Abnormal Psychology
What is geropsychology, and how is it different than other subfields such as health psychology?
Geropsychology is a subfield of psychology that focuses on mental health issues and psychological concerns that arise in older adults. Typical topics this branch of psychology covers include age-related cognitive decline, retirement adjustment, health risk behaviors, and social isolation. In contrast to other subfields like health psychology, geropsychology specializes in problems peculiar to the aging population (Psychological Disorders 49). While geropsychology focuses on psychological problems unique to the aging population, health psychology deals with psychological problems connected to physical health.
Discuss at least one recommendation in the APA’s ethical guidelines for the treatment of older adults.
One recommendation in the APA’s ethical standards for the treatment of older individuals is that doctors should take into account the particular circumstances in which older adults live, including their degree of social and economic support and their physical and mental health state. Additionally, clinicians need to be aware of the risks related to aging, including cognitive decline and changes in physical health, as well as the risks related to social isolation and financial fragility.
What percent of older adults living in the USA have a psychological disorder?
A mental illness affects around twenty percent of people who are sixty years old or older and live in the United States.
Discuss some of the ways depression and anxiety may be different among older adults than depression and anxiety in younger adults.
Depression and anxiety may manifest in older persons in a different way than they do in younger ones. In contrast to physical complaints like exhaustion, stomach trouble, or headaches, older persons may be less likely to report feeling depressed or nervous (Psychological Disorders 23). Older persons may be less inclined to identify or express feelings of depression or anxiety, attributing their symptoms to aging processes or other medical illnesses instead.
What is the life-span developmental diathesis-stress model?
The life-span developmental diathesis-stress model is a theoretical model that suggests that psychological disorders are caused by the interaction of two factors: diatheses (predisposing factors such as genetic or environmental factors) and stressors (triggers such as life events or trauma). This model proposes that psychological disorders result from the interaction between these two factors.
Why is it important to rule out medical causes for psychological symptoms?
It is important to rule out medical causes for psychological symptoms because physical illnesses and medical conditions can present with psychological symptoms (Psychological Disorders 45). For example, some medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism or anemia, can present symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and cognitive impairment, which can be mistaken for psychological disorders.
What are some of the modifications to therapies like CBT that might need to be made for older adults with depression and/ or anxiety?
Some of the modifications to therapies like CBT that might need to be made for older adults with depression and anxiety include using language and examples that are relevant to the older adult’s life and experience, being mindful of the potential limitations of an older adult’s physical and cognitive abilities, and incorporating relaxation techniques to help manage anxiety.
Why do you think the author of our textbook states that alcohol and other substance use disorders are ‘underappreciated’ problems?
The author of our textbook states that alcohol and other substance use disorders are ‘underappreciated’ problems because many people mistakenly believe that substance use and addiction are not issues that affect older adults (Psychological Disorders 38). However, substance use and addiction can be a problem for older adults and go unrecognized and untreated due to stigma and other barriers.
What is late onset schizophrenia, and how is it different from very-late-onset-schizophrenia-like psychosis?
Late-onset schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by psychotic symptoms (such as hallucinations and delusions) that develop in individuals aged 45 or older. Very-late-onset-schizophrenia-like psychosis is a condition similar to late-onset schizophrenia but is characterized by psychotic symptoms that develop in individuals aged 60 or older (Psychological Disorders 41). Late-onset-schizophrenia-like psychosis is more likely to be caused by a medical condition than late-onset schizophrenia.
What does delirium refer to?
Delirium is an acute state of confusion and disorientation, typically caused by an underlying medical condition such as infection or metabolic disturbances. Delirium is common in older adults and can be caused by medications, alcohol, or illicit drugs.
What is major neurocognitive disorder, and how does it differ from delirium?
The major neurocognitive disorder is a cognitive impairment not caused by delirium and interferes with an individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living (Psychological Disorders 28). The major neurocognitive disorder differs from delirium because it is caused by a cognitive impairment rather than an underlying medical condition.
What is the most common subtype of major neurocognitive disorder?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent form of the serious neurocognitive condition called Alzheimer’s disease.
What are plaques and tangles?
Plaques and tangles are pathological changes in the brain of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Plaques are deposits of a protein called amyloid-beta, which can accumulate in the spaces between neurons and disrupt communication between neurons (Psychological Disorders 26). Tangles are twisted strands of a protein called tau, accumulating inside neurons and interfering with the cells’ ability to transport nutrients and other molecules.
Work Cited
“Chapter 13 Psychological Disorders – Chapter 13 Psychological Disorders What Is Abnormal Behavior? ·.” Mccc.edu, 2022, https://www.mccc.edu/~jenningh/Courses/documents/lecture16-abnormal-Fulltext.pdf.