Psychology (Psychopathology)

• What does psychopathology refer to?

  It refers to the study of mental disorders, including their causes, development, course, classification, and treatment.
• Why is understanding psychopathology crucial?

  It is essential for diagnosing and treating mental health disorders.
• What are some examples of mental health conditions described in psychopathology?

  Depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and various personality disorders.
• What is the definition of statistical infrequency in terms of abnormality?

  • A trait, thinking, or behavior is classified as abnormal if it is rare or statistically unusual.
  • Requires clarity on how rare a trait must be to be considered abnormal.
  • Example: An IQ below or above average may be seen as abnormal.
• What is a limitation of the statistical infrequency definition of abnormality?

  It fails to recognize the desirability of certain behaviors.
• How does the statistical infrequency definition apply to gifted individuals?

  Gifted individuals may be classified as abnormal despite being highly regarded for their intelligence.
• What does the deviation from social norms definition suggest?

  A person's behavior is abnormal if it violates the unwritten rules of acceptable behavior in a social group.
• How do social norms vary across cultures?

  Social behavior can differ significantly, such as personal space and acceptable topics of discussion.
• What are the strengths and limitations of the deviation from social norms definition?

  Strengths:

  • Comprehensive, covering a broad range of criteria.
  • Provides a social dimension to abnormality.

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Cultural relativism: norms vary across cultures.
  • Unrealistic ideals: few meet all criteria for ideal mental health.
• What does failure to function adequately (FFA) refer to?

  It refers to an abnormality that prevents a person from performing expected behaviors in society.
• What are some criteria suggested by Rosenhan & Seligman for FFA?

  Personal distress, unpredictability, and irrationality are among the criteria.
• How do clinicians assess an individual's ability to function adequately?

  They use the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF).
• What are the strengths and limitations of the FFA definition of abnormality?

  Strengths:

  • Provides a practical checklist for assessing abnormality.
  • Matches the perceptions of those seeking help.

  
  

  Limitations:

  • FFA may not be linked to psychopathology.
  • Cultural relativism affects diagnoses.
• What are Jahoda's six criteria for ideal mental health?

  Resistance to stress, personal growth, high self-esteem, autonomy, accurate perception of reality, and positive self-concept.
• What is a limitation of Jahoda's criteria for ideal mental health?

  Very few people can meet all criteria, suggesting few are psychologically healthy.
• How does cultural relativism affect the definition of ideal mental health?

  Jahoda's criteria are culture-bound and may not apply to all cultures.
• What definition of abnormality could describe Diane's behavior in the scenario provided?

  • Diane's behavior could be defined as deviating from social norms.
  • She exhibits childish temper tantrums.
  • Her actions at her grandmother's funeral were socially abnormal.
• What are three definitions of abnormality that could be outlined from the article on hoarding disorder?

  1. Statistical infrequency: Rare behaviors like hoarding.
  2. Deviation from social norms: Hoarding may violate social expectations.
  3. Failure to function adequately: Hoarding leads to severe anxiety and clutter affecting daily life.
• What characterizes Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

  OCD is characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).
• What are common clinical obsessions in OCD?

  Fear of contamination, violent thoughts, sexual obsessions, and obsessive doubt.
• How do compulsions relate to obsessions in OCD?

  Compulsions are behavioral responses intended to neutralize the anxiety caused by obsessions.
• What are some common compulsions in OCD?

  Cleaning, washing, checking, counting, and touching.
• How do OCD sufferers perceive their compulsions?

  They often recognize their compulsions as unreasonable but feel compelled to perform them to prevent something bad from happening.
• What cognitive characteristic of OCD can be identified from Steven's description?

  Steven experiences persistent and intrusive thoughts about catching illnesses.
• What behavioral characteristic of OCD can be identified from Steven's description?

  Steven has to clean himself quickly after coming into contact with people who look ill.
• What is a criticism of the biological approach to OCD?

  It ignores environmental influences and suggests that OCD is learned through conditioning.
• What is the dopamine hypothesis related to schizophrenia?

  It argues that elevated levels of dopamine are related to symptoms of schizophrenia.
• What is a limitation of biological explanations of mental disorders?

  They are reductionist and often oversimplify complex psychological factors.
• What is the role of genetics in OCD?

  OCD is considered a polygenic condition, involving several genes in its development.
• What is the SERT gene's role in OCD?

  The SERT gene appears mutated in individuals with OCD, leading to decreased serotonin levels in the synapse.
• How does the COMT gene affect individuals with OCD?

  The mutated COMT gene causes decreased activity, resulting in higher levels of dopamine in individuals with OCD.
• What are the implications of genetic factors in OCD?

  • Family and twin studies suggest genetic involvement.
  • Prevalence of OCD in the general population is about 2-3%.
  • Genetic factors contribute to the development of OCD.
• What is the study of genes and inheritance related to in this context?

  OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
• What type of condition is OCD considered to be?

  A polygenic condition
• What do family and twin studies suggest about OCD?

  They suggest the involvement of genetic factors
• What is the prevalence of OCD in the random population?

  About 2–3%
• What gene appears to be mutated in individuals with OCD?

  The SERT gene (Serotonin Transporter)
• What effect does the mutation of the SERT gene have on serotonin levels?

  It increases the reuptake of serotonin, decreasing its level in the synapse
• What is the role of the COMT gene in individuals with OCD?

  It regulates dopamine function and is mutated, causing higher levels of dopamine
• What did Carey and Gottesman (1981) find regarding concordance rates for OCD in twins?

  Identical twins showed a concordance rate of 87% compared to 47% in fraternal twins