Comprehensive Study Notes: Psychological Disorders, Substance Use, Sleep, Sexuality, and Schizophrenia

Psychological Disorders and Substance Use

Distinguishing Substance-Induced Disorders and Substance Use Disorders

Substance-induced disorders are directly caused by the physiological effects of a substance, while substance use disorders involve problematic patterns of substance use leading to significant impairment or distress.

• Substance-induced disorders: Symptoms arise during intoxication or withdrawal.

• Substance use disorders: Persistent use despite negative consequences.

Key Terms: Tolerance, Intoxication, Withdrawal, Addiction, Dependence

• Tolerance: Need for increased amounts of a substance to achieve the same effect.

• Intoxication: Reversible substance-specific syndrome due to recent ingestion.

• Withdrawal: Symptoms occurring when substance use is reduced or stopped.

• Addiction: Compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences.

• Dependence: Physiological or psychological need for a substance.

Major Types of Psychoactive Drugs

Psychoactive drugs alter brain function, affecting mood, perception, or consciousness.

• Stimulants: Increase alertness (e.g., amphetamines, caffeine).

• Depressants: Reduce neural activity (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines).

• Hallucinogens: Cause perceptual distortions (e.g., LSD, psilocybin).

• Opioids: Relieve pain, induce euphoria (e.g., morphine, heroin).

• Cannabis: Alters perception, mood, and cognition.

Risks of Alcohol Misuse in Teens

• Impaired brain development and increased risk of health issues.

• Alcohol misuse can be a risk factor for later addiction.

Alcohol Use and Aggressive Behaviors

• Alcohol impairs decision-making and increases impulsivity.

• May lead to aggressive behavior, especially in social situations.

Risks Posed by Depressant Drugs

• Depressants can cause drowsiness, impaired judgment, and addiction.

• Risk of overdose increases when combined with other drugs.

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

• Flu-like symptoms: fever, diarrhea, nausea, muscle aches.

• Severe withdrawal: agitation, insomnia, rapid heart rate.

Effects of Heroin and Other Drug Use

• Heroin: rapid euphoria, high risk of addiction and overdose.

• Long-term use: tolerance, dependence, withdrawal symptoms.

Effects of Cocaine on the Brain and Body

• Increases dopamine levels, leading to euphoria and energy.

• Risks: cardiovascular damage, addiction, impaired judgment.

Learning Theory of Addictive Behaviors

• Addictive behaviors are learned through reinforcement and habit formation.

• Environmental cues can trigger cravings and relapse.

Eating Disorders

Major Types, Prevalence, Symptoms, Effects, and Risks

• Anorexia Nervosa: Restriction of food intake, fear of gaining weight.

• Bulimia Nervosa: Cycles of binge eating and compensatory behaviors (e.g., purging).

Frequently Co-occurring Disorders

• Anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and body dysmorphic disorder.

Differences Between Anorexia and Bulimia

• Anorexia: Restriction and fear of weight gain.

• Bulimia: Binge eating and purging cycles.

Principles of Reinforcement in Purging Behaviors

• Purging is negatively reinforced by relief from anxiety about weight gain.

Treatments for Anorexia Nervosa

• Behavioral therapy

• Medication

• Nutritional support

Factors Associated with Binge-Eating Disorder

• Genetics, personality traits, comorbid mental disorders.

Sleep and Sleep-Wake Disorders

Characteristics of Sleep-Wake Disorders

• Narcolepsy

• Insomnia

• Sleep apnea (various types)

Major Features of Narcolepsy, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, Nightmare Disorder

• Narcolepsy: Sudden sleep attacks, sleep paralysis, hallucinations.

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Repeated airway obstruction during sleep.

• REM Sleep Behavior Disorder: Acting out dreams during REM sleep.

• Nightmare Disorder: Frequent, disturbing dreams causing distress.

Treatment Approaches to Sleep-Wake Disorders

• Medication, behavioral therapy, sleep hygiene education.

Gender Differences in Narcolepsy Prevalence

• Women may experience more sleepiness; men may have more cataplexy.

Features of Gender Dysphoria

• Distress due to mismatch between gender identity and assigned sex.

• Low self-esteem and depression may be present.

Concepts of Gender, Sex, Gender Identity, Gender Role, Sexual Orientation

• Sex: Biological attributes (chromosomes, anatomy).

• Gender: Social construct of masculinity and femininity.

• Gender identity: Personal sense of one's gender.

• Gender role: Societal expectations for behavior.

• Sexual orientation: Romantic/sexual attraction to others.

DSM-5 Changes Regarding Gender Dysphoria

• Gender dysphoria introduced as a diagnostic category, focusing on distress rather than identity.

Sexual Dysfunctions: Lifelong, Acquired, Situational

• Lifelong: Present since first sexual experiences.

• Acquired: Develop after a period of normal sexual functioning.

• Situational: Occur only in specific contexts or with certain partners.

Types of Sexual Dysfunctions and Features

• Delayed or absent orgasm, erectile dysfunction, pain during sex.

Psychodynamic Theory and Sexual Dysfunction

• Early childhood experiences and unconscious conflicts may contribute to sexual dysfunctions.

Major Features of Sex Therapy

• Education, communication, behavioral exercises.

Distinguishing Sexual Dysfunctions, Gender Dysphoria, Paraphilias

• Sexual dysfunctions: Problems with sexual response.

• Gender dysphoria: Distress from gender identity mismatch.

• Paraphilias: Unusual sexual interests causing distress or impairment.

Major Types of Paraphilias and Treatment

• Exhibitionistic disorder: Exposure of genitals to strangers.

• Fetishistic disorder: Sexual focus on nonliving objects.

• Treatment: Behavioral therapy, medication.

Features Associated with Cybersex Addiction

• Compulsive use of online sexual activities, impaired functioning.

Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders

Major Features of Schizophrenia

• Positive symptoms: hallucinations, delusions.

• Negative symptoms: flat affect, lack of motivation.

• Cognitive symptoms: disorganized thinking.

Phases of Schizophrenia

• Prodromal phase: early signs and symptoms.

• Active phase: pronounced symptoms.

• Residual phase: recovery or persistent symptoms.

Brief Psychotic Disorder and Schizophreniform Disorder

• Brief psychotic disorder: short duration, similar symptoms to schizophrenia.

• Schizophreniform disorder: symptoms last 1-6 months.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

• Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonia, disturbed volition.

Types of Hallucinations and Delusions

• Hallucinations: Auditory (hearing voices), visual, tactile.

• Delusions: False beliefs, often paranoid or grandiose.

Casual Factors in Schizophrenia

• Genetic predisposition, environmental stressors.

Comorbidity and Communication Deviance

• Schizophrenia often co-occurs with mood disorders.

• Communication deviance: unclear, confusing communication patterns.

Treatment: Drug Therapy and Psychological Interventions

• Antipsychotic medications reduce positive symptoms.

• Psychological interventions improve social functioning and coping skills.

Disorder	Main Features	Treatment
Schizophrenia	Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech	Antipsychotics, psychotherapy
Anorexia Nervosa	Food restriction, fear of weight gain	Behavioral therapy, nutritional support
Bulimia Nervosa	Binge eating, purging	Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Substance Use Disorder	Compulsive substance use, withdrawal	Detoxification, counseling

Additional info: Some explanations and definitions have been expanded for clarity and completeness based on standard academic sources in psychology.