Abnormal Psychology Study Guide
A standard undergraduate abnormal psychology course: defining abnormality, classification systems (DSM-5-TR), research methods, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, trauma/stress disorders, depressive and bipolar disorders, schizophrenia spectrum, personality disorders, substance use disorders, eating disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and treatment approaches (psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy).
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12 Topics Covered
Defining Psychological Abnormality
The 4 Ds framework, cultural considerations, and historical perspectives essential for understanding diagnostic foundations.
Classification, Diagnosis, and Research Methods
DSM-5-TR structure, diagnostic validity, categorical versus dimensional approaches, and research methodology fundamentals.
Anxiety Disorders
GAD, social anxiety, specific phobias, panic disorder, and agoraphobia with cognitive-behavioral-biological models and treatments.
Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
OCD obsessions and compulsions, body dysmorphic disorder, hoarding, trichotillomania, and exposure-response prevention therapy.
Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders
PTSD symptoms, risk factors, acute stress disorder, complex PTSD, and evidence-based treatments including prolonged exposure.
Depressive Disorders
Major depression, persistent depressive disorder, cognitive triad, learned helplessness, biological models, and treatment approaches.
Bipolar and Related Disorders
Bipolar I, II, cyclothymia, mood episodes, rapid cycling, and pharmacological treatments including lithium.
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
Positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms; dopamine and glutamate hypotheses; antipsychotics and psychosocial interventions.
Personality Disorders
Clusters A, B, C with emphasis on borderline and antisocial personality disorders, DBT, and psychopathy.
Substance Use Disorders
Addiction mechanisms, reward pathways, tolerance, withdrawal, and treatments including motivational interviewing and MAT.
Eating and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder diagnostic criteria, etiology, and interventions.
Treatment Approaches and Integration
Psychodynamic, humanistic, CBT, third-wave therapies, pharmacotherapy overview, and cultural competence in treatment delivery.
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