Chapter 15
Psychological Disorders
Defining Psychological Disorders
- There are 450 million people experiencing psychological disorders worldwide Depression and schizophrenia exist is all cultures Emphasis on 'deviance', "distress', and 'dysfunction'
> A psychological disorder is a syndrome (collection of symptoms) marked by a "clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior"
> Dysfunctional thoughts, emotions, or behaviors are maladaptive -- they interfere with normal everyday life
Classifying Psychological Disorders
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders -- 5th Edition by American Psychiatric Association
o Categorical, multi-axial classifications of psychological disorders o No specified etiology or recommendations for treatment o Psychological disorders and symptoms are prevalent
Benefits of Classifying Disorders
> Predicting the disorder's future course > Suggesting appropriate treatment > Prompting research into its causes
Detriments of Classifying Disorders
> Concerns about labels and how they change reality > Stigmatizing > Long-lasting implications > Pathologizing everyday life > Subjective
Classifying Psychological Disorders
Reliability of our diagnoses of psychopathology o"On Being Sane in Insane Places" (David Rosenhan, 1973) Rosenhan and 7 others went to hospitals complaining of hearing voices saying empty, hollow, and thud Were diagnosed and released ~ 19 days later after showing no other symptoms
o Crazy Like Us: The Globalization of the American Psyche by Ethan Watters
Anxiety Disorders
> Anxiety is a normal part of life, but when it becomes significant, persistent or dysfunctional, it can be classified as a psychological disorder
> Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): o Unexplainable, persistent tenseness and uneasiness o Frequent worry for no reason o Somatic symptoms (jitteriness, fidgeting, sleep problems, perspiration) Lasting at least 6 months or more
> Panic Disorder o Sudden episodes of intense fear that something horrible is about to happen o Immediate physiological reactions (e.g. irregular heartbeat, chest pains, shortness of breath, choking, dizziness) o Fear of another panic attack amplifies anxiety and promotes avoidance
> Phobia o Persistent, irrational, and intense fear of a specific object or situation (animals, heights, insects, blood, enclosed spaces, social situations) o Promotes avoidance of triggers, which can work in the short-term
> Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): o Repetitive thoughts or actions that persistently interfere with everyday living and cause distress - Common Obsessions Concern with dirt, germs, or toxins Something terrible happening (fire, death, illness) Symmetry, order, or exactness Common Compulsions Excessive hand-washing, bathing, and grooming :Repeating rituals (ex: in/out of door) .Checking doors, locks, appliances, car brakes, etc.
> Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): o Recurring, haunting memories and nightmares following a life threatening traumatic event o Social withdrawal, easily startled, sleep difficulties, flashbacks, feeling numb
Mood Disorders
Depressed mood, sadness, pain are all normal parts of life, but when depression becomes significant, persistent or dysfunctional, it can be classified as a psychological disorder
Emotional extremes, appearing in two potential forms:
o Major Depressive Disorder Bipolar Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder
> Depressed mood Loss of interest/pleasure > Lethargy Insomnia/Hypersomnia > Appetite changes Feelings of worthlessness/guilt Hopelessness Suicidal ideation
Symptoms must occur most of the day, nearly e