Question 1

A drug is used to treat a psychological disorder that slows down the excitatory synaptic activity in the nervous system by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory transmitter. It is most likely that this drug is a(n)

Accepted Answer

Anti-anxiety drugs often work by enhancing the activity of GABA, which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, leading to a calming effect by slowing down excitatory synaptic activity.

Question 2

The fact that vastly different types of therapies often produce similar outcomes has led some researchers to search for similar elements shared by each of the approaches that may account for their common successes. These elements are called

Accepted Answer

The term "common factors" is used to describe elements shared by different therapeutic approaches that may account for their similar outcomes. This concept suggests that despite the diversity in therapy techniques, there are underlying factors that contribute to their effectiveness across various methods.

Question 3

All of the following were presented as examples of common factors that might explain the similar effectiveness of various forms of therapy EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Factors such as increased optimism and self-efficacy, faith in the therapist, and a protective environment where clients feel safe are commonly cited as reasons for the effectiveness of various forms of therapy. However, "self-relatedness and openness" is not typically listed among these common factors.

Question 4

Surveys suggest that among people between the ages of 18 and 74 those who use anti-anxiety drugs to treat their symptoms of anxiety are approximately ___________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Surveys suggest that among people between the...

Question 5

No matter what the therapeutic technique is, characteristics that tend to contribute to the success of a therapy are

Accepted Answer

Common factors are the characteristics that tend to contribute to the success of a therapy, regardless of the therapeutic technique. These factors include the relationship between the therapist and the client, the client's expectations, and the client's motivation to change.

Question 6

The problem of having anxiety symptoms return when treatment is stopped is most problematic for which of the following therapies?

Accepted Answer

Anti-anxiety medications often lead to a return of symptoms once the medication is stopped, as they primarily manage symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes of anxiety.

Question 7

Some researchers argue that it is important to examine ________ in evaluating studies. That is, success should be measured by comparing clients to individuals within the normal range of responses on measures.

Accepted Answer

Clinical significance is the correct answer because it involves evaluating the practical importance of research results, particularly in terms of whether they have real, meaningful impacts on clients' lives. This includes comparing clients' outcomes to what is considered a normal range of responses, to determine if the changes are significant enough to be considered beneficial or effective in a real-world, clinical context.

Question 8

With regard to the conditions that contribute to the effectiveness of psychotherapy, faith in the therapist and the opportunity to practise new behaviours are both examples of what are called

Accepted Answer

Common factors refer to elements that are present across different types of psychotherapy and contribute to their effectiveness. Faith in the therapist and the opportunity to practice new behaviors are considered common factors because they are not specific to any one therapeutic approach but are important for the success of therapy in general.

Question 9

The fact that certain forms of psychotherapy are better suited than others for treating specific types of psychological disorders is most relevant to which of the following important client characteristics?

Accepted Answer

The nature of the psychological problem is crucial in determining which form of psychotherapy is most appropriate, as different therapies are designed to address specific types of psychological issues more effectively.

Question 10

Of the alternatives below, a factor NOT shared by diverse forms of therapy is

Accepted Answer

Guidance on how clients can overcome their problems is not a factor shared by all forms of therapy, as some therapies focus more on exploration and understanding rather than direct guidance.

Question 11

After completing a successful therapy experience, a client reflects that one of the things that she found most helpful about therapy was the different explanations offered by her therapist that allowed her to feel more at ease about herself and her problems. This example best demonstrates which of the following common factors thought to be responsible for the general effectiveness of psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

The example demonstrates the common factor of providing alternative ways of looking at things, as the client found the different explanations offered by the therapist helpful in feeling more at ease about herself and her problems.

Question 12

Seligman's "Consumer Reports" survey found what regarding the utility of psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Seligman's "Consumer Reports" survey found that many of the respondents reported being helped by the therapy and were satisfied with the treatment received, indicating a positive view of psychotherapy among those surveyed.

Question 13

Dr. Jackson is creating a study to evaluate the usefulness of a new therapy treatment for borderline personality disorder. She personally trains all of the therapists who will be used in her study and creates a detailed treatment manual that gives specific instructions regarding how all therapists are supposed to address various issues. What should be the next phase of her study?

Accepted Answer

The next phase should be the Participant screening phase, where Dr. Jackson identifies and selects suitable participants who meet the criteria for the study.

Question 14

Tricyclics, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were all mentioned as drug treatments for which of the following disorders?

Accepted Answer

These medications are primarily used to treat depression. Tricyclics, MAO inhibitors, and SSRIs work by altering the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help improve mood and alleviate depressive symptoms.

Question 15

Research comparing the effectives of different types of psychotherapies to drug treatments found which type of treatment was the most effective for treating depression?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Research comparing the effectives of different types...

Question 16

Which of the following was considered to be the most important factor impacting the outcome of psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

The therapeutic relationship is often considered the most crucial factor in determining the success of psychotherapy, as it involves trust, rapport, and collaboration between the therapist and client.

Question 17

In the research survey conducted by Seligman in cooperation with "Consumer Reports," how many of the respondents reporting mental-health problems sought professional help?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the research survey conducted by Seligman...

Question 18

Meta-analysis conducted to test the effectiveness of therapy provides evidence for

Accepted Answer

Meta-analyses often support the "dodo bird verdict," which suggests that different psychotherapies tend to have similar levels of effectiveness, implying that common factors across therapies contribute to their success.

Question 19

A drug used to treat a psychological disorder achieves its effect by increasing the activity of both norepinephrine and serotonin in the nervous system. This drug is most likely a(n)

Accepted Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain, which are neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation. This is in contrast to SSRIs, which specifically target serotonin, and antipsychotic and anti-anxiety drugs, which have different mechanisms of action.

Question 20

Joel has been having some severe psychological problems. His therapist decided that the best course of treatment would include both psychotherapy and a tranquilizing drug. Given that this treatment is the optimal one, Joel is most likely suffering from

Accepted Answer

The answer of Joel has been having some severe psychological...

Quiz 17: Treatment of Psychological Disorders

A drug is used to treat a psychological disorder that slows down the excitatory synaptic activity in the nervous system by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) , a major inhibitory transmitter. It is most likely that this drug is a(n)