Lecture Notes Chapter 1

Psychology
Chapter One


Psychology is the science that studies brain and behavior.
Doctor is Greek for teacher.
MD (medical doctor) is a teacher of medicine.
PhD is a teacher of psychology.
Psychologists can not prescribe meds because they are not MD’s.
Psychiatrists are MD’s and can prescribe. They are being phased out. The best is a combo of MD and PhD.
MD’s and psychiatrists deal with organic problems. Psychiatric evaluation is their x-ray.
Psychologists deal with problems that are functional in nature. (Physical problems caused by the mind.)
Co-morbidity/dual diagnosis
Ex: alcoholic gets depressed after detox and starts drinking again. Must stay in rehab for at least 30 days to give anti-depressants time to work.




Sub Fields of Psychology
Chapter One


Industrial: deals with people and machine compatibility. (jet pilot & cockpit. Cars, etc)
Social: looks at the effects of group behavior on individual behavior. (jury selection) Realm of attitude change.
Environmental: Industrial and social combined. (bldg layouts, color of paint, sounds, comfort of furniture, ease of use)
Physiological: uses the neuro-biological approach. (biological psychology/biobasis)
PDR (physicians desk reference) always starts with lower dose. Pt will become acclimated. Raise dose, raise dose, raise threshhold, switch drugs.
All the talking/therapy in the world will not help someone with a biological disorder.
Physio-psychology is taught at Nova/FIU and is great for nursing. (too advanced for freshman/sophomore so not taught at BCC)
Risk/benefit ratio: Is risk higher than the benefit for narcotics.
Buy pharmaceutical stock, it always goes up.