Question 1

In the biopsychosocial theory of the development of psychiatric disorders, it is proposed that psychiatric disorders are due to a combination of&#10;A) Exposure to adverse experiences and a large social support network&#10;B) Compromised brain development and adverse experiences&#10;C) Small family size and challenging learning experiences&#10;D) Democratic parenting style and limited financial resources

Accepted Answer

The biopsychosocial theory proposes that psychiatric disorders stem from a combination of biological (compromised brain development), psychological (adverse experiences), and social (such as relationships or support systems) factors. None of the other choices accurately reflect this theory.

Question 2

Premature birth disrupts brain development in specific areas. Disruption of brain development in the sensorimotor area is thought to be associated with later development of&#10;A) Cerebral palsy&#10;B) Language impairment&#10;C) Hearing impairment&#10;D) Depression

Accepted Answer

Premature birth disrupts brain development in the sensorimotor area, which is responsible for controlling movement and sensation. This disruption is thought to be associated with later development of cerebral palsy, a movement disorder. Language impairment, hearing impairment, and depression are not typically associated with disruption in this area of the brain.

Question 3

Cell synaptogenesis refers to&#10;A) Birth of new neuronal cells&#10;B) Migration of neurons&#10;C) Programmed cell death&#10;D) Establishment of connections between neurons

Accepted Answer

Cell synaptogenesis refers to the process of establishing connections (synapses) between neurons, allowing for communication and signaling within the neural network. It does not involve the birth or migration of neuronal cells, nor does it involve programmed cell death.

Question 4

Genetic influence on prenatal brain development is different for different areas of the brain and may underlie psychopathology. There is strong genetic influence on the development of which of the following areas?

A) Sensorimotor
B) Cerebellum
C) Frontal cortex
D) Corpus callosum

Accepted Answer

There is strong genetic influence on the development of the frontal cortex, which is associated with higher cognitive functions such as problem-solving, decision-making, and social behavior. This area has been implicated in several psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. The other areas listed may also have some genetic influence on their development but not as strong as the frontal cortex.

Question 5

Impairment of ability to self-regulate emotions is thought to be related to&#10;A) A slow-to-warm-up temperament&#10;B) An insecure pattern of attachment&#10;C) Poverty and poor housing&#10;D) An authoritarian style of parenting

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that problems regulating emotions in adulthood are often related to early attachment experiences, particularly insecure attachment styles. These early attachment experiences shape our expectations about how others will respond to our emotions, which in turn may influence our ability to regulate our emotions.

Question 6

It is known that childhood exposure to maltreatment&#10;A) Is associated with increased rates of physical and psychiatric disorders&#10;B) Occurs in 10% of U.S. children&#10;C) Is most often exposure to sexual abuse&#10;D) Usually involves a perpetrator who is unknown to the child

Accepted Answer

Childhood exposure to maltreatment, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, is associated with increased rates of physical and psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and chronic health conditions.

Answer: B
 According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 10% of U.S. children experience maltreatment, including abuse and neglect.

Answer: None for C
 Childhood exposure to maltreatment can take various forms, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect. While sexual abuse is a prevalent form of maltreatment, it is not the most common.

Answer: None for D
 Perpetrators can be known or unknown to the child, and the relationship between the child and the perpetrator can vary. It may include a parent, family member, caregiver, teacher, or other authority figure who abuses or neglects the child.

Question 7

Among children who have experienced chronic exposure to family violence, it has been found that&#10;A) The children may lack capacity for emotional self-regulation.&#10;B) Most of the children are able to integrate their experiences into a positive inner model of the world.&#10;C) As adolescents, they have lower rates of aggressive behavior problems.&#10;D) The rate of adult psychopathology is the same as that of the general population.

Accepted Answer

Chronic exposure to family violence can result in the children lacking capacity for emotional self-regulation. This can lead to a range of behavioral and emotional difficulties, including aggression, anxiety, and depression.

Question 8

In considering fetal exposure to prenatal risk factors, it is known that&#10;A) Damage due to maternal stress is greatest during the third trimester.&#10;B) Nutritional deficits can damage the brain as well as the spinal cord.&#10;C) Radiation exposure has no effect on brain development during the first trimester.&#10;D) There are safe periods of time for maternal consumption of alcohol.

Accepted Answer

Nutritional deficits can cause damage to both the brain and the spinal cord of a developing fetus. This is because the brain and spinal cord are developing rapidly during pregnancy and require adequate nutrition for proper growth and development. Maternal malnutrition can lead to permanent brain damage, cognitive impairments, and developmental delays in the child. It is important for pregnant women to get adequate nutrition, including folic acid, iron, and other essential nutrients.

Question 9

Among children who use an accommodating response to maltreatment, there is increased likelihood of impaired capacity for&#10;A) Controlling impulsivity&#10;B) Knowing their own feelings and emotions&#10;C) Showing regressive behaviors&#10;D) Integrating memories of pain and fear

Accepted Answer

Children who use an accommodating response to maltreatment tend to prioritize the needs and feelings of others over their own. This can lead to difficulties in identifying and understanding their own emotions, which can impair their capacity for emotional regulation.

Answer: A 
 Children who accommodate abuse may focus on satisfying the needs of the abuser to avoid further harm, which can lead to impulsive behavior designed to please the abuser.

Answer: C 
 Accommodating behavior can also manifest as regressive behaviors, such as clinging, whining, or temper tantrums, as the child attempts to gain attention and affection from the abuser.

Answer: D 
 While accommodating behavior can help the child cope with the maltreatment in the short term, it can also hinder their ability to process and integrate memories of pain and fear, which may contribute to long-term emotional and psychological difficulties. However, this is not the most specific choice and does not cover all potential outcomes of accommodating behavior.

Question 10

Following prenatal exposure to neurotoxic drugs, an adverse effect that is shared by many infants is&#10;A) Abnormalities of finger ridges&#10;B) High-steepled palate&#10;C) Microencephaly&#10;D) Curved little finger

Accepted Answer

Microencephaly, or abnormal smallness of the brain, is a common adverse effect observed in infants exposed to neurotoxic drugs during prenatal development. This can lead to a range of cognitive, motor, and sensory impairments. Abnormalities of finger ridges, a high-steepled palate, and a curved little finger are not commonly associated with prenatal exposure to neurotoxic drugs.

Deck 3: Postnatal Influences on Development of Psychopathology