AP Psychology
R. Letter
Psychological Disorders
1.
Define psychopathology. Explain why psychopathology is a social as well as a personal
matter.
2.
Describe the three criteria for abnormality. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of
using each criterion. Describe the practical approach and impaired functioning.
3.
Describe the following three explanations for psychological disorders: medical model (also
called neurobiological), psychological model, and sociocultural model. Give an example of
how each model would explain psychological disorders. Explain how each of these models
fits into the biopsychosocial model.
4.
Define diathesis-stress model and explain how it integrates elements of the four other
explanations for psychological disorders.
5.
Describe the contents of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).
List the five axes used in diagnosis based on DSM-IV.
6a.
Define anxiety disorder. Specify what disorders are classified as anxiety disorders.
6b.
Define phobia, and understand the difference among specific phobia, social phobia, and
agoraphobia.
6c.
Define generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Explain the difference between obsessions and compulsions.
7.
State the causes of anxiety disorders according to various theoretical models.
8.
Define somatoform disorder. Give a brief description of conversion disorder,
hypochondriasis, somatization disorder, and pain disorder.
9.
State the causes of somatoform disorders according to various theoretical models.
10.
Define dissociative disorder. Compare and contrast dissociative fugue and dissociative
amnesia. Describe dissociative identity disorder.
11.
State the causes of dissociative disorders according to various theoretical models.
12.
Define mood disorders. Give a brief description of major depressive disorder, delusions,
dysthymic disorder, bipolar I disorder, mania, and cyclothymic disorder.
13.
State the biological and psychological causes of mood disorders according to various
theoretical perspectives.
14.
Define schizophrenia. Describe the disorganized thought and language characteristics of
schizophrenia. Give examples of neologisms, loose associations, and word salad.
15.
Define delusions and other types of delusions such as thought broadcasting, thought blocking,
thought withdrawal, and thought assertions. Define hallucinations.
16.
Name the five types of schizophrenia. Describe the positive symptoms and negative
symptoms of schizophrenia.
17.
State the causes of schizophrenia according to various theoretical models.
18.
Define personality disorder. Give a brief description of schizotypal, avoidant, narcissistic,
and antisocial personality disorders.
19.
Describe research on links between child abuse and antisocial personality disorder.
20.
Describe differences between externalizing and internalizing disorders of childhood. Define
conduct disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autistic spectrum disorders.
21.
Define substance-related disorder and addiction.
22.
Describe the problems associated with and the theoretical explanations for the development
of alcoholism.
23.
Discuss the laws designed to protect the rights of people with severe psychological disorders
who are accused of a crime.