Overview of Psychological Disorders: Anxiety, Mood, and Dissociative Disorders - Prof. Nah, Study notes of Psychology

Download Overview of Psychological Disorders: Anxiety, Mood, and Dissociative Disorders - Prof. Nah and more Study notes Psychology in PDF only on Docsity! 1 Psychological Disorders What is Normal, Anyway? •Definitions of Abnormality •3 Ds of Abnormality •Continuum of Normality Psychological Disorders •Psychopathology—scientific study of the origins, symptoms, and development of psychological disorders •A pattern of behavioral and psychological symptoms that causes significant personal distress, impairs the ability to function in one or more important areas of daily life, or both Prevalence • Approximately 48% of adults experienced symptoms at least once in their lives • Approximately 80% who experienced symptoms in the last year did NOT seek treatment • Most people seem to deal with symptoms without complete debilitation Diagnosis Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR)—describes specific symptoms and diagnostic guidelines for psychological disorders – Provides a common language to label mental disorders – Comprehensive guidelines to help diagnose mental disorders 2 Anxiety Disorders • Anxiety—diffuse, vague feelings of fear and apprehension Panic Disorder • Panic attacks—sudden episode of helpless terror with high physiological arousal • Very frightening—sufferers live in fear of having them • Agoraphobia often develops as a result Phobias Intense, irrational fears that may focus on • Natural environment—heights, water, lightening • Situation—flying, tunnels, crowds, social gathering • Injury—needles, blood, dentist, doctor • Animals or insects—insects, snakes, bats, dogs Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) • Obsessions—irrational, disturbing thoughts that intrude • Compulsions—repetitive actions performed to alleviate obsessions • Checking and washing most common compulsions Mood Disorders A category of mental disorders in which significant and chronic disruption in mood is the predominant symptom, causing impaired cognitive, behavioral, and physical functioning Major Depression A mood disorder characterized by extreme and persistent feelings of despondency, worthlessness and hopelessness