Psychopathology
notes/ essay plans for
alevel psychology.
Psychopathology - answer-is the broad area of the study of mental disorders by medical
or psychological specialists
Clinical Psychology - answer-the field that specializes in the psychological treatment of
individuals with mental problems (disorders)
mental disorder - answer-clinically significant behavioral or psychological syndrome or
pattern that occurs in an individual and that is typically associated with either a painful
symptom (distress) or impairment in one or more important areas of functioning
(disability)
axis I - answer-lists the clinical syndrome for which the person is seeking treatment (e.g.
depression, schizophrenia) - symptoms that cause psychological distress and impair
social and occupational functioning- describes state disorders (patient's current
condition or state)
axis II - answer-- personality disorders and mental retardation - describes trait disorders
(enduring problems with a person's functioning)
axis III - answer-medical conditions relevant to treating the psychological disorder (e.g.
Kidney, respitory problems, high blood pressure)
axis IV - answer-psychosocial and environmental stressors (life events that could be
contributing to psych problems)
axis V - answer-global assessment of functioning (GAF)
Major Depressive Disorder (Clinical Depression) - answer-characterized by depressed
mood and loss of interest in pleasurable activities (anhedonia) - also includes
disturbances in appetite, sleep, energy level, and concentration
Dysthymic Disorder - answer-less severe type of depression - a chronic low-level
depression lasting more than two years with intervals of normal moods that never last
more than a few weeks or months - punctuated by bouts of major depression
notes/ essay plans for
alevel psychology.
Psychopathology - answer-is the broad area of the study of mental disorders by medical
or psychological specialists
Clinical Psychology - answer-the field that specializes in the psychological treatment of
individuals with mental problems (disorders)
mental disorder - answer-clinically significant behavioral or psychological syndrome or
pattern that occurs in an individual and that is typically associated with either a painful
symptom (distress) or impairment in one or more important areas of functioning
(disability)
axis I - answer-lists the clinical syndrome for which the person is seeking treatment (e.g.
depression, schizophrenia) - symptoms that cause psychological distress and impair
social and occupational functioning- describes state disorders (patient's current
condition or state)
axis II - answer-- personality disorders and mental retardation - describes trait disorders
(enduring problems with a person's functioning)
axis III - answer-medical conditions relevant to treating the psychological disorder (e.g.
Kidney, respitory problems, high blood pressure)
axis IV - answer-psychosocial and environmental stressors (life events that could be
contributing to psych problems)
axis V - answer-global assessment of functioning (GAF)
Major Depressive Disorder (Clinical Depression) - answer-characterized by depressed
mood and loss of interest in pleasurable activities (anhedonia) - also includes
disturbances in appetite, sleep, energy level, and concentration
Dysthymic Disorder - answer-less severe type of depression - a chronic low-level
depression lasting more than two years with intervals of normal moods that never last
more than a few weeks or months - punctuated by bouts of major depression
