Introduction to Psychological Disorders
William Hill
7 min read
Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers psychological disorders, focusing on the DSM-5 for diagnosis. It explores major disorder categories (depressive, bipolar, anxiety, etc.), historical conceptions (supernatural, somatogenic, psychogenic), and legal aspects like confidentiality and the insanity plea. Practice questions and exam tips are also included.
#AP Psychology: Psychological Disorders - The Ultimate Study Guide 🧠
Hey! Let's get you totally prepped for the AP Psych exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the test. We'll break down everything you need to know about psychological disorders, make it super easy to understand, and give you some killer strategies to ace those questions. Let's do this!
#Diagnostic Guidelines: The DSM-5 📖
#What is the DSM-5?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) is like the official rulebook for diagnosing mental disorders. It's published by the American Psychological Association (APA) and provides detailed criteria for each disorder. Think of it as the ultimate guide for clinicians.
The DSM-5 is a critical tool for diagnosis, ensuring consistency and reliability. It's been revised over the years, with the most recent edition in 2013.
#DSM Editions Over Time
| DSM Edition | Year Published |
|---|---|
| DSM-1 | 1952 |
| DSM-2 | 1968 |
| DSM-3 | 1980 |
| DSM-4 | 1994 |
| DSM-5 | 2013 |
Image Courtesy of Wikipedia
Remember the DSM-5 is the current edition! Be aware of the changes from previous editions.
#Challenges in Diagnosis
Even with the DSM-5, diagnosing can be tricky because symptoms can overlap between different disorders. It's not always a clear-cut process.
#What Makes Something a Disorder?
A psychological condition becomes a disorder when it significantly interferes with a person's daily life, schedule, and overall quality of living. These disorders affect cognition, emotion, or behavior, and they are maladaptive, meaning they disrupt rather than improve life.
#Major Categories of Disorders in the DSM-5
- Depressive Disorders: Characterized by extreme sadness and loss of interest.
- Bipolar Disorders: Involve both depressive and manic episodes.
- Anxiety Disorders: Defined by excessive fear and wor...
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