AP Psychology · Unit 8
Clinical Psychology: every key term you need (+ practice quiz)
24 flashcard terms for AP Psychology Unit 8, written to match the course framework. Study them here, then drill them as interactive flashcards, or test yourself with the 10-question quiz — free, no account needed.
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Psychological Disorder A pattern of thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that is deviant, distressful, and dysfunctional.
DSM-5 The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual that classifies disorders with standardized diagnostic criteria.
Medical Model View that disorders have physical causes that can be diagnosed and treated, often medically.
Biopsychosocial Model Holds that disorders arise from interacting biological, psychological, and social-cultural factors.
Diathesis-Stress Model Disorders emerge when a predisposition (diathesis) is triggered by environmental stress.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Persistent, uncontrollable, free-floating anxiety without a specific cause.
Panic Disorder Recurrent, unexpected episodes of intense dread with physical symptoms like chest pain and dizziness.
Phobia A persistent, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that disrupts functioning.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and actions (compulsions) done to reduce anxiety.
PTSD Lingering distress, flashbacks, and hypervigilance following a traumatic experience.
Major Depressive Disorder Two or more weeks of deep sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest impairing daily life.
Bipolar Disorder Alternating episodes of depression and mania (overexcited, hyperactive, impulsive states).
Schizophrenia A psychotic disorder with disorganized thinking, delusions, hallucinations, and impaired emotion.
Positive vs Negative Symptoms Positive symptoms add behaviors (hallucinations); negative symptoms subtract them (flat affect, withdrawal).
Personality Disorders Inflexible, enduring behavior patterns that impair social functioning, such as antisocial or borderline.
Antisocial Personality Disorder Lack of conscience, disregard for others' rights, and manipulative, often impulsive behavior.
Psychoanalytic Therapy Freud's approach aiming to reveal unconscious conflicts through free association and interpretation.
Behavior Therapy Applies conditioning principles to change maladaptive behaviors, as in systematic desensitization.
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Systematic Desensitization Pairs relaxation with a gradual hierarchy of feared stimuli to treat phobias.
Cognitive Therapy Teaches people to identify and change negative thought patterns that cause distress.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Combines cognitive and behavioral techniques to change both thoughts and actions.
Humanistic Therapy Rogers's client-centered approach using empathy and unconditional positive regard to foster growth.
Biomedical Therapy Treats disorders physiologically through drugs, electroconvulsive therapy, or other medical means.
Psychotropic Medications Drugs that alter brain chemistry, including antidepressants, antianxiety, and antipsychotic drugs.
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