Feeding and Eating, Substance and Addictive, and Personality Disorders
Noah Carter
8 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This AP Psychology study guide covers substance use and addictive disorders (neurotransmitter impact), eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder), and personality disorders (Clusters A, B, and C). It emphasizes diagnostic criteria, potential causes, and treatment considerations. The guide also includes practice multiple-choice and free-response questions.
#AP Psychology Study Guide: Psychological Disorders
Hey there, future AP Psych master! Let's get you prepped for the exam with a super-focused review of psychological disorders. We'll break down the key concepts, make connections, and get you feeling confident. Let's dive in!
#Substance Use and Addictive Disorders
Any substance that creates a chemical dependency can lead to a substance use disorder. These disorders mess with the brain's natural neurotransmitter production and reception. The body becomes dependent due to chemical imbalances. 💡
Key Point: Drugs mimic neurotransmitters, particularly endorphins. This tricks the brain into reducing its own production, leading to withdrawal symptoms when substance use stops.
Think of it like this: Your brain is a factory that makes happiness chemicals (endorphins). Drugs are like fake workers who do the job for it. If the fake workers are always there, the factory gets lazy and stops making its own. When the fake workers leave (withdrawal), the factory isn't ready to work again.
#Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are characterized by disordered eating patterns, often stemming from body image issues, hunger regulation problems, or other underlying conditions. For the AP exam, focus on Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder.
High-Value Topic: Eating disorders are a frequent topic on the AP exam. Pay close attention to diagnostic criteria and differences between disorders.
#Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa involves:
- Distorted body image
- Severe food restriction/starvation
- Obsessive behaviors related to weight
- Malnutrition
Quick Fact: People with anorexia maintain a starvation diet even when underweight, still perceiving themselves as overweight.
Image Courtesy of Verywell Mind.
#Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa involves:
- Body image issues
- Cycles of binge eating followed by purging (vomiting, laxatives, excessive exercise)
- Fluctuating weight
Common Mistake: Don't confuse anorexia and bulimia. Anorexia inv...
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