Lecture on Psychological Disorders

Introduction

Transition from positive psychology to psychological disorders.
Importance of guided notes for the lecture.
Definition by APA: conditions characterized by cognitive/emotional disturbances, abnormal behaviors, impacted functioning.

Level of Dysfunction: Ability to perform day-to-day activities.
Perception of Distress: Subjective negative emotions and stress.
Deviation from Social Norms: Comparison against cultural and social standards.
- Variation across cultures makes diagnosis challenging.

Benefits:
- Access to targeted treatments.
- Symptom understanding and validation.
- Societal resource allocation improvements.
Detriments:
- Negative stigma and societal bias.
- Risks of prejudicial attitudes influencing diagnoses.
- Potential for internalization of stereotypes.

Importance of trained professionals: psychologists, psychiatrists, specialists.
Use of DSM (APA) and ICD (WHO).
- DSM: Comprehensive classification and criteria for diagnosis.
- ICD: Global classification standard.
Regular updates reflecting new discoveries and evolving norms.

Eclectic Approach: Combining techniques from various perspectives.
- Allows personalized treatment plans.
Behavioral Perspective: Maladaptive learned associations through conditioning.
Psychodynamic Perspective: Unconscious conflicts from childhood experiences.
Humanistic Perspective: Issues due to lack of social support, incongruent self-concept.
Cognitive Perspective: Maladaptive thought patterns and distorted beliefs.
Evolutionary Perspective: Genetic origins and maladaptive traits.
Sociocultural Perspective: Social and cultural influences, societal pressures.
Biological Perspective: Physiological and genetic influences.

Biopsychosocial Model:
- Interaction of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.
- Holistic approach to treatment.
- Example: Anxiety disorder analysis across three factors.
Diathesis-Stress Model:
- Interaction between genetic vulnerabilities and stressful events.
- Two parts: diathesis (genetic predispositions) and stress (environmental challenges).
- Example: Genetic predisposition to depression exacerbated by job loss.

Emphasis on the importance of multiple dimensions in understanding mental disorders.
Encouragement to practice using provided quizzes and review sheets.
Preview of next lecture on specific psychological disorders for AP psychology.

Additional Resources: Quizzes and ultimate review packet available for practice.
Reminder to remain active in learning for success in AP psychology.
End note from Mr. Sin about the next session.