Question 1

Tricyclics,though very effective in relieving depression,often result in:

Accepted Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants are known to cause side effects such as sleepiness, dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation and weight gain. While they can be effective in treating depression, these side effects can make them difficult for some people to tolerate. Life-threatening elevations in blood pressure or manic episodes are not common side effects of tricyclic medications. Mild delusional episodes may occur in some individuals with severe depression, but this is not a direct effect of the medication itself.

Question 2

In comparing the effects of psychotherapy and drug treatments on brain functioning in depression,it has been found that:

Accepted Answer

Both psychotherapy and drug treatments have been found to have detectable brain effects in depression. However, these effects tend to be in different areas of the brain, suggesting that they may work via different mechanisms.

Question 3

Prozac and cognitive-behavioral therapy have both been found to be effective in treating social phobias.Why should cognitive-behavioral therapy be preferred to Prozac?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Prozac and cognitive-behavioral therapy have both been...

Question 4

Tyresia is experiencing a depressive episode and undergoes cognitive therapy to treat her symptoms.If she were in therapy with Aaron Beck,she would most likely be asked to challenge her negative thoughts about:

Accepted Answer

Aaron Beck's cognitive therapy focuses on challenging and changing negative thoughts and beliefs about oneself, the situation, and the future. This process is known as cognitive restructuring, where the therapist helps the client identify and challenge the negative automatic thoughts that contribute to their depression. Therefore, Choice B is the most likely option Tyresia would be asked to challenge.

Question 5

Which of the following recent treatment options has shown initial promise for patients with severe depression?

Accepted Answer

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have both shown initial promise as treatment options for patients with severe depression. DBS involves implanting electrodes in the brain to deliver electrical impulses, while TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. Both treatments have shown some success in improving symptoms of depression, although more research is needed to determine their safety and long-term effectiveness. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are also treatment options for depression, but they were not specifically mentioned as showing initial promise in the question.

Question 6

In comparison to drug treatment for depression,cognitive-behavioral therapy is:

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is just as effective as drug treatment for depression, with some advantages such as fewer side effects and longer-lasting benefits. In fact, in some cases, CBT can be more effective than medication, especially for patients who prefer non-pharmacological interventions or who have not responded well to drugs in the past. CBT can also be used in combination with medication for maximum benefit. Therefore, B is the correct answer.

Question 7

In general,placebo treatments for depression have been found to have:

Accepted Answer

Placebo treatments for depression often show a small but consistent effect on mental health functioning, likely due to psychological and neurobiological factors associated with the expectation of improvement.

Question 8

Your physician has prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)for your depression,and it has relieved your symptoms.Should you continue taking the drug once you feel better?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended to continue taking the SSRI even after symptoms have improved, as stopping abruptly can lead to relapse. Additionally, it is important to follow the physician's instructions for discontinuing the drug properly to minimize any potential withdrawal effects. The side effects of the drug can also be managed with proper monitoring and dosage adjustments.

Question 9

Rob plans to receive drug therapy for his depressive symptoms.Should Rob expect different kinds of results from drug treatment,compared to other kinds of therapy?

Accepted Answer

Both drug therapy and other kinds of therapy (such as talk therapy) have been shown to result in changes in brain functioning and improved depressive symptoms. Therefore, Rob should expect his brain functioning to change with either form of therapy. Option A is not correct because other kinds of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, have been shown to also result in changes in brain activity. Option C is not necessarily true and varies based on individual circumstances. Option D is not correct as research has shown that various forms of therapy can result in changes to brain functioning.

Question 10

Electroconvulsive therapy is:

Accepted Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy is still used for the severely depressed who do not respond to other treatments. Although it can have side effects, such as confusion and memory loss, it is considered a safe and effective option in certain cases.

Question 11

If your physician prescribes a drug to treat your depression,what is the likelihood you will experience relief from your symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that antidepressant medications have a success rate of about 65 percent in treating depression. However, results can vary depending on individual factors such as the severity of symptoms and the specific medication used. It is also recommended that medication be combined with therapy for the best outcomes.

Question 12

Your roommate has been taking a drug to relieve depression,and it has worked very well.Would you recommend that he continue taking it?

Accepted Answer

If the drug has worked well for the roommate in alleviating their depression, it is recommended that they continue taking it. Stopping the drug could lead to a relapse into depression, and the benefits of the drug outweigh the potential risks of dependence. However, it is important for the roommate to regularly assess their mental health and work with their doctor to adjust the dosage or explore alternative treatments if necessary.

Question 13

Effective treatments for depression include:

Accepted Answer

There are different types of depression and individuals may respond differently to treatments, so it is important to determine the most appropriate treatment for each individual. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective in treating mild to moderate depression and involves identifying negative thought patterns and replacing them with positive ones. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is typically used in severe cases of depression or when other treatments have failed, and involves delivering electrical currents to the brain to trigger a seizure. Pharmacological therapy, such as antidepressant medications, can also be effective in treating depression and is often used in conjunction with therapy. Therefore, all of the above options are effective treatments for depression depending on the severity and type of depression.

Question 14

Giving depressed patients a placebo rather than an actual drug:

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that giving depressed patients a placebo can alleviate depressive symptoms in roughly one-third of patients, although the exact mechanism of this effect is not fully understood. It is important to note, however, that some patients may report feeling better simply because they believe they are receiving a treatment, even if the placebo has no actual effect on their condition.

Question 15

MAO-inhibitors for the treatment of depression:

Accepted Answer

MAO-inhibitors are used less frequently due to their potential side effects and dietary restrictions, despite being effective for certain types of depression.

Question 16

A friend of yours is in therapy for depression and has been asked to keep a diary of all her negative thoughts about herself and her circumstances.What is the likely goal of her therapist?

Accepted Answer

The likely goal of the therapist is to help the friend identify problematic thought patterns so they can work together to modify them. Keeping a diary of negative thoughts can help the therapist and friend identify patterns and triggers for negative thinking, which can then be addressed in therapy.

Question 17

A physician reports that she has never encountered depression in patients who exercise regularly.Is this report consistent with research findings?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that regular exercise can have a positive impact on mental health and can reduce the likelihood of developing depression.

Question 18

Johnny's therapy for depression is quite simple: His therapist has asked him to write down every instance of a negative thought and to challenge each of these thoughts so they become less automatic.For example,Johnny can attempt to gather evidence for his negative beliefs (which he probably will not find)or he can attempt to view the same situation from a neutral or even positive point of view.The therapist who is treating Johnny is most like:

Accepted Answer

Johnny's therapy technique is most closely associated with the cognitive-behavioral approach developed by Aaron Beck. Beck's approach involves challenging negative thoughts and beliefs in order to change depressive thinking patterns.

Question 19

Electroconvulsive therapy is sometimes used to treat depression in pregnant women.This application makes sense because:

Accepted Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy is considered a safe option during pregnancy as it does not harm the fetus, unlike some medications. It may also be the best option for women who need fast relief from depression symptoms. However, there is no evidence to suggest that it prevents depression in the baby.

Question 20

Traynor is suffering another bout of major depression.Since the 1970s,he has tried all of the most common antidepressants,and few seemed to work well for him.He is also concerned about side effects,especially sexual side effects,from medication.Which of the following drugs will his doctor be most likely to prescribe to Traynor?

Accepted Answer

Bupropion is an antidepressant that has a lower incidence of sexual side effects compared to other antidepressants. It works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Given that Traynor has tried all the common antidepressants, his doctor may consider prescribing bupropion as an alternative. Tricyclics and neuroleptics have a higher incidence of sexual side effects, and MAOIs have dietary restrictions and require close monitoring for potential interactions with other drugs. SSRIs are also known to cause sexual side effects, although not as severe as tricyclics and neuroleptics. Therefore, bupropion may be the best choice for Traynor based on his concerns about sexual side effects and his history of trying other antidepressants.

Quiz 15: Treatment of Psychological Disorders