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

1. Why is psychological perspective necessary in the treatment of disorders?
2. 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.

Gif Courtesy of Giphy.

📝Key Vocabulary

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