What are the 6 criteria used in assessing ‘abnormality’?
Four Ds:
- Dysfunction
- Distress
- Deviation
- Dangerous
From lecture:
- Diagnostic criteria
- Cultural context
How does cultural context relate to assess ‘abnormality’?
- It helps one understand the issue in full context. For instance, some cultures will communicate symptoms differently.
- Further, if something is labeled ‘normal’ in one culture that isn’t normal in others, one has to take that into consideration. But other criteria such as ‘dangerous’ supersede this.
What were the three historical explanations about what caused mental abnormalities?
- Natural / biological imbalances. Yin/yang, something wrong with organ (greek).
- Supernatural - was receiving punishment.
- Psychological - trauma or chronic stress was the root cause.
Dimensional vs Categorial information
Dimensional = continuous. Categorical = discrete options.
Unconditioned Stimulus vs Conditioned Response
Un = natural. Conditioned response = one that is caused but the CONDITIONED stimulus.
Curvilinear relationship
Positive and then negative correlation (or swapped)
Brief history of treatment
- 12th century - hospitals showed up
- 17th century - moral treatment movement (Turk and Dixie)
- 1960s - Deinstitutionalization: less state, more “community” care.
Examples of psychic epidemics
- June Bug outbreak
* Poisonous gas in class room
Describe and list pros/cons of cross sectional research
Research that measures variables at one point in time.
Pros:
* Cheap
* Can get large sample
* Problems of cohort effect (if the groups within the sample vary in important ways that isn’t accounted for)
Cons:
* Weaker relationship between correlations
Describe and list pros/cons of longitudinal research
Research that samples the values of variables at multiple points in time.
Pros:
- Can show strong relationships (by introducing factors mid study)
Cons:
- Expensive
- Higher attrition rate
Pros/cons of human laboratory studies
Pros:
* Have lots of control - can show strong relationships and pick sample composition.
Cons:
- Might only be internally rather than externally valid.
- Ethical limitations
Diathesis-stress model
Also “biological vulnerability” model). The idea that a diathesis (risk factor) needs a stressor in order for the corresponding psychopathology to be realized.
What are the three components that the biological theories of mental disorder hold as causing abnormalities?
- Brain structure
- Biochemistry
- Genes
Effects of high/correct/low serotonin
High = None? Correct = Seems to inhibit aggression an anti-social behavior. Low = Depression
Effects of high/correct/low dopamine
High = mania / schizo
Correct =
Low = Parkinson’s disease
The steps that happen when a neuron fires
- Chemical reaction occurs in the sending cell causing an electrical pulse to be created. It is caused by chemicals flowing into the cell via the dendrites.
- Signal travels through the axon to the axon terminal
- Neural transmitters are emitted into the synapse.
- Receptors in another cells dendrites receive the NTs. If it is enough, that cell than fires. It is an all or nothing response.
The two ways in which psychotropics/psychoactive drugs work to manipulate NTs
- Re-uptake - some block re-uptake to allow for more to be absorbed.
- Degradation - some release enzymes that break down the NTs in the synapse.
Amount of americans 12+ who take antidepressants (in 2011)
11%
Of americans 12+ who take antidepressants how many for 2 years or longer (in 2011)
60%
Id
Part of brain responsible for animal urges
Ego
Part of brain responsible for mediating between Id and Superego. Tries to help the Id be expressed in an acceptable way.
Superego
Part of brain that holds various rules.
Denial
I’m not angry, my dog isn’t dead, etc
Reaction formation
Acting the opposite of how a negatively perceived emotion indicates you should act. (Homo acting homophobic)
