5.3 Explaining and Classifying Psychological Disorders

FAQs on Psychological Disorders

1. What are psychological disorders? Psychological disorders, also known as mental disorders, are conditions characterized by abnormal thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that impair daily functioning.

2. What causes psychological disorders? Causes can include genetic predisposition, brain chemistry, trauma, environmental factors, and chronic stress.

3. What are the most common types of psychological disorders? Common types include anxiety disorders, mood disorders (like depression), psychotic disorders (like schizophrenia), and personality disorders.

4. What is an anxiety disorder? Anxiety disorders involve excessive fear or worry, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and phobias.

5. What is depression? Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and fatigue that affects daily life.

6. What is bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder with alternating episodes of mania (extreme highs) and depression (lows).

7. What is schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder involving hallucinations, delusions, and impaired cognitive functioning.

8. What are personality disorders? Personality disorders involve enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and emotion that deviate from societal expectations. Examples include borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder.

9. What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? OCD involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.

10. What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? PTSD is a condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, causing flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.

11. What is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with functioning.

12. How are psychological disorders diagnosed? Diagnosis involves clinical evaluations, patient history, psychological tests, and criteria from the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

13. What is the DSM-5? The DSM-5 is a diagnostic manual used by mental health professionals to classify and diagnose psychological disorders.

14. What are eating disorders? Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, involve unhealthy relationships with food and body image.

15. What is a psychotic disorder? Psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia, involve a loss of contact with reality, characterized by hallucinations and delusions.

16. What is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)? GAD involves excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life, accompanied by physical symptoms like restlessness and fatigue.

17. What is social anxiety disorder? Social anxiety disorder is an intense fear of social situations where one might be judged or humiliated.

18. What are somatic symptom disorders? These involve physical symptoms without a clear medical cause, often linked to psychological distress, such as in conversion disorder.

19. What is borderline personality disorder (BPD)? BPD is a personality disorder marked by emotional instability, fear of abandonment, and impulsive behavior.

20. What is dissociative identity disorder (DID)? DID, formerly known as multiple personality disorder, involves the presence of two or more distinct identities within one person.

21. How are psychological disorders treated? Treatment includes psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support groups tailored to individual needs.

22. What is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)? CBT is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.

23. What medications are commonly used for psychological disorders? Common medications include antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety drugs.

24. What is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)? ECT is a medical treatment that uses electrical stimulation to treat severe depression or other conditions unresponsive to other treatments.

25. How does trauma affect mental health? Trauma can lead to psychological disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression, affecting emotional regulation and coping mechanisms.

26. What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)? SAD is a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, often during the winter months due to reduced sunlight.

27. What is a phobia? A phobia is an intense, irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity, such as heights (acrophobia) or spiders (arachnophobia).

28. How does substance abuse relate to mental health? Substance abuse can exacerbate or trigger psychological disorders, creating a dual diagnosis requiring integrated treatment.

29. What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting social interaction, communication, and behavior, with varying degrees of severity.

30. What is the difference between acute and chronic stress? Acute stress is short-term and often resolves quickly, while chronic stress persists over time and can lead to psychological disorders.

31. What is insomnia disorder? Insomnia disorder involves difficulty falling or staying asleep, often linked to anxiety, depression, or stress.

32. What are adjustment disorders? Adjustment disorders occur when individuals experience difficulty coping with significant life changes or stressors.

33. What is hoarding disorder? Hoarding disorder involves persistent difficulty discarding possessions, leading to clutter and impairment in daily functioning.

34. What is hypochondriasis? Now referred to as illness anxiety disorder, it involves excessive worry about having a serious medical condition despite minimal symptoms.

35. What is Tourette syndrome? Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics.

36. What is major depressive disorder (MDD)? MDD is a severe form of depression with persistent symptoms like sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.

37. What are psychotic episodes? Psychotic episodes are periods of hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, often seen in conditions like schizophrenia.

38. How does genetic predisposition affect mental health? Genetic predisposition increases the likelihood of developing certain psychological disorders, especially with environmental triggers.

39. What is panic disorder? Panic disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks characterized by intense fear and physical symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath.

40. What are behavioral disorders in children? Behavioral disorders, like oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder, involve disruptive and aggressive behaviors in children.

41. How does stigma affect mental health? Stigma prevents individuals from seeking help, exacerbates symptoms, and perpetuates misconceptions about psychological disorders.

42. What is neurocognitive disorder? Neurocognitive disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease, involve cognitive decline due to brain damage or degeneration.

43. What is the role of therapy animals in mental health? Therapy animals provide comfort, reduce stress, and support emotional well-being for individuals with psychological disorders.

44. What are early warning signs of mental illness? Early signs include changes in mood, withdrawal from activities, difficulty concentrating, and disruptions in sleep or appetite.

45. How can lifestyle changes improve mental health? Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques can improve mental health and resilience.

46. What is agoraphobia? Agoraphobia involves fear and avoidance of situations where escape may be difficult, often linked to panic disorder.

47. What is a psychopathy? Psychopathy is a personality disorder characterized by lack of empathy, manipulative behavior, and disregard for social norms.

48. What is the role of support groups in mental health? Support groups provide shared experiences, encouragement, and coping strategies for individuals with similar psychological challenges.

49. What is dysthymia? Dysthymia, now called persistent depressive disorder, is a chronic form of depression with less severe but long-lasting symptoms.

50. How can mental health awareness help? Raising awareness reduces stigma, encourages early intervention, and promotes access to mental health resources and support systems.