Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology Reference
Schizophrenia Summary
Definition
- Severe disorder affecting thinking, perception, emotions, behavior, and reality contact.
Positive Symptoms (Added)
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
Negative Symptoms (Lost)
The 5 A’s
- Avolition
- Alogia
- Anhedonia
- Asociality
- Affective Flattening
Neurodevelopmental Causes (PBG)
- Prenatal factors
- Birth complications
- Genetic factors
Famous Example
- John Nash
- A Beautiful Mind
Unipolar Mood Disorders
Definition
- Depression without mania or hypomania.
Types: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Double Depression
- Dysthymia + MDD
MDD Symptoms
- Sleep problems
- Appetite changes
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Anhedonia
- Concentration problems
- Suicidal thoughts
Biological Causes
- Genetics, neurotransmitters, neuroanatomical factors
Psychological Causes
- Stressful life events, learned helplessness
- Negative thinking
- Family/interpersonal problems
Cluster B Personality Disorders
Dramatic, Emotional, Erratic
Antisocial
- Deceitful
- No remorse
- Violates rights
Borderline
- Fear of abandonment
- Mood swings
- Unstable relationships
Histrionic
- Attention-seeking
- Excessive emotionality
Narcissistic
- Grandiosity
- Need for admiration
- Lack of empathy
Causes
Biological, Psychological
Treatment
Psychotherapy, CBT, DBT (especially for Borderline), Medication (symptom management)
Short-Term Psychotherapy
Definition
- Time-limited, focused therapy for specific problems.
Features
- Focused
- Goal-oriented
- Time-bound
- Cost-effective
Stages
- Initial
- Middle
- Termination
Categories
- Crisis intervention
- Supportive, behavioral, and educational
- Psychodynamic
| STP | LTP |
|---|---|
| Short | Long |
| Focused | Broad |
| Less Cost | More Cost |
| Structured | Exploratory |
Person-Centered Therapy
Founder
- Carl Rogers
Other Names
Client-Centered Therapy, Non-Directive Therapy
Goal
Self-actualization
Core Conditions
- Empathy
- Unconditional Positive Regard
- Genuineness (Congruence)
Therapeutic Process
- Relationship
- Empathy
- Unconditional Positive Regard
- Genuineness
- Growth/Self-exploration
Goals
- Self-esteem
- Self-understanding
- Self-trust
- Self-actualization
Family Therapy
Core Idea
- Treat the family system, not just the individual.
Approaches (BSSS)
- Bowen
- Structural
- Systemic
- Strategic
Keywords
Bowen
- Differentiation
Structural
- Boundaries
Systemic
- Relationships
Strategic
- Solutions
Play Therapy
Used For
- Children
Medium
- Toys, dolls, puppets, drawing, role-play
Benefits
- Emotional expression
- Anxiety reduction
- Better coping skills
CCPT Principles
- Acceptance, empathy, genuineness, non-judgment
Gestalt Therapy
Founder
- Fritz Perls
Key Concepts
- Layers of neurosis
- Contact boundaries
- Awareness
- Here and now
Techniques
Empty Chair ⭐
- Imaginary dialogue
Goal
- Self-awareness, personal growth
Cluster C: Anxious & Fearful Disorders
1. Avoidant Personality Disorder
Core Idea
“I want relationships, but I fear rejection.”
Key Features
- Social inhibition
- Fear of criticism
- Low self-esteem
- Avoids social situations
- Sensitive to rejection
Memory Aid
👉 Avoidant = Fear of Rejection
2. Dependent Personality Disorder
Core Idea
“I can’t function without others.”
Key Features
- Excessive dependence on others
- Difficulty making decisions
- Fear of being alone
- Needs constant reassurance
- Submissive behavior
Memory Aid
👉 Dependent = Fear of Separation
3. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)
Core Idea
“Everything must be perfect.”
Key Features
- Perfectionism, orderliness, rigid thinking
Causal Factors (BPS Model)
Biological
- Genetic predisposition, temperamental traits
Psychological
- Childhood experiences, insecure attachment
- Learned fears
Social
- Overprotective parenting, critical family environment
- Social rejection
Treatment
Psychotherapy
CBT: Changes negative thoughts and behaviors
Social Skills Training: Improves confidence and interaction
Medication: Symptom management