Clinical Psychology: Comprehensive Guide to Abnormal Behavior

Psychological Disorder

A syndrome marked by clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior.

Maladaptive

Behaviors that are counterproductive to the individual, leading to distress or dysfunction.

Three D's

Criteria for defining psychological disorders: Distress, Dysfunction, and Deviance.

Distress

Significant personal anguish or discomfort caused by a behavior.

Dysfunction

Interference of behavior with daily functioning, such as at work or in relationships.

Deviance

Behavior that strays significantly from societal norms, varying by culture.

Danger (optional 4th D)

Refers to whether a behavior poses a threat to self or others.

Biopsychosocial Model

A comprehensive approach considering biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding psychological disorders.

DSM-5-TR

A manual used by psychologists to classify and diagnose mental disorders.

Rosenhan Study

A 1973 study demonstrating the dangers of psychiatric labels and their impact on treatment.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

A condition characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various issues.

Panic Disorder

An anxiety disorder marked by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks.

Phobias

Persistent, irrational fears of specific objects or situations.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A disorder characterized by unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and actions (compulsions).

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A disorder that develops following exposure to a traumatic event, causing distressing memories and anxiety.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.

Anhedonia

A decreased ability to experience pleasure in activities typically found enjoyable.

Bipolar Disorder

A mood disorder typified by swings between manic and depressive episodes.

Mania

An elevated mood state marked by increased energy, creativity, and impulsivity.

Schizophrenia

A severe mental disorder characterized by distortions in thought, perception, and emotional responsiveness.

Positive Symptoms

Symptoms of schizophrenia that present as excesses, such as hallucinations or delusions.

Negative Symptoms

Symptoms of schizophrenia that reflect a decrease or absence of certain functions, like emotional expression.

Dopamine Hypothesis

Theory suggesting that overactivity of dopamine transmission contributes to schizophrenia's positive symptoms.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

A condition where two or more distinct personalities emerge in one individual, often as a response to trauma.

Somatic Symptom Disorder

A disorder characterized by physical symptoms without a clear medical cause, linked to psychological distress.

Illness Anxiety Disorder

A preoccupation with having a serious illness, often causing distress from normal bodily sensations.

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)

A personality disorder marked by a disregard for others' rights and lack of remorse.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

A personality disorder characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and need for admiration.

Conversion Disorder

A psychological condition where emotional distress manifests as physical symptoms with no physical cause.