AP Psychology Flashcards: Treatment of Psychological Disorders
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 29 cards to help you master important concepts.
For which conditions has hypnosis been shown to be an effective intervention?
Research has shown that hypnosis can be an effective treatment for pain and anxiety.
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For which conditions has hypnosis been shown to be an effective intervention?
Research has shown that hypnosis can be an effective treatment for pain and anxiety.
What set of ethical principles must psychologists follow in the treatment of disorders?
Psychologists are required to follow the APA (American Psychological Association) ethical principles.
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an invasive intervention that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression.
Name an example of a specific type of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.
Examples of cognitive-behavioral therapies include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT).
What is deinstitutionalization?
Deinstitutionalization is the trend of moving patients out of long-term mental health facilities, which was largely made possible by the development of effective medications.
For which purpose is the use of hypnosis NOT supported by research?
The use of hypnosis for memory retrieval is not supported by research.
What is the primary goal of psychodynamic therapies?
Psychodynamic therapies aim to uncover unconscious conflicts and motivations through techniques like free association and dream interpretation.
What is free association?
Free association is a psychodynamic technique where a client says whatever comes to mind without censorship to reveal unconscious thoughts.
What is the APA ethical principle of respect?
Respect is the ethical principle that requires psychologists to honor the rights and dignity of all people.
What is the APA ethical principle of fidelity?
Fidelity is the ethical principle related to faithfulness, trust, and responsibility in the therapeutic relationship.
What are the core components of humanistic (person-centered) therapy?
Humanistic therapy, also known as person-centered therapy, employs techniques such as active listening and providing unconditional positive regard.
What is the general goal of interventions derived from the biological perspective?
Biological interventions, such as psychoactive medications, aim to address the biochemical causes of psychological disorders.
What is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an invasive medical intervention that involves passing a brief electrical current through the brain to induce a seizure.
What are aversion therapies?
Aversion therapies are a form of applied behavior analysis that pairs an undesirable behavior with an unpleasant stimulus to reduce the behavior's occurrence.
What is cognitive restructuring?
Cognitive restructuring is a technique used in cognitive therapies to identify and challenge maladaptive thinking patterns.
What are evidence-based interventions?
Evidence-based interventions are treatments whose effectiveness is supported by research, and they are used by many psychologists.
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
Applied Behavior Analysis is a therapeutic approach that uses principles of conditioning to change behavior.
What are exposure therapies?
Exposure therapies are a form of applied behavior analysis where a person is gradually exposed to a feared object or situation to reduce their anxiety.
What are Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies (CBT)?
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies are a type of psychotherapy that combines techniques from both cognitive and behavioral approaches.
How is group therapy different from individual therapy?
Group therapy involves a therapist working with several individuals at once, whereas individual therapy is a one-on-one session between a therapist and a single client.
What is the APA ethical principle of integrity?
Integrity is the ethical principle that requires psychologists to be honest and accurate in their professional practices.
What is unconditional positive regard?
Unconditional positive regard is a humanistic therapy concept of accepting and supporting a client without judgment, regardless of what they say or do.
What is a token economy?
A token economy is a system based on conditioning principles where individuals earn tokens for desired behaviors, which can be exchanged for rewards.
How do psychoactive medications like antidepressants and antipsychotics work?
Psychoactive medications work by interacting with neurotransmitters in the brain to alter mood, thought, or behavior.
What is the APA ethical principle of nonmaleficence?
Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle of doing no harm to clients during treatment.
What is active listening?
Active listening is a humanistic therapy technique where the therapist fully concentrates, understands, responds, and then remembers what is being said.
What is the general conclusion from research regarding the effectiveness of psychotherapies?
Research concludes that psychotherapies are generally effective in treating psychological disorders.
What is a common modern approach to treating psychological disorders, following deinstitutionalization?
Modern treatment for psychological disorders is often a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
What is psychosurgery?
Psychosurgery is a type of surgical or invasive intervention that involves altering brain tissue to treat a psychological disorder.