Psychology Modules 49-52

Psych vocab

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DSM-5

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What is the manual used by mental health professionals to diagnose and classify mental disorders?

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Psychological Disorder

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A mental health condition characterized by abnormal thoughts, emotions, or behaviors that cause significant distress or impairment in daily functioning. Examples include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and psychotic disorders. Treatment may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

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epigenetics

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the study of changes in gene expression caused by modifications to DNA or associated proteins, without any alteration to the underlying genetic code. These modifications can be influenced by environmental factors and can have long-lasting effects on an individual's health and behavior.

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ADHD

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A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that often starts in childhood and can persist into adulthood. Symptoms can interfere with daily activities and academic performance. Treatment options include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

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anxiety disorders

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A group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive and persistent worry, fear, and nervousness. Symptoms include restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and heart palpitations. Anxiety disorders can interfere with daily functioning and may require treatment such as therapy and medication.

generalized anxiety disorder

Excessive worry and fear about everyday situations, often with no identifiable cause. Symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension and sleep disturbances. Treatment may include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

panic disorder

A type of anxiety disorder characterized by sudden and intense episodes of fear or terror, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath. These panic attacks can occur unexpectedly and may lead to avoidance of certain situations or activities. Treatment may involve therapy and medication.

phobia

An intense and irrational fear of a specific object or situation, leading to avoidance or distress.

OCD

Disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. These thoughts and behaviors cause significant distress and interfere with daily life.

Medical Model

A theoretical framework that views mental disorders as medical conditions that require medical interventions, such as medication and therapy. The medical model assumes that mental disorders have biological and genetic causes and can be treated through scientific methods.

major depressive disorder

Persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Often accompanied by changes in appetite, sleep, and energy levels. Can interfere with daily functioning and may require professional treatment.

Mania

A state of abnormally elevated or irritable mood, energy, and activity levels often seen in bipolar disorder. Symptoms may include decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, impulsivity, grandiosity, and excessive risk-taking.

bipolar disorder

A mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include manic episodes (highs) and depressive episodes (lows). Symptoms may include increased energy, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, grandiosity, impulsivity, irritability, and hopelessness. Treatment may include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

rumination

Excessive thinking about past events, usually negative, without finding a solution or closure. Can lead to anxiety and depression.

schizophrenia

Disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and abnormal behavior. Symptoms must last at least 6 months to be diagnosed. May be caused by genetic and environmental factors. Treated with antipsychotic medication and therapy.

Delusion

A fixed, false belief that is not based on reality and is not influenced by evidence to the contrary. Delusions can be paranoid, grandiose, or somatic, and are a common symptom of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.

Chronic Schizophrenia

a form of schizophrenia in which symptoms appear by late adolescence or early adulthood. As people age, it gets worse.

acute schizophrenia

A severe mental illness characterized by psychosis, delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and behavior. Symptoms typically appear suddenly and can be severe, requiring immediate medical attention. Treatment may include antipsychotic medication and supportive therapy. Can begin at any age.