psychological disorder
a "harmful dysfunction" in which behavior is judged to be atypical, disturbing, maladaptive, and unjustifiable.
medical model
the concept that diseases have physical causes that can be diagnosed, treated, and, in most cases, cured. When applied to psychological disorders, the medical model assumes that these mental illnesses can be diagnosed on the basis of their symptoms and cu
bio-psycho-social perspective
a contemporary perspective which assumes that biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors combine and interact to produce pscyhological disorders.
DSM-IV
the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition), a widely used system for classifying psychological disorders.
neurotic disorder
a psychological disorder that is usually distressing but that allows one to think rationally and function socially.
psychotic disorder
a psychological disorder in which a person loses contact with reality, experiencing irrational ideas and distorted perceptions.
anxiety disorder
psychological disorder characterized by distressing, persistent anxiety or maladaptive behaviors that reduce anxiety.
generalized anxiety disorder
an anxiety disorder in which a person is continually tense, apprehensive, and in a state of autonomic nervous system arousal.
panic disorder
an anxiety disorder marked by a minutes-long episode of intense dread in which a person experiences terror and accompanying chest pain, choking, or other frightening sensations.
phobia
an anxiety disorder marked by a persistent, irrational fear and avoidance of a specific object or situation.
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
an anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and/or actions (compulsions).
mood disorders
psychological disorders characterized by emotional extremes.
major depressive disorder
a mood disorder in which a person, for no apparent reason, experiences two or more weeks of depressed moods, feelings of worthlessness, and diminishes interest or pleasure in most activities.
manic episode
a mood disorder marked by a hyperactive, wildly optimistic state.
bipolar disorder
a mood disorder in which the person alternates between the hopelessness and lethargy of depression and the overexcited state of mania.
dissociative disorder
a disorder in which conscious awareness becomes separated from previous memories, thoughts, and feelings.
dissociative identity disorder
a rare dissociative disorder in which a person exhibits two or more distinct and alternating personalities. Also called multiple personality disorder.
schizophrenia
a group of severe disorders characterized by disorganized and delusional thinking, disturbed perceptions, and inappropriate emotions and actions.
delusions
false beliefs, often of persecution or grandeur, that may accompany psychotic disorders.
personality disorders
psychological disorders characterized by inflexible and enduring behavior patterns that impair social functioning.
antisocial personality disorder
a personality disorder in which the person (usually a man) exhibits a lack of conscience for wrongdoing, even toward friends and family members; may be aggressive and ruthless or a clever con artist.