From the College Board
👀 Developing Understanding of this Unit
According to the College Board, "Psychologists who study psychological disorders, along with practitioners who treat disorders, often utilize a particular theoretical perspective. Each perspective attempts to explain the origin of a disorder and/or determine the best method for treatment 😊💊 These explanations and treatments build on the history, theories, and perspectives introduced in the first two units as well as on cognitive psychology in particular.
Through observing behavior and engaging in discussion that illuminates a client’s thought process, psychologists gather information and draw conclusions. For some psychologists, a single perspective cannot fully explain a disorder. This leads them to more integrated perspectives to understand and treat psychological disorders"
🔎 Guiding Questions
- Why is psychological perspective necessary in the treatment of disorders?
- How are psychological disorders treated?
Contextualizing the Unit 🧠
The clinical psychology unit applies previous concepts such as psychological approaches and neurotransmitters to new information regarding diagnostic processes within clinical settings using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
As you read through and learn about various psychiatric conditions, keep in mind that only licensed professionals should diagnose! Please don’t self-diagnose or diagnose others based on knowledge from AP Psychology 😊
About 12-16% of the exam tests your knowledge from this unit.
📝Key Vocabulary
| DSM-5 | Psychological disorders | APA | Etiology |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labeling | ASD | ADHD | Somatogenic |
| Schizophrenia | Delusions | Hallucinations | Psychosis |
| Catatonia | Flat affect | GAD | Panic Disorder |
| Phobia | Anxiety | OCD | Social Anxiety Disorder |
| Depression | Mania | MDD | SAD |
| BP | Explanatory style | Rumination | Posttraumatic growth |
| Somatic Symptom Disorder | Conversion Disorder | Dissociative disorders | Psychogenic amnesia |
| Dissociative fugue | DID | Anorexia Nervosa | Bulimia Nervosa |
| Binge-eating Disorder | Substance use disorder | Personality disorders | Antisocial personality disorder |
Main Topics
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) 📔
American Psychological Association (APA)
Legality of psychological disorders ⚖️
Labeling
Neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive disorders
Schizophrenic spectrum and psychotic disorders
Mood disorders 🌗
Anxiety disorders
Dissociative disorders
Somatic Symptom disorders
Eating disorders and addiction-based disorders
Personality disorders