what is the psychodynamic perspective?
this perspective, rooted in the work of Sigmund Freud, suggests the clinical symptoms are manifestations of unresolved, unconscious conflicts and repressed childhood traumas
what are some physical symptoms of conversion disorder and what is a cause?
a person experiencing very specific, genuine physical symptoms, such as paralysis or blindness, for which no physiological basis can be found
what is electroconvulsive theory (ECT)?
Often used to treat severe depression when medication is ineffective, this controversial treatment involves sending a brief electrical current through the brain of an anesthetized patient.
Define rumination
Compulsive overthinking about our problems and their causes
what is negative reinforcement?
often a complication of panic disorder, negative reinforcement explains how avoiding a feared stimulus reduces anxiety, thereby making the avoidance behavior more likely to occur again in the future
what is the humanistic perspective?
often called the "third force", this school emphasizes human potential and self-actualization, suggesting that disorders occur when a person's "ideal self" does not match their "actual self" due to a lack of unconditional positive regard
what is a 'flat-affect'/diminished emotional expression in the terms of schizophrenia?
In the context of Schizophrenia, these "negative" symptoms refer to a lack of emotional expression or a "mask-like" face.
who is Aaron beck?
This pioneer of Cognitive Therapy focused on correcting "cognitive triads" and "catastrophizing" beliefs, particularly in patients suffering from depression.
Describe the medical model of psychology and identify its key components
The concept that psychological disorders have physical causes that can be diagnosed, treated, and, in most cases, cured. It's key components are diagnosis, symptoms, and therapy/cure.
what is agoraphobia?
often a complication of panic disorder, this is the intense fear or avoidance of public situations from which escape might be difficult or help available during a panic attack
what is the biopsychosocial approach?
this contemporary approach integrates biological, psychological, and social-cultural factors to provide a comprehensive explanation for why a specific individual might develop a clinical disorder
what characterizes borderline personality disorder (BPD)?
This personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, often accompanied by marked impulsivity and fear of abandonment.
what is transference?
In psychoanalysis, transference occurs when a patient redirects feelings for a significant person in their life—such as a parent—onto the therapist, allowing them to work through repressed conflicts.