Abnormal Psychology

Pervasive Developmental Disorders Phenomenology & Diagnosis DSM vs. Federal guidelines Federal Guidelines Individuals with Disabilities Act ? defines autism broadly ? specify verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction DSM-IV Autism, Asperger?s, Rett?s, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, PDD NOS DSM-IV Criteria: Total of 6 (or more) items from 1,2, and 3 Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of following Marked impairment in multiple nonverbal behavior Failure to develop peer relationships Lack of spontaneous sharing with others Lack of social or emotional reciprocity 2) Qualitative impairment in communication ? at least 1 of: Delay in or total lack of development of spoken language

Eating Disorders Anorexia Nervosa Refusal to maintain minimally normal body weight Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat Disturbance in way in which body weight or shape is experienced, etc. Absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles Specify restricting type or binge/purging type Bulimia Nervosa Recurrent episodes of binge eating Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviors in order to prevent weight gain Binge eating & compensatory behavior occur on average 2X/week for 3 months Self-evaluation unduly influenced by weight Doesn?t occur only during anorexia Specify: Purging type or Nonpurging type Etiology Biological factors Twin studies MZ (20-50%) DZ (>10%) Family studies Hypothalmus Modulates neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine

Anxiety Disorders & Responses to Stress Stress & Illness Stress and the endocrine system Stress affects the endocrine system (glands that release hormones into blood) releases ACTH, stimulates cortical steroids Chronic stress can damage bodily systems Stress and the immune system Chronic stress increases levels of interleukin-6, linked to inflammation Social support and expressing emotion through writing can help Acculturative Stress Acculturation The process of adaptation by which immigrants, native groups, and ethnic minority groups adjust to the new culture or majority culture through making behavioral and attitudinal changes Acculturative stress Pressure that results from demands placed on these groups to adjust to life in mainstream culture

Theoretical Perspectives Biological Perspectives Medical model Physiological model Pros and cons of this model Biological Perspective Biological factors play a role (not the only one) in development of psychopathology Neurotransmitters Hormones Genetic influences Brain development Psychosocial approaches Emphasize importance of early experience Recognize social influences and psychological processes Psychodynamic perspectives Structure of the mind Conscious, preconscious (telephone number), unconscious Structure of personality Id, ego, superego Defense mechanisms Stages of Psychosexual development Oral, anal, phallic, latency, genital Cognitive-Behavioral Approach Cognitive influences Attributions Negative automatic thoughts Cognitive errors Behavioral influences