Substance Abuse, Substance Dependence and Substance Intoxication | PSYC 250, Study notes of Abnormal Psychology

Download Substance Abuse, Substance Dependence and Substance Intoxication | PSYC 250 and more Study notes Abnormal Psychology in PDF only on Docsity! Define substance abuse, substance dependence, and substance intoxication. Substance Abuse- The continued use of a psychoactive drug despite the knowledge that it is causing social, occupational, psychological, or physical problems. Substance Dependence- Impaired control over the use of a psychoactive substance; often characterized by physiological dependence. Substance Intoxication- State of drunkeness or being "high". Define substance withdrawal. Give an example of a street drug that does not produce withdrawal syndrome. Substance Withdrawal- Cluster of symptoms that follow the sudden reduction or cessation of use of a psychoactive substance after dependence develops. Marijuana or hallucinogens are examples of street drugs that do not produce withdrawal syndrome because they do not have any clinically significant withdrawal effects. What is meant by Abstinece Syndrome? Abstinence Syndrome is another term for withdrawal syndrome. Who is most at risk to become drug dependent? People who develop physiological dependence, where their bodies depend on a steady supply of the subtance are more likely to become drug dependent. Distinguish between psychological and physiological dependence, and briefly explain each of the stages of drug dependence. Psychological dependence- Compulsive use of a substance to meet a psychological need. For example a person who uses marijuana to cope with stress. Physiological dependence- Condition where the drug user's body comes to depend on a steady supply of a substance. Pathway to substance dependence 1) Experimentation. Casual use where the substance makes the user feel good. User feels they are in control and can stop at any time. 2) Routine use. User begins to structure their life around the pursuit and use of a drug. Denial plays a major role. Values change and things that used to be important take a backseat to using the substance. 3) Addiction or dependence. User feels powerless to resist drugs. They either wish to experience their effects or avoid consequences of withdrawal. -What is the most widely abused substance in the United States, the world? Alcohol is the most widely abused substance in the U.S. and worldwide. p. 293 -Identify and explain at least 5 risk factors for alcoholism. Gender- men are more than twice as likely as women to develop alcoholism. Age- the majority develop alcohol dependence in young adulthood; between the ages 20-40. Antisocial personality disorder- antisocial behavior increases the risks for alcoholism later in life. Family history- if there was family history of alcohol abuse. Sociodemographic factors- more common among lower class and less educated, as well as those who live alone. p. 294-295 -Discuss the physical and psychological effects of alcohol, both positive and negative. Alcohol acts as an antianxiety drug by heightening activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, which produces feelings of relaxation. It impairs judgment and chronic abuse and impairs cognitive abilities like memory, problem solving, and attention. It induces short-term feelings of euphoria and elation, but can also dampen sexual arousal or excitement and impair sexual performance. It hampers coordination and motor ability. Chronic abuse also affects virtually every organ and body system. Linked to increase risks of liver disease, some forms of cancer, coronary heart disease, and neurological disorders. Moderate drinking (1 drink a day for women and 2 a day for men) lowers risks of heart attacks and strokes, and death rates overall. It may prevent the formation of blood clots and increases HDL cholesterol. p. 297- 298 -Discuss the effects/risks of drinking while pregnant. Fetuses are placed at risk for infant mortality, birth defects, central nervous system dysfunctions, and later academic problems. They may also develop fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which is a syndrome characterized by a flattened nose, widely spaced eyes, underdeveloped upper jaw, and mental retardation and social skills deficits. p. 298 -Alcohol, in large quantities, usually kills by doing what to the body? Alcohol usually harms the body by developing disorders such as: alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver and alcohol-induced persisting amnestic disorders, also known as Korsakoff’s syndrome. p. 298 Discuss the effects of depressants? A depressant is a drug that slows down or curbs the activity of the central nervous system. It reduces feelings of tension and anxiety, slows movement, and impairs cognitive process. In high doses, depressants can arrest vital functions and cause death. (Pg293) - Give examples of several depressants. Stimulants are psychoactive substances that increase the activity of the central nervous system, which enhances states of alertness and can produce feelings of pleasure or even euphoric highs. The effects vary with the particular drug. Give examples of several stimulants. Examples of stimulants include amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine, and nicotine. Briefly describe amphetamines and discuss the effects of amphetamines. Amphetamines are a class of synthetic stimulants that are used in high doses for their euphoric rush. They’re often taken in pill form or smoked in a relatively pure form called “ice” or “crystal meth.” The most potent form of amphetamine, liquid methamphetamine, is injected directly into the veins and produces an intense and immediate rush. Some users inject methamphetamine for days on end to maintain an extended high, but those highs come to an end. People who have been on extended highs sometimes “crash” and fall into a deep sleep or depression. Some people commit suicide on the way down. High doses can cause restlessness, irritability, hallucinations, paranoid delusions, loss of appetite, and insomnia. Physiological dependence can develop from using amphetamines, leading to an abstinence syndrome characterized by depression and fatigue, as well as by unpleasant, vivid dreams, insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping), increased appetite, and either a slowing down of motor behavior or agitation. Psychological dependence is seen most often in people who use amphetamines as a way of coping with stress or depression. Methamphetamine abuse can cause brain damage, producing deficits in learn and memory in addition to other effects. Chronic use is also associated with increased depression, aggressive behavior, and social isolation. Impulsive acts of violence may also occur, especially when the drug is smoked or injected intravenously. The hallucinations and delusions of amphetamine psychosis mimic those of paranoid schizophrenia, which has encouraged researchers to study the chemical changes induced by amphetamines as possible clues to the underlying causes of schizophrenia. Briefly describe cocaine and discuss the effects of cocaine. Cocaine is a natural stimulant extracted from the leaves of the coca plant. The drug produces a tolerance effect and an identifiable withdrawal syndrome, which is characterized by depressed mood and disturbances in sleep and appetite. Intense cravings for the drug and loss of ability to experience pleasure may also be present. Withdrawal symptoms are usually brief in duration and may involve a “crash,” following abrupt withdrawal. Cocaine is usually snorted in powder form or smoked in the form of crack, a hardened form of cocaine that may be more than 75% pure. Crack “rocks” are available in small, ready-to-smoke amounts and are considered to be the most habit-forming street drug available. Crack produces a prompt and potent rush that wears off in a few minutes. The rush of snorting powdered cocaine is milder and takes a while to develop, but it tends to linger longer than the rush of crack. Cocaine directly stimulates the brain’s reward or pleasure circuits. It also produces a sudden rise in blood pressure and an accelerated heart rate that can cause potentially dangerous, even fatal, irregular heart rhythms. Overdoses can produce restlessness, insomnia, headaches, nausea, convulsions, tremors, hallucinations, delusions, and even sudden death due to respiratory or cardiovascular collapse. Regular snorting of cocaine can lead to serious nasal problems, including ulcers in the nostrils. Briefly discuss the interesting history of cocaine (coca) and its uses. The original formula for the popular soft drink Coca-Cola included an extract of cocaine. However, in 1906, the company took the coca out of the formula. The drink was originally described as a “brain tonic and intellectual beverage,” in part because of its cocaine content. Coca-Cola is still flavored with an extract from the coca plant, but one that is not known to be psychoactive. Discuss the effects of tobacco smoke and nicotine. Who is most likely to smoke? Smoking is a physical addiction to the stimulant nicotine, found in tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco. Smoking also claims around 443,000 lives a year in the United States, particularly from lung cancer and other lung diseases, as well as cardiovascular disease. Smoking doubles the risk of dying in midlife (prior to age 70). More women die of lung cancer than any other type of cancer, including breast cancer. With the exception of Native Americans, women in each ethnic group are less likely to smoke than their male counterparts. Smoking is also becoming increasingly concentrated among people at lower income and educational levels. In both genders, Native Americans are more likely to smoke than any other ethnic group. As a stimulant, nicotine increases alertness but can also give rise to cold, clammy skin, nausea and vomiting, dizziness and faintness, and diarrhea, all of which account for the discomforts of novice smokers. Nicotine also stimulates the release of epinephrine, a hormone that generates a rush of autonomic nervous system activity, including rapid heartbeat and release of stores of sugar into the blood. Nicotine quells the appetite and provides a psychological “kick,” and also leads to the release of endorphins. Habitual use of nicotine leads to physiological dependence on the drug. Nicotine dependence is associated with both tolerance and a characteristic withdrawal syndrome. The withdrawal syndrome for nicotine includes features such as lack of energy, depressed mood, irritability, frustration, nervousness, impaired concentration, lightheadedness and dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, fatigue, and many others. It is nicotine dependence, not cigarette smoking per se, that is classifiable as a mental disorder in the DSM system. The great majority of regular smokers meet diagnostic criteria for nicotine dependence. -What is another name for hallucinogens? Another name for hallucinogens is psychedelics because they produce sensory distortions or hallucinations including major alterations in color perception and hearing. Pg. 308 -Give examples of several hallucinogens. Examples of hallucinogens are lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, and mescaline. Marijuana and phencyclidine (PCP) are psychoactive substances, but their effects are similar to psychedelic drugs. Pg. 308 -Briefly describe LSD and discuss the effects of LSD. Lysergic acid diethylamide, more commonly known as LSD, is a synthetic hallucinogen that produces a vivid parade of colors and visual distortions. Users also claim it "expands consciousness" or opens new worlds. The effects of LSD are unpredictable and depends on the amount taken as well as the user's expectations. Users who have learned to handle the effects of the drug though past experience may be better prepared than new users. Some users also experience what is known as a "bad trip." Pg. 308 -Briefly describe marijuana and discuss the effects of marijuana. Marijuana is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. It's classified as a hallucinogen because it can produce perceptual distortions or mild hallucinations. The psychoactive substance in marijuana is delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. THC is found in the branches and leaves of the plant but is highly concentrated in the resin of the female plant. Some users report that at a low dose the drug makes them feel more comfortable in social gatherings and higher doses often leads users to withdraw into themselves. There is increased awareness of bodily sensations, such as heartbeat. Accelerated heart rate and sharpened awareness of bodily sensations cause some smokers to fear their heart will "run away" with them. Pg. 309 -Briefly describe PCP and discuss the effects of PCP. Phencyclidine, or PCP-which is referred to "angel dust" on the streets-was developed as an anesthetic in the 1950s but was discontinued as such when its hallucinatory side effects were discovered. A smokable Schizotypal personality disorder is a mental health condition in which a person has trouble with relationships and disturbances in thought patterns, appearance, and behavior. - Describe the features of avoidant, dependent and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders. Avoidant personality disorder is a mental health condition in which a person has a lifelong pattern of feeling very shy, inadequate, and sensitive to rejection. Dependent personality disorder is a long-term (chronic) condition in which people depend too much on others to meet their emotional and physical needs. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a condition in which a person is preoccupied with rules, orderliness, and control. Describe the features of antisocial personality disorder. What are other terms used for antisocial personality disorder? Antisocial personality disorder is a personality disorder characterized by antisocial and irresponsible behavior and lack of remorse for misdeeds according to the text. page 432 The features of antisocial personality disorder are chronic antisocial behavior, callous treatment of others, irresponsible behavior, and lack of remorse for wrongdoing. page 428 They are not antisocial in the sense of seeking to avoid people. They tend to be impulsive, fail to live up to commitments to others, lack of remorse or guilt or empathy is the cardinal feature, have little or no anxiety in threatening situations, punishment has little or no effect on their behavior, egocentricity, manipulativeness. page 432-433 The personality dimension of antisocial behavior is characterized by the traits of superficial charm, selfishness, lack of empathy, callous toward others and disregard of others feelings or welfare; this personality type does not become lawbreakers. The behavioral dimension is characterized by a general unstableness, frequent problems with the law, poor employment history and unstable relationships. These personality dimensions can appear together or apart in a antisocial personality. The profile of this personality consists of failure to conform to social norms, lack of long term goals, impulsive behavior, outright lawlessness, violence, chronic unemployment, marital problems, lack of remorse, substance abuse and disregard for the truth and needs of others. page 434 The other terms for antisocial personality disorder are psychopath being that something is amis pathological in the individuals pathological functioning and sociopath is characterized by the person's social deviance. page 432 Discuss conduct disorder and its relationship to antisocial personality disorder. The diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder is limited to people 18 years of age and older. If younger people or people under the age of 18 are exhibiting symptoms similar to antisocial personality disorder than the diagnosis of conduct disorder is considered. Conduct disorder is a psychological disorder in childhood and adolescence characterized by disruptive, antisocial behavior. page 432 and 490 Describe the features of borderline, histrionic, narcissistic personality disorders. Borderline personality disorder is characterized by abrupt mood shifts, lack of coherent sense of self, and unpredictable, impulsive behavior. page 435 The features of borderline personality disorder are tumultous moods and stormy relationships with others, unstable self image, and lack of impulse control. page 428 They tend to be uncertain about their personal identities, have difficulty regulating emotions and do not like to be alone. page 435-436 Histrionic personality disorder is characterized by excessive need for attention, praise, reassurance and approval. page 438 They tend to be overly dramatic and emotional behavior, demands to be the center of attention, their emotions seem shallow, exaggerated and volatile. page 438 Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by an inflated self image and extreme needs for attention and admiration. They have an inflated or grandiose sense of self, self absorbed, lack of empathy for others, are extremely sensitive to the slightest hint of rejection or criticism. They have feelings of entitlement that lead to exploit others, they seek relationships that will serve their self interests and self importance. page 439 - Compare and contrast the various theoretical perspectives on the personality disorders, including but not limited to the causes of antisocial, borderline, dependant, obsessive-compulsive, narcissistic, etc. personality disorders . o Psychodynamic perspective: § Hans Kohut shaped modern psychology through his theory labeled self psychology. He believed that people with narcissistic personalities mount a façade of self-importance to cover up deep feelings of inadequacy. He also believed that early childhood involves a normal stage of healthy narcissism, but that the lack of parental empathy and support sets the stage for pathological narcissism. Pg 448 § Otto Kernberg views boarderline personality in terms of a failure in early childhood to develop a sense of constancy and unity in one’s image of oneself and others. Borderline individuals cannot synthesize contradictory elements of themselves. Pg 449 § Margaret Mahler explained borderline personality disorder in terms of childhood separation from the mother figure. Infants develop a symbiotic attachment to their mothers. Symbiosis is a biological term derived from Greek roots meaning to live together. Normally, children gradually differentiate their own identities or senses of self from that of their mothers. Pg 450 o Learning Perspective: focus on maladaptive behaviors rather than disorders of personality. They suggest that childhood experiences shape the pattern of maladaptive habits of relating to others that constitute personality disorders. Excessive parental discipline may lead to obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Pg 450 § Social-cognitive theories emphasize the role of reinforcement in explaining the origins of antisocial behavior. People with antisocial personalities failed to learn to treat others as reinforcing agents because others reinforce them with praise for good behavior and punishment for bad. People with antisocial personalities may not have become socialized in this way because their early learning experiences lacked consistency and predictability. Pg 451 o Family Perspective: Disturbances in family relationships underlie the development of personality disorders. People with boarderline personality disorder remember their parents as having been more controlling and less caring than reference subjects with other psychological disorders. Researchers find that childhood abuse, parental neglect, or lack of parental nurturing are important risk factors in the development of antisocial personality disorder in adulthood. Pg 453 o Biological Perspective: Genetic factor play a role in the development of antisocial, narcissistic, paranoid, and borderline types. Also brain abnormalities play an important role. Pg 453-54 o Sociocultural Perspective:Social conditions may contribute to the development of personality disorders. Stressors from lower social classes may result in antisocial behavior patterns. Pg 455 - Discuss various techniques that therapists may use to treat personality disorders, example: what techniques might a behavioral therapist used in treating someone with a dependant personality disorder. o Psychodynamic uses therapeutic approaches to personality disorders pg 456. o Biological approaches include drug therapy like anianxiety and antidepressant drugs. Increase level of serotonin my decrease rage or anger. Pg 456 Discuss the problems in the classification of personality disorders, including their reliability and validity, and sexist biases. One question is whether personality disorders can be reliably differentiated from Axis I clinical syndromes such as anxiety or mood disorders. For examples, often there is difficulty in distinguishing between obsessive- compulsive disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Clinical syndromes are believed to be variable over time, whereas personality disorders are held to be generally more enduring patterns of disturbance. Yet the features of personality disorders may vary over time with changes in circumstances, while some Axis I clinical syndromes follow a more or less chronic course. Overlap Among Disorders A high degree of overlap exists among the personality disorders. Some personality disorders have distinct features, but many share common traits, such as problems in romantic relationships. For example, someone may have traits suggestive of dependent personality disorder (inability to make decisions or initiate activities independently) as well as avoidant personality disorder (extreme social anxiety and heightened sensitivity to criticism). Co- occurrence (comorbidity) of different personality disorders is also quite common. This suggests that the specific types of personality disorders in the DSM system may not be sufficiently distinct from one another. Some personality disorders may not actually be distinct disorders but rather subtypes or variations of other personality disorders. Difficulty in distinguishing between normal and abnormal behavior Another problem with diagnosis of personality disorders is that they involve personality traits which in lesser degrees, describe the behavior of most normal individuals. Because the defining attributes of these disorders are common personality traits, clinicians should only apply these diagnostic labels when the patterns are so pervasive that they interfere with the individual functioning or cause significant personal distress. We still lack the evidence we need to determine the particular points at which personality traits become maladaptive and justify a diagnosis of a personality disorder. Confusing labels with explanations