Question 1

Observed gender differences in rates of major depressive disorder

Accepted Answer

There is evidence that gender differences in rates of major depressive disorder occur independently of demographic factors, such as age, ethnicity, and education level, suggesting that biological factors may play a role. This has been found consistently across different countries, not just in the United States. while environmental factors such as sexism may play a role, they do not fully explain the gender differences observed.

Question 2

Lifetime prevalence rates for major depressive disorder are about _________ percent.

Accepted Answer

The answer of  Lifetime prevalence rates for major depressive disorder...

Question 3

The concordance rate for bipolar disorder among identical twins has been found to be about_________ percent.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that the concordance rate for bipolar disorder among identical (monozygotic) twins ranges from 40% to 70%, indicating a significant genetic component to the disorder.

Question 4

Patients with bipolar disorder

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that patients with bipolar disorder appear to show higher levels of creativity, similar to healthy controls in creative professions. This may be due to the cognitive and emotional changes that occur during manic or hypomanic episodes, which can stimulate innovative thinking and ideas. However, it is important to note that creativity levels can vary among individuals with bipolar disorder and may also be influenced by other factors such as medication and overall mood stability.

Question 5

Clarissa was prescribed lithium to help treat her bipolar symptoms because the lithium salts

Accepted Answer

Lithium has been shown to have antioxidant effects, which may contribute to its therapeutic effects in bipolar disorder. It does not directly enhance or reduce norepinephrine or serotonin activity.

Question 6

Countries with high consumption of foods containing omega-3 fatty acids

Accepted Answer

Countries with high consumption of foods containing omega-3 fatty acids tend to have lower rates of bipolar disorder compared to countries where consumption of these foods is less. This is likely due to the anti-inflammatory and brain health benefits associated with omega-3 fatty acids.

Question 7

Prevalence rates for major depressive disorder are

Accepted Answer

Research has consistently shown that females have a higher prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) compared to males. However, studies have also shown that this gender difference is not present until adolescence and continues to increase throughout adulthood. Therefore, choice C is the best option as it acknowledges that prevalence rates are about equal between males and females until adolescence but increasingly higher for females than males at later ages.

Question 8

Professor Huntley is giving a lecture on treatments for bipolar disorder. He mentions that some research was looking into using omega-3 fatty acids as a potential supplemental treatment and that results showed

Accepted Answer

The statement mentions that "results were mixed," indicating a lack of clear and consistent findings. Therefore, the best answer is D which states that more research is needed.

Question 9

Genes that appear to play important roles in major depressive disorder include those

Accepted Answer

Research has identified various genes that affect serotonin reuptake and circadian rhythms as playing important roles in major depressive disorder. These genes can impact the regulation of mood, sleep, and other key factors linked to depression. While oxytocin and sex hormones may also be relevant to depression, they are less likely to be the primary genetic drivers of the disorder. Similarly, while dopamine is involved in mood regulation, it is not as strongly connected to depression as serotonin and circadian-related genes.

Question 10

Bipolar disorder is most frequently treated through the use of

Accepted Answer

Lithium is the most commonly used medication to treat bipolar disorder. It helps regulate mood by stabilizing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly norepinephrine and serotonin. Other medications may also be used in combination with lithium, but it is considered the first-line treatment for bipolar disorder. SSRIs and MAOIs are typically used to treat depression, while electroconvulsive shock therapy may be considered in severe cases that do not respond to medication or therapy.

Question 11

Women who were pregnant during the "Dutch Hunger Winter" of 1944-1945 were more likely to have children who were later hospitalized for

Accepted Answer

Exposure to famine during early gestation has been linked to a higher risk of major depressive disorder (MDD) in offspring, as evidenced by studies on the Dutch Hunger Winter.

Question 12

Which of the following can be considered a symptom of major depression?

Accepted Answer

Changes in eating habits are commonly seen as a symptom of major depression, as individuals may either lose their appetite and lose weight, or overeat and gain weight. Hallucinations, inflated self-esteem, and racing thoughts are more commonly associated with other mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Question 13

According to Kay Jamison (1993), higher levels of artistic creativity may coincide with greater risk for

Accepted Answer

Kay Jamison's research suggests that higher levels of artistic creativity may coincide with greater risk for bipolar disorder.

Question 14

Lisa is having a very stressful term in college. She has noticed changes in her sleeping habits, appetite, interest in her hobbies, and ability to concentrate. What should Lisa do?

Accepted Answer

Lisa is exhibiting classic symptoms of depression, and it is important for her to seek a professional evaluation and treatment if necessary. It is not safe to assume that these symptoms will go away on their own or that they are normal for college students. Seeking help is a crucial step toward feeling better and maintaining academic success.

Question 15

Your roommate is staying in bed all day and missing classes. She is sleeping all day but then wakes up frequently in the middle of the night. When she does get up, she is very irritable. When she goes to dinner, she says that nothing on the menu sounds good, and she ends up eating snack foods all the time. She has difficulty concentrating and has lost interest in hobbies that she used to enjoy. What might be going on with her?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described suggest the possibility of depression, which can be a serious condition affecting a person's mental and physical well-being. The individual should seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Ignoring the symptoms may lead to a worsening of the condition.

Question 16

Craig has one short copy and one long copy of the serotonin transporter gene. He also had a fairly rough childhood as he grew up in foster care. What does this tell us about his vulnerability for major depressive disorder (MDD)?

Accepted Answer

While having a short copy of the serotonin transporter gene has been linked to an increased vulnerability for MDD, it is not a guarantee that Craig will develop the disorder. Additionally, environmental factors such as growing up in foster care could also contribute to his vulnerability. Research on the interplay between genetics and environment in the development of MDD has shown mixed results, making it uncertain if Craig will develop the disorder.

Question 17

Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids has _________ people with bipolar disorder.

Accepted Answer

Studies on the effects of omega-3 supplementation in bipolar disorder have produced mixed results, with some studies indicating improvement in symptoms and others showing no significant effect. Therefore, option D, "produced mixed results in improving the behavior of" is the best choice.

Question 18

Bipolar disorder may be associated with abnormalities in the

Accepted Answer

The answer of  Bipolar disorder may be associated with abnormalities...

Question 19

Dr. Hugh is conducting research into the genetics of bipolar disorder. So far, he has found that many of the genes that might cause it also seem to be responsible for

Accepted Answer

Dr. Hugh has found that many of the genes that might cause bipolar disorder also seem to be responsible for schizophrenia.

Question 20

Based on analyses of twins, the heritability of depression appears to be about _____ percent.

Accepted Answer

Based on analyses of twins, the heritability of depression appears to be about 40 percent. This means that 40 percent of the variability in depression scores can be accounted for by genetic factors, while the remaining 60 percent can be attributed to environmental factors.

Quiz 16: Psychopathology