Deck 9: Dissociative Disorders and Somatic Symptom Disorders

Question 1

"It's like the feeling you get at the end of a page/When you realize you don't know what you've just read" are two lines from an early-'80s song by a band called the Missing Persons. These lines MOST directly reflect the psychological concept of ______.

A) amnesia
B) malingering
C) dissociation
D) conversion

Answer 1

dissociation

Question 2

Derealization refers to

A) the experience of not having a unified "self"
B) a feeling of detachment from one's environment
C) a feeling of floating
D) the sensation that one is observing oneself from the outside

Answer 2

a feeling of detachment from one's environment

Question 3

Depersonalization/derealization disorder has a lifetime prevalence of approximately ______.

A) 2%
B) 3%
C) 4%
D) 8%

Answer 3

2%

Question 4

A study by Johnson and colleagues examined the prevalence of dissociative disorders in an adult community sample. Based on the results, about 1 in ______ adults can expect to experience at least one of the dissociative disorders in a given year.

A) 50
B) 25
C) 10
D) 8

Question 5

The term ______ refers to a disruption in the normal ability to integrate information from sensory and psychological processes.

A) conversion
B) dissociation
C) amnesia
D) disintegration

Question 6

As compared with nontraumatic dissociations, dissociative experiences associated with traumatic events are ______.

A) essentially similar
B) more likely to be pathological
C) more likely to be associated with violence
D) usually briefer in duration

Question 7

Research indicates that depersonalization/derealization disorder may be associated with ______ cortical thickness and ______ autonomic responses to negative stimuli.

A) increased; increased
B) increased; reduced
C) reduced; increased
D) reduced; reduced

Question 8

Which statement is NOT true concerning dissociation and hypnosis?

A) Dissociations are not under volitional control.
B) Hypnosis occurs when one allows oneself to be put in a trance.
C) Both represent an incomplete integration of sensory experiences.
D) There is a strong correlation between dissociation and hypnosis.

Question 9

Pathological dissociative symptoms include each of the following EXCEPT this:

A) not having a sense of who one is
B) not remembering parts of one's personal history
C) not experiencing a unified "self"
D) impaired procedural memory

Question 10

Some researchers believe depersonalization and derealization experiences might be protective because they might

A) make the individual more likely to avoid dangerous situations
B) reduce arousal and anxiety in traumatic or dangerous situations
C) confuse predators
D) make the individual react according to "flight," rather than "fight"

Question 11

Depersonalization/derealization disorder generally has an onset before age ______.

A) 12
B) 15
C) 20
D) 25

Question 12

______ is NOT one of the DSM-5's dissociative disorders.

A) Dissociative personality disorder
B) Dissociative identity disorder
C) Depersonalization/derealization disorder
D) Dissociative amnesia

Question 13

In a study by Ross and colleagues (Ross et al., 1990), about ______ of a community sample of adults reported having had a dissociative experience at some point.

A) 10%
B) 25%
C) 35%
D) 50%

Question 14

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) studies suggest that dissociation in tortured individuals is associated with ______.

A) a reduction in brain volume
B) increased overall brain activity
C) long-lasting changes in brain networks
D) little overall change in the brain

Question 15

Janet and Freud both saw dissociations as being related to the ego. Their views were

A) the same: Both saw dissociation as an indicator of a strong ego.
B) different: Janet saw dissociation as an indicator of a strong ego; Freud saw it as an indicator of a weak ego.
C) the same: Both saw dissociation as an indicator of a weak ego.
D) different: Janet saw dissociation as an indicator of a weak ego; Freud saw it as an indicator of a strong ego.

Question 16

In an example of dissociation reported in the textbook, one person reported "seeing everything differently . . . everything starts blending [and] things look more fluid." This experience BEST exemplifies ______.

A) dissociative amnesia
B) depersonalization
C) disintegration
D) derealization

Question 17

A psychologist would MOST likely use the term ______ to refer to the common experience of "spacing out" momentarily.

A) amnesia
B) dissociation
C) malingering
D) conversion

Question 18

During a heated falling-out with a close friend, Danielle suddenly feels as if she is watching herself from above. This "out-of-body" experience is BEST seen as an example of ______.

A) dissociative amnesia
B) depersonalization
C) disintegration
D) derealization

Question 19

Which statement is NOT true concerning depersonalization/derealization disorder?

A) The disorder generally begins before age 25.
B) Depersonalization/derealization disorder is often comorbid with mood disorders.
C) The onset of the disorder is almost always rapid.
D) The disorder lasts about 15 years, on average.

Question 20

Early theorists and researchers did NOT relate ______ to dissociation.

A) trauma
B) hypnosis
C) the ego
D) diet

Question 21

The primary diagnostic element of dissociative amnesia is the

A) inability to recall important autobiographical information
B) inability to recall important factual information
C) persistence of unwanted flashbacks
D) inability to consolidate new memories

Question 22

With respect to gender, dissociative amnesia is roughly ______ times ______ common in women than in men.

A) 1.5; less
B) 1.5; more
C) 2.5; less
D) 2.5; more

Question 23

In the DSM-5, dissociative fugue and dissociative amnesia are

A) unrelated diagnoses
B) related but separate diagnoses
C) both included in the dissociative amnesia diagnosis
D) now called dissociative identity disorder

Question 24

Without advance notice, Susan travels from her home in Tampa, Florida, to Omaha, Nebraska. She appears to have no memory of her life or work in Florida and seems unable to recall even the journey to Nebraska. Susan's case BEST illustrates ______.

A) derealization
B) an apraxic state
C) dissociative fugue
D) depersonalization

Question 25

In developing countries and rural communities, individuals with dissociative identity disorder

A) have been exiled and sent out of the community
B) are not found because the disorder is a "first-world problem"
C) are sometimes seen as "possessed"
D) tend to have an alter based on a family member

Question 26

One reason that dissociative amnesia may be rarely diagnosed is that

A) individuals with dissociative amnesia are afraid of mental health professionals
B) questions regarding dissociative amnesia are rarely asked by mental health or social service professionals
C) dissociative amnesia is a new diagnosis in the DSM-5
D) people with dissociative amnesia usually have deficits in the use of language

Question 27

Epidemiological studies suggest that dissociative identity disorder is found in as many as 1 in ______ adults.

A) 20
B) 35
C) 50
D) 100

Question 28

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) was once known as ______.

A) multiple personality disorder
B) schizophrenia
C) depersonalization disorder
D) personality disintegration

Question 29

The prevalence of dissociative identity disorder among ______ may be underestimated because ______.

A) men; men often deny their symptoms
B) men; men's "alters" are more difficult to distinguish
C) women; women often avoid clinical settings
D) women; women's "alters" are more difficult to distinguish

Question 30

The primary diagnostic feature of dissociative identity disorder is

A) disengaging from social involvement
B) experiencing different "personalities" without a unified sense of self
C) experiencing the world in a detached way
D) losing body function, as in losing the ability to control an arm or leg

Question 31

During a therapy session, one of Rhett's "personalities" emerges, that of a rebellious 14-year-old boy named "Skip." Rhett is displaying ______ disorder; Skip is one of Rhett's ______.

A) conversion; alters
B) conversion; secondaries
C) dissociative identity; alters
D) dissociative identity; secondaries

Question 32

William James described a case of dissociative fugue in Reverend Ansel Bourne. The reverend's case was unusual compared with most modern cases because

A) most individuals with dissociative fugue don't remember their profession
B) the reverend never recovered his memory
C) most individuals with dissociative fugue don't adopt new identities
D) the reverend was violent when confronted with his lost memory

Question 33

As compared with its prevalence in women, dissociative identity disorder is ______ common in men.

A) less
B) equally
C) slightly more
D) much more

Question 34

Dissociative identity disorder arises in response to a trauma occurring before the age of ______.

A) 6
B) 10
C) 12
D) 16

Question 35

The distinct personalities of a person with dissociative identity disorder are called ______.

A) fragments
B) subordinates
C) alters
D) secondaries

Question 36

Which statement about dissociative amnesia is NOT true?

A) The 12-month prevalence of dissociative amnesia is roughly 2%.
B) Dissociative memory mainly affects autobiographical memory.
C) Dissociative amnesia affects men 3 times more often than it does women.
D) Dissociative amnesia often begins when the patient is in his or her 30s or 40s.

Question 37

In dissociative identity disorder, the alters are ______ aware of each others' existences.

A) never
B) rarely
C) sometimes
D) usually

Question 38

Dissociative amnesia affects ______ memory.

A) procedural
B) prospective
C) semantic
D) autobiographical

Question 39

Calvin went on a 6-month-long teaching trip to China. After a few weeks in Beijing, he awoke not knowing who he was or where he was from. Calvin's experience is BEST described as dissociative ______.

A) fugue
B) anxiety
C) amnesia
D) identity disorder

Question 40

As compared with the age of onset for the other dissociative disorders, the usual age at which dissociative amnesia first occurs is ______.

A) much earlier
B) somewhat earlier
C) about the same
D) later

Question 41

According to the APA (2013), the prevalence of somatic symptom disorder is about ______.

A) 1% to 3%
B) 5% to 7%
C) 7% to 9%
D) 10% to 12%

Question 42

One indicator of a somatic symptom and related disorder is

A) being sick frequently
B) feeling anxious that small symptoms indicate something serious
C) being afraid of germs and uncleanliness
D) having high blood pressure

Question 43

Historically, descriptions of dissociative identity disorder are seen as early as the ______.

A) 1630s
B) 1780s
C) 1840s
D) 1910s

Question 44

According to a review of studies conducted by Gleaves et al. (2001), the MOST common core feature of dissociative identity disorder is ______.

A) derealization
B) depersonalization
C) auditory hallucinations
D) amnesia

Question 45

Functional neurological symptom disorder is another name for ______ disorder.

A) somatic symptom
B) factitious
C) illness anxiety
D) conversion

Question 46

The DSM-5 no longer uses the term somatoform disorders because these disorders were frequently confused with psychosomatic disorders. A psychosomatic disorder is a(n)

A) actual physical illness in which psychological factors play an important role
B) psychological disorder that includes fabricating symptoms for attention
C) physical injury to the brain
D) disorder that is characterized by "phantom" pain

Question 47

Pam reports that she is very concerned because she feels as if her lymph nodes are inflamed. This is highly distressing for her, and she visits multiple doctors in an attempt to validate her concerns. The doctors find no evidence of an illness. Assuming that she is not fabricating this symptom for personal gain and that this is a long-standing pattern of behavior, Pam might be diagnosed with ______ disorder.

A) somatic symptom
B) factitious
C) illness anxiety
D) conversion

Question 48

Jalen reports that he is concerned that he has the flu because he has sneezed a few times in the past couple of days. The doctor finds no evidence for this diagnosis. Assuming Jalen is not fabricating these symptoms for personal gain and assuming that this is a long-standing pattern of behavior, Jalen might be diagnosed with ______ disorder.

A) somatic symptom
B) factitious
C) illness anxiety
D) conversion

Question 49

Research aimed at examining whether illness anxiety order is actually better classed as an anxiety rather than a somatic symptom disorder has concluded that illness anxiety disorder

A) should be classified with the anxiety disorders rather than the somatic symptom disorders
B) should be classified with both the anxiety and somatic symptom disorders
C) is correctly classified as a somatic symptom disorder
D) should be classified as neither an anxiety nor a somatic symptom disorder

Question 50

What is the primary difference between somatic symptom disorder and illness anxiety disorder?

A) There are no differences; these are both names for the same disorder.
B) Individuals with somatic symptom disorder actually experience physical symptoms, whereas individuals with illness anxiety disorder experience few, if any, symptoms.
C) Individuals with illness anxiety disorder actually experience physical symptoms, whereas individuals with somatic symptom disorder experience few, if any, symptoms.
D) Individuals with somatic symptom disorder are primarily male, whereas illness anxiety disorder affects mainly females.

Question 51

Illness anxiety disorder differs from somatic symptom disorder mainly in the ______.

A) duration of hospital visits
B) frequency of hospital visits
C) presence or absence of symptoms
D) potential for personal gain from the diagnosis

Question 52

Ignacio comes from a culture that frequently includes spiritual possession and altered personas as a part of religious ceremony. Some of his friends are concerned that these practices may actually be an indicator of a dissociative disorder. His friends consult with a psychologist, who informs them that Ignacio could not be diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. Why not, according to the APA?

A) Symptoms cannot be attributable to the physiological effects of a substance.
B) Dissociative identity disorder is more common in females.
C) Men typically deny these symptoms when they see a mental health professional.
D) Dissociative identity disorder cannot be diagnosed when the disturbance is a part of broadly accepted religious or cultural practice.

Question 53

John, a 30-year-old male, acts "like a different person" and often refers to himself by different names when he is intoxicated. His friends worry whether he has a mental health disorder. John sees a psychologist, who informs him that he cannot be diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. Why not, according to the APA?

A) John is too old for dissociative identity disorder.
B) Symptoms cannot be attributable to the physiological effects of a substance.
C) Dissociative identity disorder is more common in females.
D) Men typically deny these symptoms when they see a mental health professional.

Question 54

The text reports data from Gleaves et al. (2004) suggesting that about ______ of those with dissociative identity disorder have experienced child abuse.

A) 65%
B) 75%
C) 85%
D) 95%

Question 55

Luther has been diagnosed with illness anxiety disorder. At a broader level, Luther has been diagnosed with a(n) ______ disorder.

A) anxiety
B) dissociative
C) somatic symptom
D) factitious

Question 56

______ disorder was formerly called hypochondriasis.

A) Conversion
B) Factitious
C) Somatic symptom
D) Illness anxiety

Question 57

The somatic symptom disorders do NOT include ______.

A) illness anxiety disorder
B) schizophrenia
C) somatic symptom disorder
D) factitious disorder

Question 58

The symptoms of somatic symptom disorder do NOT include

A) persistent thoughts about the severity of bodily symptoms
B) frequent doctor visits
C) persistent anxiety about one's health
D) excessive time and energy invested in health

Question 59

Individuals may be diagnosed with conversion disorder when they

A) create or describe symptoms for the sake of receiving medical attention
B) worry that small symptoms reflect a serious illness
C) complain of a disorder that doesn't reflect known physiology
D) worry about the possibility of becoming sick

Question 60

Conversion disorder was previously known as ______.

A) hysteria
B) psychosomatic disorder
C) malingering
D) medical delusion disorder

Question 61

Sam has lost sensation in his right hand and sight in his left eye. He visits a doctor, who cannot find a biological cause for his symptoms. Sam has recently been under a lot of stress at work and at home. ______ disorder is a good fit with Sam's symptoms.

A) Somatic symptom
B) Conversion
C) Illness anxiety
D) Histrionic personality

Question 62

John reports that he is very concerned because he feels as if something in his spinal column is "off." This appears to upset him, and he visits multiple doctors in an attempt to validate his concerns. The doctors find no evidence for a diagnosis. Further, on investigation, it is found that John has reported to his supervisor that he could not attend work for a few weeks due to a back injury. Which diagnosis is MOST appropriate for John?

A) somatic symptom disorder
B) factitious disorder
C) illness anxiety disorder
D) No diagnosis. John is malingering.

Question 63

Psychogenic disorders is another name for ______ disorder.

A) somatic symptom
B) factitious
C) illness anxiety
D) conversion

Question 64

Elena visited multiple physicians, claiming that she was suffering from what she believed to be a serious illness. On further examination, one doctor discovered that Elena had been ingesting substances that caused her to exhibit symptoms similar to those characteristic of the illness she claimed to have. Elena's example BEST illustrates ______.

A) schizophrenia
B) conversion disorder
C) factitious disorder
D) illness anxiety disorder

Question 65

Another name for Munchausen syndrome by proxy is ______.

A) factitious disorder imposed on another
B) somatic symptom disorder
C) illness anxiety disorder
D) conversion disorder

Question 66

The textbook suggests that the prevalence rates of somatic symptom disorders is difficult to establish because individuals with these disorders

A) are typically skilled at mimicking the symptoms of true illness
B) usually seek care from medical doctors, who rarely look for these disorders
C) almost never seek professional help
D) are most often found outside North America

Question 67

At present, ______ therapy is empirically supported for the treatment of dissociative identity disorder.

A) no
B) cognitive behavioral
C) humanistic
D) psychodynamic

Question 68

Glove anesthesia is one manifestation of ______ disorder.

A) factitious
B) illness anxiety
C) conversion
D) somatic symptom

Question 69

Munchausen syndrome is another name for ______.

A) somatic symptom disorder
B) factitious disorder imposed on self
C) illness anxiety disorder
D) conversion disorder

Question 70

Cojan and colleagues completed a brain study with conversion disorder patients and found that

A) preparation to move and actual movement were both impaired
B) actual movement was impaired while preparation to move appeared "typical"
C) preparation to move was impaired while actual movement was typical
D) there were no differences between this group and the healthy controls

Question 71

With respect to gender, ______ of those exhibiting factitious disorder imposed on another are ______.

A) almost all; men
B) almost all; women
C) most; men
D) most; women

Question 72

Juana reports that she is very concerned because she has lost her hearing. This is highly distressing for her, and she visits multiple doctors. The doctors find no evidence of typical physiological causes. Assuming Juana is not fabricating this symptom for personal gain, she might be diagnosed with ______ disorder.

A) somatic symptom
B) factitious
C) illness anxiety
D) conversion

Question 73

Tara is seeking treatment for dissociative identity disorder. Although there are presently no empirically supported therapies for dissociative identity disorders, clinicians use a variety of techniques to counter dissociation. Tara is LEAST likely to be treated using ______.

A) cognitive behavioral therapy
B) psychotropic medication
C) humanistic therapy
D) psychodynamic therapy

Question 74

Brain research on conversion disorder has determined that its cause is ______.

A) still unclear
B) primarily anxiety related
C) a problem with brain lateralization
D) hereditary

Question 75

In classical Greece, conversion disorder was attributed to ______.

A) movement of the uterus
B) spiritual possession
C) unbalanced humors
D) traumatic brain injury

Question 76

______ disorder is also called a functional disorder in the medical literature.

A) Somatic symptom
B) Factitious
C) Conversion
D) Illness anxiety

Question 77

A.J. mentions that his entire left arm is paralyzed. Strangely, he appears completely unconcerned by this apparent affliction. A. J.'s lack of reaction to the symptom BEST illustrates ______.

A) dissociative amnesia
B) malingering
C) la belle indifference
D) glove anesthesia

Question 78

Malingering is BEST defined as

A) experiencing psychological symptoms that are a result of physical pain
B) experiencing physical symptoms that are a result of psychological disorders
C) faking symptoms of illness for personal gain
D) experiencing intense anxiety about physical symptoms

Question 79

Ghaffar and colleagues completed a brain study with conversion disorder patients and found that

A) stimulation of limbs resulted in impaired brain activity for both healthy and "numb" limbs
B) stimulation of limbs resulted in impaired brain activity for healthy but not "numb" limbs
C) stimulation of limbs resulted in impaired brain activity for "numb" but not healthy limbs
D) there were no differences between this group and the healthy controls

Question 80

Conversion disorders are often comorbid with ______ disorders.

A) dissociative
B) mood and anxiety
C) substance use
D) eating