Bipolar & Related Disorders

In this video I describe the symptoms and prevalence of several disorders in the DSM-5 category of Bipolar and Related Disorders, formerly in the category of mood disorders. I describe the symptoms and prevalence of Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and … Read More

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

In this video I describe some symptoms and prevalence of several disorders in the Neurodevelopmental Disorders category of the DSM-5. This category includes intellectual disability, communication disorders, learning disorders, and motor disorders. In this video I focus on Autism Spectrum … Read More

Dissociative Disorders

In this video I describe some symptoms and prevalence of several disorders in the Dissociative Disorders category of the DSM-5. These include dissociative amnesia, dissociative fugue, dissociative identity disorder, and depersonalization/derealization disorder. Please note that the symptoms described in this … Read More

Trauma & Stressor Related Disorders

In this video I describe some symptoms and the prevalence of several disorders in the Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders category of the DSM-5. These include Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Acute Stress Disorder, and Adjustment Disorder. Please note that the symptoms … Read More

The Diathesis-Stress Model

In this video I describe the diathesis-stress model. This model suggests that development of mental illness can be explained by two main factors – a genetic predisposition (diathesis) and environment (stress). Individuals vary for both of these factors and these … Read More

The DSM-5

In this video I describe the DSM-5, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 5th edition, which is used to diagnose mental illness in the United States. The DSM-5 was released in 2013 and describe the symptoms, prevalence, … Read More

On Being Sane in Insane Places – The Rosenhan Study

In this video I discuss David Rosenhan’s well-known study in which pseudo-patients went for psychiatric consultations and described a single symptom of hearing voices. I discuss how this study raised questions about recognition and diagnosis of mental illness, interpretations of … Read More

What is Normal?

In this video I begin the unit on psychopathology by asking how we can define normality and abnormality. Which traits or behaviors should be considered abnormal and indicative of a psychological disorder? What role do societal views play in the … Read More

Stress & Health Psychology Knowledge Organizer

Here’s a knowledge organizer I’ve created of the most essential terms for stress and health psychology in an introductory psychology course. These knowledge organizers are designed to help you identify the most important factual knowledge you need to have in … Read More

Overview of Positive Psychology

In this video I describe some of the concepts of positive psychology and its emphasis on thriving, growth, and well-being. I discuss optimism, upward and downward comparison, gratitude, and the adaptation level phenomenon or hedonic treadmill, as well as how … Read More