Question 1

One of the most effective treatments for panic disorder is because it helps .

Accepted Answer

Cognitive therapy can help individuals with panic disorder correct their overestimation of the probability of danger, which is a common cognitive distortion associated with this condition. By challenging these negative thought patterns and providing evidence to the contrary, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms and reduce the impact of panic attacks. Anxiolytics may also be helpful in reducing physiological symptoms, but do not address the underlying cognitive and behavioral factors that contribute to panic disorder.

Question 2

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs) and cognitive-behavioral therapy have both been found to be effective in treating social phobias.Why should cognitive-behavioral therapy be preferred to SSRIs?

Accepted Answer

SSRIs have some disagreeable side effects, such as sexual dysfunction.

Question 3

Karine completed a behavioral treatment for her spider phobia.From what you know about behavioral treatment for phobias, which was the most effective part of the treatment?

Accepted Answer

The most effective part of behavioral treatment for phobias is exposure to the feared object or situation. This is typically done gradually, starting with less intense exposure and building up to more intense exposure over time. By repeatedly exposing the person to their fear, they become more comfortable and desensitized to it, leading to a reduction or elimination of the phobia. Creating a fear hierarchy and relaxation training can also be helpful initial steps, but the exposure is the crucial part of the treatment. Hyperventilation is not typically a part of the treatment for phobias.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the results research comparing cognitive-behavioral therapy and the use of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor SSRI) clomipramine for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) tends to be more effective than SSRIs like clomipramine for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), particularly in terms of long-term outcomes. CBT directly addresses the patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to the symptoms of OCD, leading to sustained improvement.

Question 5

Fear hierarchies are used in

Accepted Answer

Fear hierarchies are used in systematic desensitization, a technique used in behavior therapy to treat phobias and other anxiety disorders. The hierarchy lists situations or objects related to the feared stimulus in order of increasing anxiety-provoking potential. The individual is gradually exposed to each item on the hierarchy while practicing relaxation techniques, until they are able to encounter the feared stimulus without experiencing extreme anxiety.

Question 6

Across a number of anxiety disorders, drug therapy

Accepted Answer

Drug therapy can be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety disorders in the short term, but may not be a long-term solution. When the drug is discontinued, there is a risk of relapse. Additionally, there are potential side effects associated with drug therapy for anxiety disorders. Therefore, while drug therapy may be helpful in some cases, it is not always the treatment of choice and should be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment such as therapy and lifestyle changes.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the short-term results of Barlow's study comparing cognitive-behavioral therapy and an antidepressant for treating panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Barlow's study found that both cognitive-behavioral therapy and the antidepressant showed equal positive effects in the short-term treatment of panic disorder.

Question 8

When an anxiolytic is used to treat generalized anxiety disorder,

Accepted Answer

Anxiolytics may alleviate anxiety symptoms in the short term, but they do not permanently rewire the brain or provide long-term benefits. Additionally, like most medications, anxiolytics may cause side effects, but they are generally not worse than the anxiety itself.

Question 9

Virtual environments or virtual realities are useful in treating

Accepted Answer

Virtual environments are particularly useful in treating specific phobias because they allow patients to confront their fears in a safe, controlled environment. For example, a person with a fear of flying could use a virtual reality program to simulate being on a plane and gradually work their way up to more intense simulations to desensitize themselves to their fear. While virtual environments may have some potential in treating other mental health disorders, there is less research and evidence supporting their effectiveness in those cases.

Question 10

Dr.Prajna treats patients with anxiety disorders.She uses an evidence-based approach to guide her therapeutic techniques and medication choices.Accordingly, she is most likely to use to treat her patient's anxiety disorders.

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach to treating anxiety disorders. It has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms and improving overall functioning. While medications such as anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants can also be helpful in treating anxiety, CBT is a non-pharmacological option that can provide long-term benefits. Client-centered therapy would not be as effective for treating anxiety disorders as it involves a more passive approach to therapy, whereas CBT is more structured and goal-oriented.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the long-term results of Barlow's study comparing cognitive-behavioral therapy and an antidepressant for treating panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Barlow's study found that cognitive-behavioral therapy resulted in higher remission rates and lower relapse rates compared to the antidepressant medication, indicating that it was more effective in the long-term treatment of panic disorder.

Question 12

A friend of yours is having serious mental health problems, and you recommend that he see a therapist.What factor is the LEAST important to consider when making a recommendation?

Accepted Answer

The therapist's degree and title are less important than their qualifications, ability to prescribe medication if needed, and the type of therapy they use.

Question 13

You are looking for a therapist to help reduce your obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms.If you want to make sure the therapy is most effective, which two behavioral components should your therapist use?

Accepted Answer

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is considered the gold standard treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and has the strongest empirical support. It involves gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking stimuli (exposure) while preventing the individual from engaging in compulsions or repetitive behaviors (response prevention). This helps to reduce anxiety and break the cycle of OCD symptoms. Systematic desensitization is useful for treating phobias and anxiety-related disorders but does not directly address the compulsions and repetitive behaviors associated with OCD. Flooding and creating a fear hierarchy can be too intense and overwhelming for individuals with OCD and can actually worsen symptoms.

Question 14

Dr.Arjuna specializes in anxiety disorders.He wants to find a treatment or combination of treatments that will be most effective in the long term with the fewest side effects.Dr.Arjuna should use

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders, offering long-term benefits without the side effects associated with medication.

Question 15

A friend reports that he is constructing a fear hierarchy regarding his fear of heights for use in his next therapy session.He is likely suffering from

Accepted Answer

The construction of a fear hierarchy for the purpose of exposure therapy is a common treatment technique used specifically for specific phobias. Generalized anxiety disorder and depression are more broad mental health conditions, and while some with obsessive-compulsive disorder may have a fear of heights, their condition is characterized by obsessive, compulsive behaviors and thoughts beyond just a specific fear.

Question 16

Psychiatric nurses

Accepted Answer

Psychiatric nurses can work in residential treatment programs, providing care and support to patients with mental health issues.

Question 17

Your doctor prescribes an anxiolytic to help reduce your obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD) symptoms.Given the research on anxiolytics and OCD, what should you expect?

Accepted Answer

Anxiolytics, while effective for anxiety, are generally not effective in treating the core symptoms of OCD, which include both obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. OCD often requires treatments specifically targeting its unique pathology, such as SSRIs or cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Question 18

The study that compared the effects of drug treatment clomipramine) and psychotherapy exposure and response prevention) in obsessive-compulsive disorder found that

Accepted Answer

Exposure and response prevention (a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy) has been found to be more effective than clomipramine (a tricyclic antidepressant) in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in numerous studies. This therapy directly targets the behavioral components of OCD, leading to significant improvements.

Question 19

Which of the following drugs is most effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been found to be the most effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain, which controls mood and anxiety. Anti-anxiety medications can temporarily help with symptoms, but don't treat the underlying cause of OCD. Neuroleptics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors may also be prescribed, but are typically reserved for cases where other medications have failed.

Question 20

For most anxiety disorders, evidence supports as the most effective treatment.

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be the most effective treatment for most anxiety disorders, according to research. CBT helps people to change their negative thinking patterns and behaviors, which can help reduce anxiety symptoms. While medication can also be helpful in managing symptoms, it is generally not considered a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders. Client-centered therapy can be helpful for some individuals, but research has consistently shown that CBT is the most effective treatment overall.

Quiz 15: Treatment of Psychological Disorders