Light

Psychological Disorders

Definition

Psychological disorders, also known as mental disorders, are patterns of behavioral or psychological symptoms that impact multiple areas of life and create distress for the person experiencing these symptoms.

Related terms

Abnormal Psychology: This is the branch of psychology that studies unusual patterns of behavior, emotion and thought which may or may not be understood as precipitating a mental disorder.

Anxiety Disorders: These are types of mental disorders characterized by feelings of anxiety and fear including panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Personality Disorders: These are enduring patterns of inner experience and behavior that deviates from the expectations of the culture. Examples include antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder.

"Psychological Disorders" appears in:

Study guides (1)

AP Psychology - 8.1 Introduction to Psychological Disorders

Practice Questions (20+)

Why do psychologists often utilize a particular theoretical perspective when studying and treating psychological disorders?
What are the three historical etiologies of psychological disorders?
Who proposed the "diathesis-stress model" highlighting the role of both genetics and environment in psychological disorders?
Why is it ethically essential to maintain a distinction between the endocrine system and psychological disorders in clinical settings?
Which model suggests that psychological disorders are caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors?
What principle states that genetics, brain structure, and chemistry are major causes of psychological disorders?
Which theory suggests that psychological disorders may be the result of chemical imbalances in the brain?
Which argument criticizes the Biological Perspective's approach towards explaining psychological disorders?
What critique is most commonly lodged against Freud’s Psychoanalytic theory for understanding psychological disorders?
Which piece of evidence most strongly supports the biological perspective of psychological disorders?
Which argument best aligns with humanistic psychology's view on psychological disorders?
How does cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) align with the cognitive perspective on psychological disorders?
How has the perspective on psychological disorders shifted from early civilizations to today?
What milestone in understanding psychological disorders occurred during the Renaissance period?
Which movement greatly influenced our current understanding of psychological disorders?
How did the World War II era influence views on psychological disorders?
According to the diathesis-stress model, why would some people develop psychological disorders while others in similar situations do not?
How does the biopsychosocial approach explain the development of psychological disorders?
Which of these is a valid criticism of the medical model in diagnosing and treating psychological disorders?
How does the biopsychosocial approach challenge traditional views on psychological disorders?

Are you a college student?

Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab

About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

Stay Connected

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.